Roon . . . moving into the 21st century

[George111]

Am considering using Roon on a Mac Mini, probably i5 with 8GB RAM and 256 GB PCIe local disk with sound library stored on HP Micro server running FreeNAS with about 3TB of flac music. (both on gig Ethernet network) The Mac will run Roon and handle the organisation and meta data etc, the HP box stores the music and an external DAC, probably Oppo HS-2. This will feed into a small Naim system. Will use Roon app for iPad to control it.

Is anybody else doing similar ? Have I missed anything or are there improvements I can make, better software, hardware etc ?

[George111]

Is nobody else using Roon ? https://roonlabs.com/

It's got a lot on common with Sooloos from Meridian http://www.whathifi.com/meridian/sooloos-control-1...

[simon_j]

I've been using Roon for nearly 12 months on a MacBook Pro. It feeds a couple of Chord DACs, one to my HiFi and the other to a valve headphone amp. I'm using local Flac files and streaming from Tidal. Like you I use an iPad to run the app. It works very well. The interface is the best I've used. The integration with Tidal is the best feature for me.

[George111]

simon_j said:

I've been using Roon for nearly 12 months on a MacBook Pro. It feeds a couple of Chord DACs, one to my HiFi and the other to a valve headphone amp. I'm using local Flac files and streaming from Tidal. Like you I use an iPad to run the app. It works very well. The interface is the best I've used. The integration with Tidal is the best feature for me.

Thanks ! Just wanted to know that others are doing it before I commit to significant investment, more in time than money.

How do you get the data to the Chord DAC's ?

[simon_j]

They just use USB cables. Roon identifies them automatically and you select the output you want.

[B17NNS]

Looking at this myself.

I'm fighting a losing battle with JRiver. It's an undoubtably very powerful programme but I don't want to work in IT support I just want something that works.

I've downloaded the trial and oh my it's pretty. So slick, love the bios, lyrics. Feels very premium. Any downsides?

[gizlaroc]

$120 a year or $499 lifetime is all I can think of.

But I guess it is not that bad really, when I think I have now got Raspberry Pi's at £65 replacing Sonos Connects at £350, it works out cheaper.

I guess one downside is no integration with Soundcloud, Mixcloud etc. etc.

[B17NNS]

After a few glitches I'm up and running (library kept disappearing and reloading) which I believe were related to my NAS set up - Roon doesn't like Apple file sharing apparently.

Certainly the best interface I've experienced and a great way to rediscover your collection.

My only 'end-point' at the moment is the Oppo UDP-203 in the lounge.

Any info on the Raspberry Pi solution for different zones?

[gizlaroc]

It really is a case of buy a Pi, then a HAT that suits, so either digital out, mini amp etc and install Diet Pi.

That is it.

[B17NNS]

gizlaroc said:

It really is a case of buy a Pi, then a HAT that suits, so either digital out, mini amp etc and install Diet Pi.

Cheers, I'll look into it.