2. digital
  3. 172702-139027

a remarkably basic question about Roon

I'm considering trying out Roon and, despite hours spent on their too-busy website, I'm still not entirely sure what it would do for me. (Trying to get through their "support" section is an exercise in misery all around.) 

Here's my clueless question. I currently stream music through a Bryston BDP. I use the Bryston software, "Manic Moose," on my laptop or phone to create playlists, move between digital sources (flash drive, Qobuz, radio), and as a remote control for volume, song choice, etc. The Bryston software isn't at all elegant but it's functional.

So, if I get Roon, would I be doing the same thing from the Roon app on my laptop or phone? Would I be completely bypassing "Manic Moose"? and doing everything on the Roon app, including such things as volume and song selection? I understand that Roon is an effective organizer of music from multiple sources; is it also a "media player?? (I have a traditional two-channel set-up and don't do multiple rooms.) The Manic Moose software is clunky enough that I'd consider swapping it out for Roon, if that's in fact what I would be doing. 

Thanks! 

northman
northman OP
249 posts
 

You've all been very helpful! I just signed up for Roon and had Qobuz playing happily within five minutes. It's too early for me to tell about sound quality but I can say that it's much *louder.* So either Roon miraculously doubled my amp's watts ... or my BDP volume was somehow set at a lower output. (I've been mulling a new amp for a year, so maybe Roon just saved me $$$$.) I still need to figure out how to control the volume but I'm sure that's manageable. And I will say that the interface is much more attractive than the BDP's MM. 

So, with all of two minutes of listening under my belt, I like it! 

And, seriously, thank you all for the support and encouragement. (A special shoutout to @jbuhl. By directing me to the "MM Dashboard Player" dropdown, you saved me a lot of time messing around.)

Post removed 
mmorrison55
32 posts
 

I say bite the bullet and get the lifetime subscription. When I went Roon a few years ago it was $499. I see now it’s $699. I still think it’s worth that price as I can’t see myself not having Roon.

mazian's avatar
mazian
396 posts
 

Roon is the best of the apps I have tried and you get a lot of information, bios, filters etc that you might not use. If you listen to classical music Roon is not worth the price. While better than most it still can't cope with listing composers, soloists, orchestras etc.It's fine with artists, albums, date added listings though.

ianrodger
164 posts
 

@mapman 

I have an Antipodes S30 server/streamer and use Roon.

I remember reading on the Antipodes site that Squeezebox is sonically superior to Roon.

When corresponding with their technician, I mentioned that I wasn't prepared to move away from the excellent Roon GUI presentation and was happy with the sound. The Antipodes tech said that using Roon with Squeeze player is totally viable and will/should result in better sound.

I haven't tried that yet but I will.

More to discover