a remarkably basic question about Roon

And @fuzztone: the part of me that has a job and a family and a million projects around the house; the part of me that has limited internet speed and isn’t interested in technology or flashy interfaces but just wants to listen to the music; the part of me that knows that these monthly subscriptions add up (e.g., the two music streaming services I use, the four or five video services, etc); and especially the part of me that doesn’t want to spend hours (which I don’t have) on something that I simply don’t need....

But I get your point and I AM going to give it a try. I suppose the worst that can happen is that I like it!

Switched to Innuos Sense a few months ago when Innuos released its new App for those of using their servers.  No doubt the music sounds better than when processed through Roon.   I am not familiar with the Bryson app in the post that started this thread, but I don’t think you can assume you will get better sound through Roon.   It may go the other way.

I was going to do the trial then I saw the normal monthly cost.  Ouch that adds up!  Do I really need that when Free Logitech Media server + add ons already does most of the things I read Roon does.  I would definitely dump Plex but lose ability to stream my music in the car.  Hmmm….

I pooh-poohed Roon for a long time.  I didn't see the point in paying for a subscription for something that didn't really provide anything in terms of musical content (which I was already getting with Qobuz, Tidal, and other services) and required me to have compatible hardware.  I didn't see the point.  The apps I had (Lumin and BubbleUPnP) worked reasonably well.

Recently I purchased an Aqua La Voce S3 DAC and wanted to use it in my main system.  To do so, I needed either a streaming device, or a really long USB cable to connect it to my computer, or maybe a NUC... anyhow, my favorite audio store listed a Roon Nucleus at a really good price.  It would act as a streamer to my DAC, even though it's not "Roon Ready".  Roon would be able to control my two TEAC NT-505 streamer/DACS, which are Roon Ready.  I figured I could flip the Nucleus if it didn't work out and end the free Roon trial.

After trying Roon, I am happy to keep the Roon subscription.  It puts Tidal, Qobuz, and my digital collection of music on my network at my fingertips.  It has a really easy to use interface.  It does a great job building "radio" stations of music I like based on my listening habits.  It makes really good recommendations for other artists similar to those I like.  For me, it's the discovery aspect that's most appealing, but the entire platform is really well thought out and implemented.  I'd recommend giving the trial a tryout. 

In a nutshell ,I have recommended Roon to a bunch of people ,there is always something new yiu can learn, just go on YouTube and ask for a demonstration .

i was against looking for several years just this year I decided on Roon as the 
ultimate music organizer, and QObuz the library you can pick any cd and build 

a mega virtual library, play lists  far better then anything out there fir a $120 

a year  a No brainer they even give yiu 30 days free to decide nothing to loose

Everything to gain.