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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
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 

The NAIM streamer / DAC is quite good. I am running ROON on a different system than my NAIM , so can’t directly comment on a a/b comparison… You might try the NAIM forum for more insights on a more direct comparison. Also…in my opinion, you are getting good advice on both roon core hosting and fiber implementation, small green computer can help w affordable kit.

gshaikun OP
12 posts
 

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.

gshaikun OP
12 posts
 

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)

gshaikun OP
12 posts
 

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

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,804 posts
 

Roon can sound great it requires superior programming skills and hardware designed to run roon optimally,

 

our 432evo servers run Roon in an entirely different fashion by maximizing how roon is run by the CPU:.

we run Roon on one of the CPUs cores.

we run background processes on another core,

we then run music caching on another core.

all non essential processes are turned  off on the motherboard and we electrically shield the cpu with a custom designed shield, add a custom Sata cable, a shock mounted  suspension for ths Ssd,and a separate electrically isolated usb card and clock.and we use two Sbooster external power supplies one to drive the CPU and one to power the usb and clock cards.

And because we have separate boards and power supplies we also have zero obsolescence as better parts become available the servers can be upgraded easily

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

Us importers 432evo music servers 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CPU

the result is a server which sounds more liken analog source when combined with a great Dac.

 

yes Roon can sound amazing whem implimented correctly

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