Basic Roon Question


Lots of starts and fits in my digital journey . . . I keep migrating back to 100% vinyl listening due to inferior quality and user experience. I can set up a turntable like nobody's business but I'm an IT neophyte. 

I have no interest or budget to seek vinyl-quality sound, or to burn CDs, or build a digital library. A friend has brought over a server in the past so I am aware how local files can sound pretty darn good. But it's not for me. The convenience of streaming with Roon's interface is what appeals, and I'm looking to give digital another go.

Since I don't plan on storing music do I still need a Roon Core? Will a Roon-ready player work OK for streaming Qobuz on its own without causing frustration over app/speed/etc. issues?

I have some Roon-ready players in mind and believe my home network is robust enough. And I have an ethernet port nearby to support it. The one review I've read where Steve Huff was using an Innuos Zen Mini by itself as a Roon streamer was not very positive. However, it was a review intended to trumpet the Roon Nucleus (and did involve local files). I'd like some further insight and any you can share is much appreciated! Thanks

riz1

I use the Zen Mini with Roon and have no issues with either performance or sound quality. Roon is worth the subscription price, IMHO.

And, no, you don't need a Roon Core to play Qobuz with a Roon capable streamer (like the Innuos). I have local files, but Qobuz is just so darn good that I don't even bother with playing my files.

If you have a good/stable internet connection you should not encounter any problems.

Bob

Consider Plex as an option versus Roon.  You can stream your music anywhere not just at home. 

Thanks Bob it's good to hear from someone with direct experience. Thanks for sharing. 

I'll take a look at Plex thanks mapman

@carlsbad already answered roon question

 

One thing I would like to add though is you don’t necessarily need roon to play Qobuz and local files. If your music is on the external hard drive pretty much any streamer features a usb input to plug it in.
The only downside with local files without roon is the album artwork goes missing for some albums.
If you’re looking for a user friendly interface the Bluesound Node, Aurender (not roon ready) or Auralic all feature easy to use UI.
Lumin streamers sound great but the UI is less intuitive than the streamers I mentioned above.