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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 4 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
@nitrobob,
Roon has 3 pieces:
Roon Core (a computer, NAS, SonicOrbiter or Nucleus) that runs the main software
Roon Endpoint - a renderer or streamer that feeds the signal to your DAC
Roon Remote - remote control functionality(tablet, phone, mac/PC) where you select what's playing/queued and discover music

This brief article does a decent job explaining it: https://www.whathifi.com/us/advice/roon-everything-you-need-to-know
Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
@nitrobob, 
I forgot to mention, I read that your MP-40 is a Roon Ready Endpoint. That doesn't mean it is a Roon Core. You'll need to run Roon Core software on another device unless I'm incorrect about that. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
@kingbarbuda,

I agree 100% that a NUC is optimal from a cost perspective, but if you aren't interested in assembling one, the Small Green Computer Sonic Orbiters at almost the same pricing, and the pricier Roon Nucleus will provide equal sonics. Upgrading to better power supply on any of these will also provide further sonic improvement.

With little time available and not much interest in putting a NUC together, my choice was a Sonic Orbiter i5 which has been flawless, simple to set up and sounds fantastic paired with a Sonore opticalRendu feeding my DAC in the listening room. The Sonic Orbiter is a good choice if you prioritize champagne sound on a beer budget, but DIY-ish steps like installing operating systems doesn't sound like fun. Cheers,
Spencer
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
@peter_s You've got the idea, that would work. If you go with a Pi, there are lots variants, the ones with Allo hats get lots of praise, but I haven't heard those.
One obvious renderer alternative that's very affordable is the Sonore microRendu. It's the size of a deck of cards, just ethernet input and USB output. It's SQ will improve as you improve the power supply. iFi is a good cheap option, but a top quality linear power supply is worth serious consideration with this or any renderer really. 
IMHO, the microRendu is a tipping point in digital playback value. Chris Connaker at audiophilestyle named Rendus the Product of the Decade.
Cheers, 
Spencer
 
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