Roon/Bluesound Node - adding new DAC (non Roon-Ready)
Hi guys,
I'm currently at the start of the 14 day trial of Roon; Roon is running on my PC in a wired network, using my Node as endpoint, with the remote app on my android tablet.
All good at the moment, I'm enjoying using it, but in the next couple of days I'll be taking delivery of a new DAC; it isnt a mainstream DAC, it's a built to order unit from a tiny, 2 man company here in the UK. I don't think they even ship their units outside of the UK, so I doubt they Roon-Ready.
I will be slotting in the new DAC via SPDIF/Coax to my Node; my question is, how will the new DAC fit in to the processing stream if not recognised by Roon?
I'm obviously new to Roon so please forgive my ignorance. I've tried looking online, but I'm still not clear how the system will work after adding the new DAC, or if it will work at all?
For reference, the DAC is from a company called NJC Audio, and is the NJC Reference DAC. It has no software/drivers, and is plug and play.
Thanks for reading
@oldrooney I can definitely relate to that; old dog, new tricks 😁 I've read that re; Auralic recommending wifi over wired; I gave a difficult time getting my head around this, as I like the solidity and tangible connection ethernet gives. But again, that's probably my old school mindset 😁 |
Just an additional question; the more I try and get my head around Roon, the more confused I'm becoming. Where is the actual Digital to Analogue conversion taking place? Is it; a) at the Roon Core stage on my PC, which is then passed to the Node's analogue output stage or, b) via the Node's DAC after passing through Roon's DSP stage? Thanks very much |
@mike_in_nc hi Mike, I agree, definitely worth a try. I like what I see so far with regards to bringing Qobuz and Tidal in to one interface, along with suggestions etc, plus easier sorting. The other draws are the DSP elements. I'm not sold yet, but as you say, I'll use it constantly while the trial lasts. My PC with Roon installed is upstairs in my office; my system is downstairs, but I wired out most of the house in cat6a a few years ago. I like it so far; what I wasn't expecting was the slight improvement In SQ up sampling to 24/192, music that is 16/44.1 in Qobuz and Tidal. Nice surprise |
@scottscottsdale thanks very much; I think I'm getting there 😁👍 Everything in the chain is on the same wired network, so all good I don't have my external DAC yet, (waiting for DHL) so still using the Node's internal DAC, but from what you describe, the Node is performing the actual D/A conversion. I think I'm getting confused by the DSP options within Roon |
@mike_in_nc thanks for this, that makes sense. I should have mentioned, I'm streaming from Qobuz and Tidal; no stored files at the moment. I'm still confused as to which link in the chain is doing what? Is the DAC in the Node doing the DA conversion, or is my PC/Roon doing the conversion, and the Node acting purely as the analogue out? |
@tk21 thanks for clarifying the conversion aspect; that's exactly what I wanted to know👍😊 |
@vanson1 i haven't bought it, I'm using the trial to see if it will benefit me in any way. If not, I'll leave it at that. Regarding a DAC, as per my OP, I'm waiting for it to be shipped. |
