a remarkably basic question about Roon


I'm considering trying out Roon and, despite hours spent on their too-busy website, I'm still not entirely sure what it would do for me. (Trying to get through their "support" section is an exercise in misery all around.) 

Here's my clueless question. I currently stream music through a Bryston BDP. I use the Bryston software, "Manic Moose," on my laptop or phone to create playlists, move between digital sources (flash drive, Qobuz, radio), and as a remote control for volume, song choice, etc. The Bryston software isn't at all elegant but it's functional.

So, if I get Roon, would I be doing the same thing from the Roon app on my laptop or phone? Would I be completely bypassing "Manic Moose"? and doing everything on the Roon app, including such things as volume and song selection? I understand that Roon is an effective organizer of music from multiple sources; is it also a "media player?? (I have a traditional two-channel set-up and don't do multiple rooms.) The Manic Moose software is clunky enough that I'd consider swapping it out for Roon, if that's in fact what I would be doing. 

Thanks! 

northman

@thyname Yes to both, although you have to turn the switch on the back to roon position to allow it to function as an endpoint. @rsf507 Indeed. @shooter41 Interesting. I'm not a headphone guy and don't have any knowledge of those setups, but I appreciate your input. I offered my subjective reviews based on my observations. To say it is inaccurate is really not in the spirit of us all reaching our collective goal of enjoying the best sound. My point is entirely focused on the source upstream. PS audio is a roon endpoint, and pretty much state of the art. The NUC Rock build is recommended by roon as the best solution short of the nucleus so go figure.... Most likely the PS audio Perfect Strean Mk II DAC Zen Stream combination is just that much better!

@pwayland the statement I take issue with is "My interpretation of these results is that a quality dedicated streamer will be far superior to roon, which is essentially a software attempt at making computer equipment perform high quality audio tasks" and I stand by this as being inaccurate. Your limited test did not give you sufficient information to make a blanket statement like that. I have no doubt, however, that the PS Audio/Zen Stream combo is an excellent one.

@shooter41 Fair enough. I knew that would be a potentially controversial statement and as such I'm hoping to hear some more A B comparisons to broaden the depth of knowledge.

@northman, I started my ROON internet music streaming journey when storing my thousands of records and CD’s anywhere in our tiny townhouse became impractical. I also thought that I’d give the 21st century a try. 😀 So I downloaded the ROON trial onto my MacBook Pro and began listening. OMG what a revelation! Now after almost 2yrs of this damned pandemic, my entire headphone system and our new condo are completely optimized for streaming whatever anybody wants to hear anywhere in the house. I bought a ROON Nucleus because of its super easy plug and play setup, and more importantly because it sounds amazing. 

My interpretation of these results is that a quality dedicated streamer will be far superior to roon

A dedicated streamer is just a stripped down computer in a different box.  Roon is like a remote control.  Its function is to control what gets played on the streaming devices.  I think your issue is elsewhere than Roon, as others have said.