Streamer apps critical

Audirvana is another very nice app, I used it for years, thought sound quality just a bit more analog in direct comparison to Roon at the time.

I've also used my Euphony OS Stylus app with present setup, sound quality about on par with Roon. I also have option of Stylus and Roon with embedded HQPlayer.

Having direct experience with all these apps in both single streamer or bridged modes (Roon core on server, Endpoint on streamer) I most prefer Roon sans HQPlayer in bridged mode.

I will posit music player app sound quality very closely allied to the equipment its being used with. These native music player apps have the advantage of being designed in league or specifically for that single streamer. Roon, HQPlayer, Audirvana, J River, etc designed to work with all streamers so completely logical that sound quality all over the place. I know most of these generalist apps require powerful processors, much RAM, great network to work their best, people have issues because their setup hasn't been optimized for these apps. I've paid great attention to every single link in my streaming chain in order to extract max potential from Roon, high end vinyl like presentation is the result. IMO there are many paths to reach the summit, no single music player app is the undisputed champion of the world.

@ghdprentice point well taken.  I do wonder just for the heck of it, what computer language is used these days for most of these streaming apps. Is it something like Python or do they still use C++ or something entirely different? My days of programming are long over, having started with Fortran in the 1970s. 

@fastfreight

There are two opposing philosophies on server software: Roon is heavy processing, CPU and I/O intensive, conversely providing ISP, extensive file maintenance and plug-ins. It needs powerful main chips, ideally separating server and renderer. InnuOS is the polar opposite: minimalist power usage, small capacity chips and no frills. In some ways this is similar to low power SET tubes vs. high power transistor amps. The sound is different and it depends a bit where you land on the purity vs. power trade-off.

The Moon Mind2 interface is really easy. I run Qobuz on my Moon 280D. The Mind2 interface runs on my iPad. I open Mind2 and search for an artist or composer or album. If I were to search for Paul Simon, for example, I see all of his albums on Qobuz, showing the album covers. Touch on an album cover and hit play. So far it seems to have no hitches. The Moon 280D is also a well-priced streamer at $4k.

Hi @antigrunge2 I appreciate your thoughts.

Roon is heavy processing,  

I hear this alot.  I do not use any of Roon's optional processing.  In fact, I shun any processing of audio signals at all, such as roon correction etc.  Am I missing something here?

ideally separating server and renderer

I think Grimm has shown their units can run Roon Core (server) and Roon endpoint (streamer).

InnuOS is the polar opposite: minimalist power usage, small capacity chips and no frills

I won't dispute this.  But I do not thing Sense is anywhere near the interface Roon is from a music management and ease of use).

I think many manufacturers understand Roon is desirable form this perspective and are vying to optimize their computers to maximize the Roon sound quality.  They should! :)  Take care!