Thread: On the future of Roon...

Originally Posted by markush

@mike So how did your Roon/HQPlayer story develop?

Not great. Love Roon functionality, but it lags way behind XDMS and Conductor and others sonically.


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I would have a hard time giving up Roon. It not only controls my main stereo, but all of my Sonos zones. It's so easy to move what I'm listening to from the living room out to the pool as needed.


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Originally Posted by markush

Well you could keep Roon as frontend and still use HQPlayer - depending on your (main) setup.

I don't up sample with Roon, so I wouldn't use HQplayer. My DAC/streamer is the Meitner MA3, and I let it do any/all up sampling


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I have used Roon pretty much since it first came out. Love the interface and meta data. Sonically... not sure, I hand off the playback engine from Roon to HQPlayer. I up sample everything and my T+A DAC smiles! In my view it is the best of both worlds, but honestly, anything better I doubt I could hear the difference anyway.

Starting to look around again. Too many reports of better sound from other software. I have experienced the network issues with Roon. (It stays very busy on the network/internet). I currently run ROCK on an intel Nuc. And it works well.

Looking into another headless server that will ideally run Roon Core, and UPNP server. I plan to try out JplayIOS app, which does see my MSB Renderer V2. I’d also like to try Audirvana, but I need to look into that more. I listen to a combination of local files, and Qobuz. It would help if my Sonos units could read my music files on the server.

Swap the Roon Renderer module for a ProUSB/ProISL and go for an aurender and use conductor.

Failing that, an Innuos can run roon and give the option of using their proprietary software called SENSE (with the module swap).


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Thanks for the suggestion Mike. Currently seeking approval for a digital director though. An N20, in black, will have to wait for now.

Whenever I see anything Apple related in a digital setup I cringe. First off I am not a fan of the company (really don't want me to go on my rant)... but most importantly when Apple gets their hands on your music it usually screws performance.

My buddy was using an apple as a server with a separate NAS for storage and he always complained about his digital. When I stayed with him for a few months prior to retirement and my move I got him to try switching to something else. He ended up choosing a Roon Nucleus, and with my constant urging he added internal storage to hold all of his files. He ended up going with two Lumins (two zones) since he really enjoys his local files and Qobuz. It sounded night and day better. I still prefer my dedicated purpose-built PC running HQPlayer and Roon Server... but that is another conversation all together.

Originally Posted by Bones13

Starting to look around again. Too many reports of better sound from other software. I have experienced the network issues with Roon. (It stays very busy on the network/internet). I currently run ROCK on an intel Nuc. And it works well.

Looking into another headless server that will ideally run Roon Core, and UPNP server. I plan to try out JplayIOS app, which does see my MSB Renderer V2. I’d also like to try Audirvana, but I need to look into that more. I listen to a combination of local files, and Qobuz. It would help if my Sonos units could read my music files on the server.

I am a bit confused. You are concerned with reports of better sounding software, but when looking for a new headless server you want it to run Roon Core??? Roon Core is the Roon Server software... that is where the rubber meets the road so to speaker. That is the playback engine unless you then hand it off to something like HQPlayer which works with Roon Server. Roon control is the interface and meta data portion of the equation and has minimal if any actual effect on the sound performance. Weather you use JplayIOS (admittedly I am not familiar with this app) or Roon Controller or some other interface app, the performance will have minimal impact. It is the engine that is actually playing/serving the files, the music, not the controller interface portion.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

I am a bit confused. You are concerned with reports of better sounding software, but when looking for a new headless server you want it to run Roon Core??? Roon Core is the Roon Server software... that is where the rubber meets the road so to speaker. That is the playback engine unless you then hand it off to something like HQPlayer which works with Roon Server. Roon control is the interface and meta data portion of the equation and has minimal if any actual effect on the sound performance. Weather you use JplayIOS (admittedly I am not familiar with this app) or Roon Controller or some other interface app, the performance will have minimal impact. It is the engine that is actually playing/serving the files, the music, not the controller interface portion.

No, I run ROCK OS (Roon Core only on a NUC - very similar to a Nucleus+) as my music server, as a server only, it is only connected to the ethernet. It only runs the Roon system, and I am considering another server software OS that would run the Roon Core, and a UPNP server (most of the more capable NAS devices will do this). I can re-install Windows11 on the NUC and do this, but have been asking if anyone knows an easy to use Linux build that would do this.

UPNP server would allow some of the other control points to access the same music library, and allow streaming across my network. I don't have control of the software on the MSB Renderer Streamer, so I have to work with stuff that will see, and use this as an output device.

I always have to be investigating something, and this is the current endeavor. Saving $ for the Digital Director, so not looking for hardware, hopefully just software trials for now, to run on my fanless NUC10 i5 machine (Akasa case with 2T SSD). If it goes somewhere, good, but I am not unhappy with my current setup. It's a tinkering thing. I gave up building diy amps, so I have been looking into other things. It's not hard to re-install ROCK if things don't change with a more complicated software / controller system. (Lifetime Roon from launch, so it will need to be a solid improvement)

We plan to move cross country at the end of this year, and I am concerned that the yet to be encountered Seattle house may not allow a large system, so trying not to grow too many boxes. Vinyl system/storage might be problematic. Therefore, I am concentrating on the digital segment currently.

Originally Posted by Bones13

No, I run ROCK OS (Roon Core only on a NUC - very similar to a Nucleus+) as my music server, as a server only, it is only connected to the ethernet. It only runs the Roon system, and I am considering another server software OS that would run the Roon Core, and a UPNP server (most of the more capable NAS devices will do this). I can re-install Windows11 on the NUC and do this, but have been asking if anyone knows an easy to use Linux build that would do this.

UPNP server would allow some of the other control points to access the same music library, and allow streaming across my network. I don't have control of the software on the MSB Renderer Streamer, so I have to work with stuff that will see, and use this as an output device.

I always have to be investigating something, and this is the current endeavor. Saving $ for the Digital Director, so not looking for hardware, hopefully just software trials for now, to run on my fanless NUC10 i5 machine (Akasa case with 2T SSD). If it goes somewhere, good, but I am not unhappy with my current setup. It's a tinkering thing. I gave up building diy amps, so I have been looking into other things. It's not hard to re-install ROCK if things don't change with a more complicated software / controller system. (Lifetime Roon from launch, so it will need to be a solid improvement)

We plan to move cross country at the end of this year, and I am concerned that the yet to be encountered Seattle house may not allow a large system, so trying not to grow too many boxes. Vinyl system/storage might be problematic. Therefore, I am concentrating on the digital segment currently.

Ah, got ya. You are actually considering a change in operating system. I know some people claim that Linux sounds better because of less processes running then Windows. I am not a huge fan of open-source which has little to no protection. Being open-source people can insert whatever the heck they want to, as an example. I use Windows 11 and watching the resource usage, etc. I see very very minimal amounts of CPU, memory, disk usage, etc. I know some will dispute this, but the way I see it, if you have enough hardware behind the machine, good modern CPU, tons of fast high-end memory, SSD/M.2 drives, etc., then you will never be pushing the machine to a point where it can cause any issues whatsoever.

One problem I have noticed is many of these pre-built music servers, while concentrating on certain things tend to use very minimal if not completely outdated hardware. They are almost always using Linux (it is free, duh). The bottom line is they all claim that all the extra processes running in Windows interfers and effects the music. Sure it does if you are using that kind of low-end outdated hardware and software.

Many of the highest rated most expensive custom built music servers use Windows....

As an example, the machine I would buy if I had unlimited funds...Taiko Audio SGM Extreme! It is the crème-de-la-crème of music servers and uses the same basis that I do on my PC Server, they just take everything to the extreme .

Originally Posted by nicoff

For every Aurender user that claims that the Conductor App sounds better than Roon, there are MANY others that prefer Roon for the combination of sound, friendlier GUI, and unsurpassed capability for music library management.

Aurender once claimed that they did not work with Roon because Conductor sounded better and they were unwilling to degrade the sound. The reality is that Aurender products at that time were using AMD chips that were not powerful enough to work with Roon.

Aurender has now upgraded their products with more powerful Intel chips and, voila, Aurender now touts that their products are Roon-Ready.

How times change.

When I had the N20 in for review, at the time, the Conductor app did sound better than using Roon. Same goes for using the Lumin app with my P1.

However, in my system, while I'd classify the difference as being "statistically significant" (if I had to put a "number" on it, I'd say both the Conductor and the Lumin app sound, ballpark, 15% better than Roon), I didn't find the difference to be "practically significant" (Def: practically significant: what matters...in the real world.)

The key point for me is: using one doesn't obviate the use of the other(s). While the Lumin app on my P1 clearly sounds better than Roon, I still use Roon a lot of the time as all the ripped content on Alita's hard drive is readily available using it, and it's easy to use.

Same applies for streaming content from Qobuz vs. the same file ripped from disc on on the music server hard drive. Yeah, the ripped file sound better, but Qobuz is still a wonderful way to discover music.

Basically, I've adopted Hans Beekhuizen's philosophy: "Enjoy the music."

Cheers.

Originally Posted by nicoff

For every Aurender user that claims that the Conductor App sounds better than Roon, there are MANY others that prefer Roon for the combination of sound, friendlier GUI, and unsurpassed capability for music library management.

Aurender once claimed that they did not work with Roon because Conductor sounded better and they were unwilling to degrade the sound. The reality is that Aurender products at that time were using AMD chips that were not powerful enough to work with Roon.

Aurender has now upgraded their products with more powerful Intel chips and, voila, Aurender now touts that their products are Roon-Ready.

How times change.

No, they still say (and conductor does) sound better and they gave people roon so they can hear it, on the fly, for themselves. And let’s keep in mind, some will give you ultimate sound for the amazing UI of roon.


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Originally Posted by Mike

let’s keep in mind, some will give you ultimate sound for the amazing UI of roon.

Hmmm, sounds a bit like HQPlayer to me .

Originally Posted by DancingSea

Cool. Can you please provide a link to that page that verifies Roon compatibility? I googled but couldn’t find it.

I wonder if that's where Roon calls them 'partners" What does Roon work with?

This go round, I think I will re-install Windows onto my NUC, and try running RoonCore, MinimServer, and perhaps Audirvana on the same server. (Trials at first), then do some testing. Roon, JPlayIOS, and Audirvana Remote, on the iPad.

If I can’t tell any difference using the same streamer endpoint, using the different streaming servers, I will stick with Roon, which still has the best (familiar) GUI and functionality. Runs well currently.

Again, just playing around. ROCK is stable, and bulletproof. Other than re-initialization of the database, very easy to re-install.

Deleted

I feel it comes down to user priority. Like Mike mentioned some will forgo the increase in SQ to keep the function of Roon. I have friends who use Roon, one will keep it feeling the function outweighs any slight increase in SQ, another friend quit Roon and is using his Lightning app feeling the increase in SQ is worth it and he is alright with that app.

You get what I mean each will work through it and pick what feels best for them.

Originally Posted by DancingSea

Yes, but I don't see Aurender on that list. And there's nothing I could find on the Roon forums about Aurender officially adopting Roon, or anything close to the screenshot posted here.

Roon integration seems looming, but I was hoping to find the source of that screenshot posted by @nicoff.

Mike here is a Aurender dealer, he might know

It’s coming. It’s been the worst kept secret in high end audio.


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Just to add insight to this discussion as they are viable options, many Antipodes servers can be configured (online) to use ROON as the server and Squeeze as the Player software. There can be extenuating circumstances but in general, that config sounds better than using ROON for the server and player functions.

It allows all the meta data richness and library functions of ROON to shine with better SQ.

Last night, I connected one of my music server hard drives which has ~1/3 of my total ripped digital music collection on it, directly to one of the USB-A inputs the Lumin U2 streamer I have in for review.

The U2 was connected to my Lumin P1, which was functioning solely as the system preamp, as I really, really like the P1's LEEDH digital volume control. For selecting tracks for playback, I just used the Lumin app on my phone to select content to play. It was very clearly audible that when using the Lumin app, the audio quality was superior to Roon, with better clarity, transparency, inner detail, and with better portrayal of "space", depth, and "vapor trail".

That being said, I still use Roon a lot for listening, as it's easy and convenient, and it's seamless integration with Qobuz makes searching for, finding, and selecting content a breeze. Even though it doesn't have the "absolute sound" quality from the Lumin app, it's still quite good. It's also a seamless way to access the various playlists on Qobuz available for streaming. For example, I've been listening to Magico's playlist lately, and its very good. Very well-curated with a number of engaging and interesting tracks. I've discovered some new artists and recordings this way, so it's all good, in my book.

The operative point, from my perspective, is: using one in no way obviates using the other. Want maximal quality? Use the Lumin app. Want to sit, back, chill, and listen to some nice music that I have ripped to disc or via Qobuz while I study theoretical physics (so...how about that ADS/CFT Conjecture? ); just use Roon.

And as Hans says, "Enjoy the music."

Cheers.

Originally Posted by Bones13

No, I run ROCK OS (Roon Core only on a NUC - very similar to a Nucleus+) as my music server, as a server only, it is only connected to the ethernet. It only runs the Roon system, and I am considering another server software OS that would run the Roon Core, and a UPNP server (most of the more capable NAS devices will do this). I can re-install Windows11 on the NUC and do this, but have been asking if anyone knows an easy to use Linux build that would do this.

UPNP server would allow some of the other control points to access the same music library, and allow streaming across my network. I don't have control of the software on the MSB Renderer Streamer, so I have to work with stuff that will see, and use this as an output device.

I always have to be investigating something, and this is the current endeavor. Saving $ for the Digital Director, so not looking for hardware, hopefully just software trials for now, to run on my fanless NUC10 i5 machine (Akasa case with 2T SSD). If it goes somewhere, good, but I am not unhappy with my current setup. It's a tinkering thing. I gave up building diy amps, so I have been looking into other things. It's not hard to re-install ROCK if things don't change with a more complicated software / controller system. (Lifetime Roon from launch, so it will need to be a solid improvement)

We plan to move cross country at the end of this year, and I am concerned that the yet to be encountered Seattle house may not allow a large system, so trying not to grow too many boxes. Vinyl system/storage might be problematic. Therefore, I am concentrating on the digital segment currently.

All linux distro's are easy to install, if you know howto install linux files.

One important thing to say: Some people claim that some streamers sound far better then the nucleus. May be true, however... they forgot something to compare: the power supply. Which will make or break sound quality. This week I received one from Asia, a 'good' brand, and like to add it to my shop. But there was a problem: what I use was a special build one, a very expensive power supply. And this new one, it lacked depth, the bass was less, There was something missing. The power supply choice makes alot of difference. It is not that streamers cannot sound better, but using the standard nuc power supply, or an inferior lps is an unfair comparison!

The lps from asia was a misbuy, I don't even want to sell it on the second hand market. An expensive lesson for me

Originally Posted by audio.bill

Since you don't want to resell it, you could provide some helpful advice for others considering an LPS by sharing the 'good' brand you're suggesting to avoid. TIA

There is a reason I don't like to give the brand name and post it on the internet, a negative opinion about a certain LPS could be bad for a companies reputation, which is still based on my own listening experience alone (n=1)
If you would like to have a great lps, please start a separate topic so we can discuss the best power supplies on the market, and don't mention the ones that don't meet the quality requirements.

I managed repurposing my NUC to Win11 OS and multiple server options today. Time for some wine now!

1) Creating a USB stick to install Windows 11 was the worst part.
a. main failure point was probably a defective USB stick (they do recommend using a fresh one)
b. My attempts at creating the USB on the MAC failed (possibly because of a.)
c. PC laptop + fresh USB worked finally
2) Several work arounds for the PC
a. required a registry hack to allow it to log on without entering password
b. name/password required to be able to use Microsoft Remote Desktop
c. BIOS setting were already set up to restart on power on
d. created a local account, and I'm trying to keep MicroSoft out of it.
3) Roon installed easily and I was able to set the RoonServer to load on power on
4) Audirvana Studio was not hard either, still on trial with this software
5) MinimServer requires Java to be loaded for it to work at all
6) Remotes worked well from the start
a. Roon on Mac and iPad
b. Audirvana on iPad, I will have to run the Audirvana app on the Server with remote desktop
c. JPlayIOS read music from MinimServer with no complaints. (still on trial for another week or so)
- no option for a JPlay computer app - would have to use Kinsky or the like (a negative for this)
7) The library is going to be loading tonight
a. The 2T SSD in the server was setup by Roon, I guess - Win would not read it
8) Qobuz works fine with all 3

Remote Desktop works fairly well on the iPad too. Perhaps useful to sneak a peek at function and tweak settings.

I will let the library populate the SSD, and let the databases run tonight.

Move the NUC back to the closet, and make a playlist to try all 3 options tomorrow is the plan.

Wow. That's why I use an Aurender. All that mess is so beyond my skill and patience.

Originally Posted by Bones13

I managed repurposing my NUC to Win11 OS and multiple server options today. Time for some wine now!

1) Creating a USB stick to install Windows 11 was the worst part.
a. main failure point was probably a defective USB stick (they do recommend using a fresh one)
b. My attempts at creating the USB on the MAC failed (possibly because of a.)
c. PC laptop + fresh USB worked finally
2) Several work arounds for the PC
a. required a registry hack to allow it to log on without entering password
b. name/password required to be able to use Microsoft Remote Desktop
c. BIOS setting were already set up to restart on power on
d. created a local account, and I'm trying to keep MicroSoft out of it.
3) Roon installed easily and I was able to set the RoonServer to load on power on
4) Audirvana Studio was not hard either, still on trial with this software
5) MinimServer requires Java to be loaded for it to work at all
6) Remotes worked well from the start
a. Roon on Mac and iPad
b. Audirvana on iPad, I will have to run the Audirvana app on the Server with remote desktop
c. JPlayIOS read music from MinimServer with no complaints. (still on trial for another week or so)
- no option for a JPlay computer app - would have to use Kinsky or the like (a negative for this)
7) The library is going to be loading tonight
a. The 2T SSD in the server was setup by Roon, I guess - Win would not read it
8) Qobuz works fine with all 3

Remote Desktop works fairly well on the iPad too. Perhaps useful to sneak a peek at function and tweak settings.

I will let the library populate the SSD, and let the databases run tonight.

Move the NUC back to the closet, and make a playlist to try all 3 options tomorrow is the plan.

I think it’s worth noting that some of us enjoy that part of the hobby. I used to but have gravitated to a Linux based Antipodes which is largely plug and play. Some want to have someone setup their turntable, others spend $100’s on Tools and want to do it themselves. This is no different. Shoot, some people build their amplifiers!

That’s what makes this hobby so fun. There is no ‘one’ way that is best for everyone.

Found this today to optimize Roon.

Roon Optimization Guide For Increased Sound Quality | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

Yes, it’s definitely a hobby thing. I’ve hobbied PCs since the dark ages, building and altering systems. There was a time you had to choose an “interrupt” for each card you added to the PC, some played well with others, some did not. And don’t even get started with the early home networking products. And by the way, I’m just a physician without formal IT training. I learned Basic programming in 1975 in high school Algebra/Trigonometry class, and have dabbled since then.

I had a super stable ROCK based NUC setup for Roon, and most likely will end up back there. So far, I spent no $ on this exercise. The JPlayIOS app has a 2 week trial. The Audirvana trial is a good bit longer.

I plan to spend a week comparing sound quality differences (if present in this Ethernet streaming system) and usability.

JplayIOS is looking to be more an UPNP control point, and I’m not sure it does any real work on SQ (fairy dust). Although it seems to work nicer than some of the free ones of this ilk.

I have not used much in the way of SQ alterations in Roon, although I used to upsample every files to DSD 64 for my prior DAC (Bricasti) which sounded better to my ears. I send everything native to the MSB.

I know there is some playing around to do in Audirvāna, which might happen next weekend. JPlayIOS runs out during the week, and I want to exhaust the testing on it first.

The appliance concept, plug and play, is excellent. More and more of the once difficult things to do are now effortless. I’m glad to see it become available, and simple, for more people to enjoy.

Originally Posted by Darrel

Found this today to optimize Roon.

Roon Optimization Guide For Increased Sound Quality | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org

In that case: this manual is wrong. You should adjust the bios settings for audio and use DSP, instead of keeping it off. I use a factor by 2 until 176,4/192 kHz 24 bit max.

About Windows, First the installation, if you have difficulties burning an USB stick, you could also buy a licence from a good shop and you get the installation stick with it.
Second, if Windows drivers would sound superior, it does beat all high end streamers. No streamer builder uses Asio or Wasapi drivers, because they are only available for Windows
Third, Windows uses background processes which affect SQ. To kill these there is a program called Audiophile Optimizer available. However, this one is only limited to Windows 10 pro or Windows server, which will end Microsoft support in a few years. It is weird that a windows 11 pro version is not available yet, rising questions if they are able to do it?
Lastly, a good nuc power supply makes a huge difference.

One other program to consider, 2 months ago I installed Volumio on a nuc, I was quite impressed. In my opinion, it sounded different, hard to say for me which I prefer. Sticked to Roon because of the lifetime subscription.

Thanks @newalkyogre! The NUC13i5 that I bought came with Win11pro baked in. I did run Windows for a bit before installing ROCK over it, just so the authentication code would be tagged to my CPU/motherboard.

Cool to see another version of best practice for Roon settings. I suspect that different peoples systems, SQ preferences, and use case for Roon will cause different settings to be “best”.

In my use case, I am working on a server, not a streamer. This NUC lives in a closet, connected to wired Ethernet. There is a streamer module in my DAC (MSB DAC + Renderer V2) that is connected, wired, with an etherRegen, that is fed by an optical link. I will look into upsampling in Roon, as I have done that before, and see if any of the other MSB users prefer it with RendererV2.

Required for my use case are stability, ability to restart itself after power failure (it is plugged into a UPS). I finished remote access for it, and will be configuring nightly sync to a USB drive today before putting it back up in the closet. I also need to map the data drive so I can add music to the data drive.

Assuming that I don’t keep any of the trial versions, I will ininstall Audirvana. I might leave the free level version of MinimServer running for some use later.

Again, that for any input. Always like to learn new ways to approach problems.

I started to work with my Roon servers headless. It means that the dac is directly attached to the server. Reason is that the headless version sounded better then a core - endpoint setup, and that is very surprising, because Intel is not a well known brand for audio streamers.

In your case, it wouldn't surprise me the MSB without Roon server sounds best, whatever you install on the server. less is more.

Update. I moved the NUC back up to the closet, and everything working fine. Kept tabs on it via Remote Desktop on iPad. I could not tell much, if any, difference in SQ between the three servers. Probably because they all deliver the same files to Ethernet, and the renderer/DAC do the same thing to it.

This morning Remote Desktop not working, Roon, and Audirvana servers offline. Interestingly MinimServer is still running well, so I can use JPlayIOS to play music on DAC, iPad, and a Sonos unit. I did climb up and power cycle the NUC first.

This is why I keep going back to ROCK. I’ll need to retrieve the NUC, and try to debug. But probably going back to ROCK next weekend for a stable server. Not enough difference in sound from the server side to be frustrated all the time trying to keep Win11 working in a remote location. Bring it, and PSU up to my study, break out the keyboard, monitor and mouse. Then put it back in place. Even doing all that monthly would not be tolerated. I guess if the sound was even moderately better, I could move the NUC somewhere more accessible.

Originally Posted by Bones13

Yes, it’s definitely a hobby thing. I’ve hobbied PCs since the dark ages, building and altering systems. There was a time you had to choose an “interrupt” for each card you added to the PC, some played well with others, some did not. And don’t even get started with the early home networking products. And by the way, I’m just a physician without formal IT training. I learned Basic programming in 1975 in high school Algebra/Trigonometry class, and have dabbled since then.

I remember those days before Windows 95 version 2; the first OS to introduce USB. Times before were "interesting"; having to set your comm ports, and Config.sys file, and autoexec.bat files to move memory into "high memory", etc.

People do not understand and give proper credit to the changes that Microsoft introduced with Windows 95 and then version 2 when USB was added (and the two cool videos that are on that disk... Weezer Happy Days, and Eddie Brinkel).

I agree on the premise of your post but disagree in that Apple works every time. I helped my buddy work through his setup using his Apple when I stayed with him prior to retirement. It was absolutely terrible... it felt like I was so handcuffed compared to working with a PC. Add to that the much lower sound quality using an Apple, Sonos or Spotify for that matter. After he got a Nucleus and a couple Lumin to handle his multiple zones we got him setup very quickly. And it sounded so much better than it did when he was using his Apple in the sound chain. I set him up to be able to use his Mac to add music to his Nucleus. We also setup his Qobuz in his Roon and playing it through the multiple zones Lumins. All worked great. Much easier than trying to get his Apple to behave for sure.

Originally Posted by nicoff

For every Aurender user that claims that the Conductor App sounds better than Roon, there are MANY others that prefer Roon for the combination of sound, friendlier GUI, and unsurpassed capability for music library management.

Aurender once claimed that they did not work with Roon because Conductor sounded better and they were unwilling to degrade the sound. The reality is that Aurender products at that time were using AMD chips that were not powerful enough to work with Roon.

Aurender has now upgraded their products with more powerful Intel chips and, voila, Aurender now touts that their products are Roon-Ready.

How times change.

Still confused how one can definitely say that Conductor sounds better than Roon when a true A/B comparison is actually impossible. If Conductor and Roon were run on the SAME computer and you could A/B switch between them, then yes, you could make a sound quality comparison. But since Roon cannot historically work on an Aurender server, then one is actually comparing two different servers/computers using two different software's...not to mention the additional power cables, USB cables, etc. Too many variables.

Maybe it is the Aurender server that actually sounds better, regardless of the Conductor software?

Looking forward to when I can use my N200 to play the same file with both Conductor and Roon to see for myself.