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Questions on using Roon

I am seeing emails from Roon prospecting for new customers with a free trial period being offered.

Can Roon users please advise how one gets started with Roon?  I have a basic streaming setup running - in my case I am using a BlueSound Node 2i as streamer, with wifi connection, and then I use the Node's digital output to run into an outboard DAC which is a Schiit Gungnir Multi bit.  The sound is very nice.

I am now using the Blu OS app on a Samsung Galaxy Android Tablet to control the streaming.

I know the Node is considered a 'Roon endpoint', but I see some say that in addition to this, a separate computer is needed just to run the Roon program.  Is this true?  So a user that does not already use a computer be it a PC or Mac to stream needs to buy a computer just to run Roon?   That would be make cost of entry pretty high, despite Roon's low cost trial.

Also can the Roon system (computer, end point) run using wifi?  I live in an older house and do not have wired LAN in every room.

troidelover1499
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
967 posts
 

Yeah you gonna need some type of computer to Run the Roon Core. Find an old imac or a laptop and install the Roon Core. Then you configure your streaming service in Roon or index local storage of music files. Then configure you endpoint , In your case that would be the BS Node. Although sub-optimatl it all should work over wifi.

nekoaudio's avatar
nekoaudio
489 posts
 

Roon has three pieces to its software architecture: Core (server), Renderer (playback), Client (controller). All three of these things can be one computer, like if you install everything on one computer and then just listen to speakers or headphones connected to your computer. Or all three things can be different pieces of hardware, like Core on a computer, Renderer as your Node 2i, and Client as the Roon app on your iPad.

The reason the Core needs to be on a computer is because it is a persistent server like a web server or mail server providing Roon service to anyone on the network. It still runs and does work if any of the Renderers or Clients are turned off. It doesn't need to be a powerful computer, unless you start turning on a bunch of extra processing stuff, but it does need to be always on.

Any of the Core, Renderer, and Client devices can be on Wi-Fi if supported by the device. Desktop and laptop computers, and phones/tablets, are all pretty much guaranteed to work over Wi-Fi, so that covers the Core and Client devices. But Renderers may not support Wi-Fi in which case you'll need to purchase a Wi-Fi extender.

troidelover1499 OP
253 posts
 

OK thanks for the details.  I have a laptop PC I could dedicate for the purpose of running the Core program.  The computers have fans and make some noise so it would be nice to put it in a different room, then hopefully the endpoints can run off wifi in the room where the music is played.

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tuberist
951 posts
 

When I first started using Roon, I tried to run the core program on an older Mac mini. The computer just did not have enough horsepower so I went to a dedicated server and purchased a small green computer I5 model. It works really well sending the program to my Roon endpoint, a LUMIN T2 streamer dac

 I use the Roon app on my iPad as the controller

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