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roon sound wasn't as good

I'm among a smaller group of audiophiles who have tried roon really hoping to keep it for tis wonderful functionality, but chose not to continue to not use it based on sound quality.   Basically, sound quality via room was different than direct from my Naim streamer using its native (not great functionality) software.  I lose some of the warmth and ambiance and get a harder edged sound  You don't hear this often (though I have read a few others who were also not happy with a perceived sound difference) but I tested several tracks and music types (using tidal in all cases) and the results were consistent  My server for roon was my pc,  the Naim is an ND5 XS2 and is a roon end point.  I am using the Naim built in DAC.  

gshaikun
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

properly implemented using a sufficiently powerful and dedicated server, and using proper connections with proper galvanic isolation to the downstream components, i have found that roon does not degrade sound

some companies like innuos et al essentially do this 'optimization' for the customer, and thus can lead the user to believe the sound is 'better'

gshaikun OP
12 posts
 

Thanks all here's a quick summary

1. Special servers might enhance the outcome  These are likely somewhat expensive and will increase the investment into roon by as  much as 1000% (10 times)

2. Other services might sound better like Innuos at I assume a roon like expense

3. DSP equalizing might help dial it in  I have no idea where I'd start though this is on my list (like roon) of things to experiment with and one person mentions some inexpensive ways to go about it  Downside of course is a time consuming task with a learning curve

To me the low hanging fruit here is try other services and see if the sound stays the same as via the native Naim software,  Not too expesnive and too much of a learning curve

vicdior
47 posts
 

I tried Roon via Ethernet from computer to my Weiss 501 and wasn’t as natural sounding as to computer to Aqua LinQ to Weiss 501.The Roon was louder, crispier and more digital sounding. The LinQ network streamer was more warmer, natural and realistic sounding with the instruments and vocals . I would probably have been fatigued with Roon sooner but the other combination, I never get fatigued IMHO.

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