To ROON or not to ROON ?

I wanted to be completely indifferent to Roon and was hoping to send back the cheap NUC I picked up to try it with.

There's no going back. It overcomes so many deficiencies in the ifi Zen Stream, Tidal Connect and Qobuz. Roon Radio is 95% brilliant. It also allows you the freedom to not overly care about the software of your network bridge (or directly connect to the DAC if you want to).

All I can say is, give it a try - we are all totally different and some people really like mConnect and BubbleUPnP (I dislike them both). There's a 14-day free trial and you can install Roon Server on any spare piece of computer kit, or buy a cheap NUC.

I'm already planning on getting a better, fanless NUC and a lifetime subscription - but that's just me. I'm also planning on AB testing a direct connection to my DDC instead of the Zen Stream which would bring in some additional funds to spend elsewhere (want new speakers!)

@jabbaman What do you find lacking with Tidal Connect?

Roon + Qobuz = Pandora’s box with a lovely interface. 

@classdstreamer - lacking isn't the right word but I consistently lose connection with Tidal connect from Windows 11 and Apple iPad and cannot connect at all with the Android app. Roon just works and gives me seamless integration across both Tidal and Qobuz.

Roon = discovery of new music in a way never seen before.  If that is what you want do it.  I recommend going NUC route or high end streamer that has core built in.  Nucleus is good way if you do not have skills to go NUC.  its only about $500-700 more.  Plus free year of Roon.  

if you just want to stream your library, don't bother.  

Anyone that says this is better than that is most likely due to their setup.  Roon is bit perfect.  Now comes with mobile with 2.0 as well.  But if you just want to rip and listen, don't bother.  But Roon set up right, with a quality streamer is a great experience.