2. digital
  3. 180253-1997

Basic Roon Question

Lots of starts and fits in my digital journey . . . I keep migrating back to 100% vinyl listening due to inferior quality and user experience. I can set up a turntable like nobody's business but I'm an IT neophyte. 

I have no interest or budget to seek vinyl-quality sound, or to burn CDs, or build a digital library. A friend has brought over a server in the past so I am aware how local files can sound pretty darn good. But it's not for me. The convenience of streaming with Roon's interface is what appeals, and I'm looking to give digital another go.

Since I don't plan on storing music do I still need a Roon Core? Will a Roon-ready player work OK for streaming Qobuz on its own without causing frustration over app/speed/etc. issues?

I have some Roon-ready players in mind and believe my home network is robust enough. And I have an ethernet port nearby to support it. The one review I've read where Steve Huff was using an Innuos Zen Mini by itself as a Roon streamer was not very positive. However, it was a review intended to trumpet the Roon Nucleus (and did involve local files). I'd like some further insight and any you can share is much appreciated! Thanks

riz1

Showing 1 response by linnvolk

linnvolk
88 posts
 

It is true you don't need Roon to stream Qobuz.  I listen in the car to Qobuz directly because Roon is not (yet) an option there.

I do not do this at home and would not want to do without Roon there.  I find the Qobuz user interface clunky and very difficult to navigate--not at all intuitive.  While creating playlists is do-able on Qobuz alone, modifying a playlist on Qobuz appears to not be possible (or maybe I just have not figured it out after burning a good bit of time trying).  Roon provides a considerably easier and more pleasant overall experience.  If Qobuz alone were the only streaming option, I would probably just go back to playing CDs.

To me, Qobuz alone is like trying to get from LA to Hawaii in a rowboat, while Roon (with Qobuz streaming) gets me there on a cruise liner. 

YMMV.

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