Equipment for ROON

[JStewart]

their laptops that has to be connected via HDMI to the X9 processor,

Are they using Roon? Roon should be wireless network connection.

then using the remote to change the volume.

Roon controls volume of the endpoint within its app.

Got a tablet anywhere you can try to see what you think?

Seems odd that no one has figured out something that works in a simple manner. Surely I'm not the only person that doesn't want fifty-eleven things going on when listening to music.

Everyone carries a computer 24/7 now. Soon everything will be connected to the net and be voice controlled. Not long after music will play directly in your brain bypassing the ears.

Neuralink and the Brain's Magical Future — Wait But Why

I knew the future would be shocking but this is a whole other level.

waitbutwhy.com

But I digress... if you’re willing to keep a pc connected to your audio processor maybe JRiver will work for you? I’m not familiar with using JRiver in this scenario but it does have the 10ft media center type interface and it can be controlled with an IR remote.

Media Center Remote - JRiverWiki

wiki.jriver.com

And it costs way less than Roon.

 

[Sonnie]

Are they using Roon? Roon should be wireless network connection.

They are using Tidal... just using that as example of what I don't want to do... don't care for having to have a computer in my listening room outside of the initial setup for Dirac Live.

Roon controls volume of the endpoint within its app.

I'm trying to get away from an app... don't want to have to look at a phone or computer to control what I'm looking at on my projector screen.

Got a tablet anywhere you can try to see what you think?

I have a tablet... don't like it... don't like having to use my fingers to swipe a screen... I want to use my remote.

Everyone carries a computer 24/7 now. Soon everything will be connected to the net and be voice controlled. Not long after music will play directly in your brain bypassing the ears.

lol... everyone except me. I do carry my phone everywhere, but using it for a remote is not convenient for me. To use it, I have to pick it up, open up an app, wait for it to connect, navigate to different screens, etc... while with my remote, I can pick it up and start using it without looking at it, and it works instantaneously.

Neuralink and the Brain's Magical Future — Wait But Why

I knew the future would be shocking but this is a whole other level.

waitbutwhy.com

But I digress... if you’re willing to keep a pc connected to your audio processor maybe JRiver will work for you? I’m not familiar with using JRiver in this scenario but it does have the 10ft media center type interface and it can be controlled with an IR remote.

Media Center Remote - JRiverWiki

wiki.jriver.com

And it costs way less than Roon.

I'll check out JRiver again... have not looked at it in a while.

 

[Sonnie]

The JRiver remote is possibly a good idea. I could get something like a Raspberry Pi or mini Windows 10 computer to locate with my equipment, then use the remote to control it, and it appears to be IR and can be learned by my URC remote. I don't know that it would control Roon, but it will control JRiver, which I like okay, just never liked having to use a laptop to control it.

 

[JStewart]

The JRiver remote is possibly a good idea. I could get something like a Raspberry Pi or mini Windows 10 computer to locate with my equipment, then use the remote to control it, and it appears to be IR and can be learned by my URC remote. I don't know that it would control Roon, but it will control JRiver, which I like okay, just never liked having to use a laptop to control it.

A possible solution then. Hooray!

lol... everyone except me. I do carry my phone everywhere, but using it for a remote is not convenient for me. To use it, I have to pick it up, open up an app, wait for it to connect, navigate to different screens, etc... while with my remote, I can pick it up and start using it without looking at it, and it works instantaneously.

I know what you mean. I’m kind of the same way. You must be getting old like me, lol.

I make the exception for roon because I don’t like burning the projector bulb for music and these days I’m probably 70% music.

 

[Sonnie]

Yep... old age has it's laziness features.

That's really a good point to think about. What about not even turning on the projector and then using my laptop for music with the mouse. Then I wouldn't be looking at two different screens, although I like seeing things on the big screen occasionally. Not sure why it's just now clicking in my feeble little brain that I don't really have to have the big screen. I guess using it for so many years with the OPPO spoiled me.

I suppose with JRiver or Roon there is no way of getting around connecting the laptop with an HDMI cable to the processor.

 

[ddude003]

@Sonnie If you are running Roon Core on your laptop and using the AudioControl Maestro X9 processor as a Roon Endpoint you only need a wired/wireless LAN connection... Unless you still want to display Roon on your projected big screen... Then you would need that HDMI connection to mirror the laptop screen to your big screen...

You could also put a mini PC NUC in your rack and connect the HDMI from it to your X9 processor and control Roon wirelessly from your laptop...

-asks self- Why does that fancy remote of Sonnie's not control Windoz 10 directly via an IR-USB to PC device? KODI anyone? https://kodi.wiki/view/Remote_controls

 

[JStewart]

Yep... old age has it's laziness features.

That's really a good point to think about. What about not even turning on the projector and then using my laptop for music with the mouse. Then I wouldn't be looking at two different screens, although I like seeing things on the big screen occasionally. Not sure why it's just now clicking in my feeble little brain that I don't really have to have the big screen. I guess using it for so many years with the OPPO spoiled me.

I suppose with JRiver or Roon there is no way of getting around connecting the laptop with an HDMI cable to the processor.

Thinking ....

Roon - With computer having music on home network (Roon Core) all that's needed is tablet (controller) or Phone (controller) or laptop (you guessed it, controller)
With music stored on laptop, the laptop can be both the controller and the core, so nothing else needed.
Both options assume Audio Control is connected to the home network.

JRiver - Not as familiar with your use case. Sorry. Need to check if it will work the same way as Roon above, i.e. music on networked computer and a controller on a tablet. Or yes, you could use it on the laptop with HDMI cable to AudioControl if you're willing to fuss with the cable.

New Option #3 - Volumio. Its also a player similar to Roon. And I'm not familiar at all so I hesitated to bring it up. I don't think it costs anything. Music on networked computer and app on tablet. Need a "streamer" though connected to Audio Control. Rasberry Pi works I think and must be others. HDMI connection should not be required. Coax or Toslink should work if Audio Control still has those input connections. I've seen that MiniDSP uses volumio it for their SHD platforms so the product has some traction. So with some legwork this could actually be the best option (least expensive), so long as you wanted to use a tablet or other instead of IR Remote.

 

[Sonnie]

I'm experimenting with Roon now. At least using my laptop allows me to take a break and answer email... post in a thread, shop for something, etc.

It's nice... Roon just takes over the X9 when connected. It will take some getting use to with the navigation.

I think with JRiver I'd have to have the HDMI cable, as the X9 is not going to be JRiver ready.

 

[ddude003]

Now comes the big question...

How does it sound?

 

[Sonnie]

Now comes the big question...

How does it sound?

Well I haven't sit in the main seat... I was on the back row piddling with the Roon program. I'll test it a little more later tonight. I already had my laptop there as we all three sat on the back row and whoever was listening during our evaluations would sit in the primary seat.

 

[Sonnie]

Flipping back and forth from the flac files on my USB thumb drive on the UB9000 to the wave files on my laptop... using the volume on the X9 for both and at the same level, if there is a difference I sure can't hear it. I think I might actually like it. No doubt I can get to songs faster.

 

[Sonnie]

Well... ain't this just cool. Now I can compare Roon and JRiver. Both load wirelessly onto the X9.

I cranked up JRiver and on the left side it shows Maestro X9... clicked on it and my library starts playing thru it. Cool beans.

I was talking to the head of product development at AC the other day and he'd never heard of JRiver, but really likes Roon, which is what got me started on this road.

 

[Sonnie]

Also been trying out Audirvana ... similar to Roon, as it will play Tidal, qobuz and Hi Res Audio. I come and go from Tidal when I get ready to find some new music, so that might come in handy. Audirvana navigates more like JRiver, but has the features of Roon.

 

[JStewart]

I come and go from Tidal when I get ready to find some new music, so that might come in handy.

Being a NAD owner I’d used Bluos for a couple of years before Roon. Bluos is free for NAD and Roon costs what it costs. The deciding Roon feature for me was Roon Radio. It plays music based on the last track selected and it works really well. All music played is saved to a list so you can go back to it easily. Outstanding for music discovery.

 

[Sonnie]

Music discovery is a nice feature for sure. I have not noticed if Audirvana does that or not.

I don't particularly care for the Roon interface. I like JR and AV better... but that's only one part of the equation.

I never cared for BluOS.

 

[Sonnie]

I've been experimenting with each software program... they all sound exactly the same to me, can't tell the difference between either of them, so at this point it comes down to what interface I like the best.

Roon - it's okay, but not as nice as the other two. The horizontal scrolling of the library is a huge nuisance to me (and it's too fast)... much prefer vertical scrolling with my mouse scroll button. Volume adjustment is smooth.

Audirvana - I like the interface slightly better than Roon, but Artist covers are shown in a circle instead of the square cover like the Album covers (I prefer square). Volume adjustment is jumpy and erratic, and this is a huge nuisance, enough to make me not want to keep it.

JRiver - my favorite for navigation and volume adjustment is smooth. I'm not sure if it will matter, but I can't integrate qobuz or Tidal, although I may like those interfaces just as well, and if I want to use those, I don't think it's a big deal to switch over to them at that time.

At this point, JRiver is winning me over. I know I'm being picky... but it's because I can be, right?

 

[JStewart]

At this point, JRiver is winning me over. I know I'm being picky... but it's because I can be, right?

Absolutely!!

 

[ddude003]

This is still America??? You get to like what you like... And thats ok with me... I appreciate your insight...

 

[Sonnie]

The only issue I find with JRiver is not having qobuz or Tidal integrated for wireless listening. That's where Audirvana and Roon are very handy.

For qobuz or Tidal, I'd have to use my HDMI cable, or the web client for the X9, which is totally unacceptable.

 

[ddude003]

I am surprised that some larger A/V corporation has not acquired or merged with Roon or Audirvana... There is an entire food chain that needs some M&A action here... Maybe Tidal and Qobuz too.. Take the best pieces of the all the above and make a better platform... In the meantime you and I are left picking and choosing from the less than best of breed... I use Roon for some things and Audirvana for others... And sometimes I just use my streamer to listen to internet radio...

 

[Sonnie]

I know... and I go to their respective forums and it's apparent the owners are not listening very well. Users want lots of options. I am going to keep tinkering with all of them until I can hopefully settle on something. The one good thing they all have in common for me... they sound the same... at least that's not an issue for me.

 

[JDT]

Yep... I am looking for the video display of Roon ... and be able to control it with my regular URC MX-890 remote control... same remote that controls my home theater, AV processor, UB9000, etc.

My music is on a USB drive... and on my laptop that has Roon core loaded on it... and is on the network.

The AudioControl Maestro X9 is an AV processor that can be used as an endpoint, but then I need the remote controller. At this point all I can use is a phone or tablet, which I prefer not to use. I'd like to navigate the video display of Roon with my remote, not a phone or tablet. I want to push physical buttons, not swipe a screen, etc. I can navigate my remote blind folded... whereas I have to LOOK at my phone to navigate it.

Supposedly Apple 4K can be used as a remote controller, but that extension linked above is beta and they are not accepting anymore beta testers at this time.

If Panasonic and Roon would team up, the UB9000 would be perfect for displaying and controlling Roon for the X9 to be the endpoint.

I have not spoken with the guys at Roon yet, but plan to next week. Hopefully they will know of some sort of equipment that will work. I would think someone makes a box that will work and that has a remote that I can learn with my remote.

Roon is a fantastic way to manage your music. It can be streamed through many access points, WiFi and Bluetooth. I don’t understand why you’re so against using your iPad as a controller. It’s a stunning interface and one of the most detailed devices to use. Download the free trial and use your iPad, you’ll love in.

 

[Sonnie]

Roon is a fantastic way to manage your music. It can be streamed through many access points, WiFi and Bluetooth. I don’t understand why you’re so against using your iPad as a controller. It’s a stunning interface and one of the most detailed devices to use. Download the free trial and use your iPad, you’ll love in.

I'm just not much on using my fingers and I'm not a touchscreen guy. I never have cared for tablets. I get the same program on my laptop and I like a mouse and keyboard. I have a 15.6" Dell Latitude that I use in my listening/theater room for Dirac Live and REW. I can also work and play while I listen a lot easier with it. I had a 12" x 24" piece of black 1/4" ABS that I cut down and covered with vinyl to make a laptop board that gives me just enough room to the right of the laptop to use the mouse. It's working out nicely... and I don't have to hold it to use it... it frees up both hands and puts the screen at a great viewing angle.

At this point, I am liking Audirvana a little better. I am struggling with the horizontal scrolling of the library on Roon... much prefer vertical. Despite being one of their largest threads on their forum complaining about it, they aren't listening to their users. I contacted the owner and he pretty much blew me off to their marketing department, when I in no way solicited him for advertising. He simply didn't fully read my email, which was short and to the point about the scrolling, to at least give us an option. I actually like JRiver the best, but then I have no way to use Tidal and qobuz via my wireless connection when I use those on occasion. There may be a way, I haven't researched it.

 

[OldSchool1948]

I used Logitech Media Server (LMS) with its various endpoint devices for many years. A few years ago, I purchased an Innous Zenith MKII network media player. I knew the Zenith could host Roon Core and serve as an RAAT endpoint, but I still used LMS for about a year. I finally tried Roon and never looked back. I have JRiver on a laptop, and I used BluOS with a NAD M12 preamp/DAC. For my system setup, Roon beats them hands down.

Roon isn't for everyone and it's not perfect, but what is? With Roon, I have access to 16K plus digital music tracks on the Zenith; access to Tidal and Internet radio stations; and Roon Radio is great. I like that Roon provides playlists, and it's really easy to create custom playlists from music stored on the Zenith and Tidal.

I also have about 1200 vinyl albums dating back to the 70's. Most of the vinyl is in very good to mint condition, but some of my favorites are not. I love that I can find may of those on Roon. Occasionally, I'll rip an album that I can't find on Tidal to FLAC and store it on the Zenith as well.

I run Roon from my laptop, desktop, iPad Pro, and iPhone. My wife even uses it, and I could never get her to use LMS or BluOS. Image that

 

[ddude003]

Kids and their side-scroller games... The issues I have with Roon is the developers Big Head... It is all about what they want and not so much the customers... Yea, if it wasn't for those pesky customers... No, really... It is the don't criticize my child syndrome... The consistency of the User Interface is just out there... As a past Apple Developer and of others that shall remain unnamed to protect the innocent... The UI just sucks... Many years of customer testing and best practices says do not do what Roon does... The basic services are there... Integration of media sources, streaming sources, source devices and endpoint devices... And I am not saying it is easy to be consistent with a UI... It is something to strive for... Which Roon does not seem to care about... I use it for its services... Nuff said...