2. digital
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Streamer question

Please pardon my ignorance, but I've researched and I'm not finding what I'm looking for.

I currently house my music library in this configuration: NAS > PC > USB > DAC > RCA > Integrated amp. I use Roon as my primary and the Roon core is on an SSD plugged into the NAS. I run Tidal via Roon.

I'm looking for a streaming device to eliminate the USB cable, but that allows me to stream from my personal library (using Roon) as well as Tidal (while not using Roon).

Roon is flaky for me and sometimes I find it's not worth the hassle of dealing with, so I'd like to option to simplify things and stream directly from Tidal.

Everything I see is for streaming from a service (Roon/Quboz), but I'm not finding much on streaming my own personal library as well.

Hope this makes sense. Any help appreciated!

chrisg1000

Showing 3 responses by jeffbij

jeffbij
191 posts
 

Chris,  this should be pretty simple.  Since you are streaming from the Internet, I'm assuming you have at least a wireless network setup.  What you need is a Roon "Endpoint", ie the streamer, to connect to the DAC (or bypass the DAC and go straight to the integrated amp.)  There are loads of devices out there, all the way from the inexpensive WiiM Pro ($149), to the tried and true Bluesound devices (<$500), to $10,000 plus stuff.  So in the end, you have the NAS connected to the PC on the network.  And the streamer connected to the network (wired or wireless) > DAC or straight to the integrated amp.  No more USB cable needed.

jeffbij
191 posts
 

Agreed, very nice DAC.  

In case you didn't know, if you go to the RoonLabs web site, under the "About" menu, you can see the different manfacturers who have "Roon Ready" devices.  You would be looking for what Roon shows as a "bridge".

If I remember correctly, the May KTE has a I2S port on it.  If so, you might want to take a look at the PS Audio Air Lens ($2000 new).  It is just a streamer.  No DAC, or other add-ons.  I'm very happy with mine.  It has an I2S connection and from experience, it is better than either USB or Coax connections.

jeffbij
191 posts
 

How big is your music library?  The Bluesound Node is rated at over 200,000 individual tracks.  Roon is supposed to handle 100,000 but I have seen posts that say they were getting more than that. 

Would also help to know what the rest of your equipment is, especially what DAC you are using?

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