Using Roon; In most cases; is using wifi superior to a direct USB connection?

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mdp632

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So I've just begun to play around with Roon using my Oppo 205 as an endpoint. Previously, I was using my AQ USB cable to make a direct connection from the laptop to the USB input on the Oppo.

Going forward, I'd like to get away from using a laptop/computer in my system and go to a Roon solution.

I didn't do an A to B comparison but, frankly I thought wifi from my laptop to the Oppo (Roon endpoint) sounded good.

Ultimately , I'll install a wired ethernet cable but, currently that isn't possible.

Any opinions on using wifi for this application (Roon endpoint )?
 
I initially had Roon installed on my laptop which was connected wirelessly to my Network. Both my music and the DAC I was using at the time were connected via ethernet to my network. I was having no drop out issues and everything sounded good. It was suggested by a disinterested party (not trying to sell me anything) that I should move my core to one of three hardwired options: 1) a homebuilt NUC, 2) wait for a Roon Nucleus 3) obtain a third party solution from one of the vendors listed on the Roon site. I went with the third party option and purchased a sonicTransporter from Small Green Computer with a built in 2TB drive. I was very surprised that the SQ improved as I did not think it would happen.

The third party solution cost about $100 more than attempting to order the suggested parts fro Amazon and build a NUC myself. I also avoided having to purchase a keyboard and mouse for the installation which would never be used again.
 
still-one said:
I initially had Roon installed on my laptop which was connected wirelessly to my Network. Both my music and the DAC I was using at the time were connected via ethernet to my network. I was having no drop out issues and everything sounded good. It was suggested by a disinterested party (not trying to sell me anything) that I should move my core to one of three hardwired options: 1) a homebuilt NUC, 2) wait for a Roon Nucleus 3) obtain a third party solution from one of the vendors listed on the Roon site. I went with the third party option and purchased a sonicTransporter from mall Green Computer with a built in 2TB drive. I was very surprised that the SQ improved as I did not think it would happen.

The third party solution cost about $100 more than attempting to order the suggested parts fro Amazon and build a NUC myself. I also avoided having to purchase a keyboard and mouse for the installation which would never be used again.
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I guess I should consider this option and or building a Roon rock server.
 
I would get any form of NUC and install Roon Rock on it. After trying a wide variety of s/w over yrs, (including windows + ao), I settled down on the Rock for s/q.
 
I second all the suggestions so far to ditch the laptop. The Roon Nucleus (or a NUC+Roon Rock) is a good option, but if you can't be bothered with all the computer-y stuff, go for one of the Innuos servers, as they're fairly powerful, and run Roon Core. They also provided isolated Ethernet, so you can plug your Oppo into the Innuos (and the Innuos on your home network).
 
My Roon endpoint (LUMIN A1) is connected to my network wirelessly using an Apple Airport Express. I never have any issues with dropouts or stutters. I play standard resolution flac files from my Roon core and stream Tidal.
 
rbbert said:
But there are no wireless steps? Both devices are connected to the router by Ethernet cables?
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Rob
Correct. That was the change I made when I went from wirelessly connecting Roon Core on my laptop to my network, whereas my sonicTransporter containing Roon is now connected via ethernet to my router.
 
Oly said:
My Roon endpoint (LUMIN A1) is connected to my network wirelessly using an Apple Airport Express. I never have any issues with dropouts or stutters. I play standard resolution flac files from my Roon core and stream Tidal.
Click to expand...

I was getting no dropouts when I was wirelessly running Roon Core on my MacBook Pro. At that time my music was connected via USB A to my router and my DAC was hardwired ethernet. Absolutely no issues but I was told there would be a SQ improvement and there was.
 
KeithR said:
more importantly, what's the story with the new speaks Rob???
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It’s a complicated story that worked out surprisingly well. The AZ Crescendos are now in my home theater, powered by a W4S 250 ST of all things, and the improved sound there ended up being far greater than I imagined it would be. I would highly recommend that little amp to anyone shopping in the sub-$5k range for a SS amp (and it’s only $1795).

Anyway, for my stereo the improved effeciency of the Daedalus, combined with the lower tweeter height, makes for a much better listening experience, even though I would rate the two speakers (Daedalus and AZ) as pretty equivalent overall. But I have so many music videos with high quality sound, often multichannel, that I really wanted better sound in the home theater. And the REL sub blends really well with the Ulysses

And I still don’t have Roon, and am trying to find the best blend of sound, low price and ease of installation and use to implement it
 
Thanks for all your suggestions. Going forward, I'm going to eventually build a ROCK server and move my Core install to that machine. I'll then run ethernet to the switch and then switch the 205. Should be an improvement over wifi as per the comments here.

Here is a good link in anyone is interested in building a ROCK server out of an Intel NUC.

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/...e-guide-to-roon-optimized-core-kit-rock-r652/
 
rbbert said:
And I still don’t have Roon, and am trying to find the best blend of sound, low price and ease of installation and use to implement it
Click to expand...

To trial Roon, simply install it to your computer and see if you it like or not.

If you've determined to purchase the license and use Roon beyond a trial basis, then you can consider adopting a dedicated hardware for Roon Core.

Roon will offer its own hardware Nucleus very soon (not a low price option though).

For ease of maintenance, use a NUC7i5BNH. You'll have the option to add a Sbooster LPS or change it to fanless case later.

If you want a fanless Roon Core without having to do DIY work, check out SonicTransporter.
 
What I think I would like something on which I can run Roon, to which I can attach external HD’s (I have a bunch of them), and run that to my Oppo via Ethernet, and alao wirelessly out to the network for other hardware to access (and potentially Tidal wirelessly into that same “something” device). Streaming is not a priority at this time; it may be more appealing in the future.
 
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