2. misc-audio
  3. 168483-163901

Roon for high end audio?

I have been listening almost exclusively to CDs but want to start to get into music streaming.  Sound quality is very high on my list, and I am interested in streaming for 2 reasons; broad selection and hopefully better sound.  I am using a dbx Venue 360 with a Jeff Roland Concerto Preamp and Roland Power amp.  I have a Savant system that allows music playback in multiple rooms, controls video etc.  My Savant integrator suggested Roon. Since I am not currently into streaming, I can’t figure out if Roon is the right thing to do.  It seems like a great music server service with the ability to manage very high quality digital files, but the downstream handling of the files and conversion to analog (DAC) seems lacking.  It seems most people are using it for playback in less than audiophile situations, and compatible equipment is very limited.  Quality wise, am I better off with something like Bluenote and a high quality DAC like say, Denafrips?
kingofgix

Showing 1 response by mitch2

mitch2
4,167 posts
 
Sold my last high-end CD player about 4 years ago and since then the only physical media I have used are CDs that I then rip to my server and play in my vehicle.

I started with a dedicated Mac mini server to play ripped CDs and added Roon (lifetime membership) a few years ago.  SQ improved significantly when I switched to an Antipodes DX server that I have upgraded several times.  Currently using the Mojo Audio  Deja Vu EVO Media Server which I find to sound a touch better than the DX.

I am interested in streaming for 2 reasons; broad selection and hopefully better sound.
Streaming will definitely open the door to a broad selection of music (I stream Tidal through Roon). 
It seems most people are using it for playback in less than audiophile situations, and compatible equipment is very limited.
Not true.  Using an upper level dedicated server into a good DAC then SQ equal to or better than what you get from CDs should be achievable.  Also, there are  many Roon compatible endpoints to choose from.
More to discover