roon sound wasn't as good


I'm among a smaller group of audiophiles who have tried roon really hoping to keep it for tis wonderful functionality, but chose not to continue to not use it based on sound quality.   Basically, sound quality via room was different than direct from my Naim streamer using its native (not great functionality) software.  I lose some of the warmth and ambiance and get a harder edged sound  You don't hear this often (though I have read a few others who were also not happy with a perceived sound difference) but I tested several tracks and music types (using tidal in all cases) and the results were consistent  My server for roon was my pc,  the Naim is an ND5 XS2 and is a roon end point.  I am using the Naim built in DAC.  

gshaikun

Showing 5 responses by gshaikun

The Naim streamer is hard-wired directly to the router (ethernet)

I have not tried DSP but Im not sure how I'd try to tailor it to make the sound less hard, and get the ambiance back.   I only have one room I use it for, my main listening room which is my living room.  

Problem with the trial period is you have 14 days to figure it out and keep it or get rid of it.  I ran out of time, but went back twice to listening tests and both times was not enjoying the result  And as much as I like the way it integrates all my sources and services, the name of the game is maximum listening pleasure.  

someone asked about upsampling, Im not certian what I chose I think I took the maximum upsampling, wonder if my Naim Dac might not have liked the upsampled signal   I didn't try it without upsampling if memory serves  This is the 14 day problem again, just not enough time to try everything.

fiber optic...where?   I have wifi in the house.  PC wired to a router    Naim wired to a router  PC communicates to the Naim I assume as a network device which has the roon firmware as endpoint in it  Fiber optic is from the house to the street yes (its verizon fios)

what is the small green computer tomic601  and Im not following about fiber (maybe more in my diet?  :  )   

Thanks all here's a quick summary

1. Special servers might enhance the outcome  These are likely somewhat expensive and will increase the investment into roon by as  much as 1000% (10 times)

2. Other services might sound better like Innuos at I assume a roon like expense

3. DSP equalizing might help dial it in  I have no idea where I'd start though this is on my list (like roon) of things to experiment with and one person mentions some inexpensive ways to go about it  Downside of course is a time consuming task with a learning curve

To me the low hanging fruit here is try other services and see if the sound stays the same as via the native Naim software,  Not too expesnive and too much of a learning curve