Let's Talk About Roon Integration in Music Servers - A Future-Proofing Perspective
I've been thinking about the two approaches to Roon implementation in high-end music servers. We have manufacturers like Innuos, Antipodes, and Pink Faun building Roon core directly into their servers, while others like Aurender and Melco opt for external Roon core implementation.
Initially, the built-in approach seemed more elegant - everything is in one box, with minimal setup, and plug-and-play. But I'm increasingly concerned about future-proofing. These audiophile servers typically use low-power CPUs to minimize noise and interference. While they handle current Roon requirements fine, what happens when Roon inevitably becomes more demanding? We've already seen how software requirements grow over time.
The external core approach, though less elegant, might be more practical long term. Your dedicated PC/NUC running Roon core can be upgraded as needed, while your audiophile server focuses solely on what it does best - delivering pristine audio.
Curious to hear others' thoughts - particularly from those who've used both approaches. Have you experienced any performance differences between built-in vs external Roon core setups? How important is future-proofing in your server choice?
I've been thinking about the two approaches to Roon implementation in high-end music servers. We have manufacturers like Innuos, Antipodes, and Pink Faun building Roon core directly into their servers, while others like Aurender and Melco opt for external Roon core implementation.
Initially, the built-in approach seemed more elegant - everything is in one box, with minimal setup, and plug-and-play. But I'm increasingly concerned about future-proofing. These audiophile servers typically use low-power CPUs to minimize noise and interference. While they handle current Roon requirements fine, what happens when Roon inevitably becomes more demanding? We've already seen how software requirements grow over time.
The external core approach, though less elegant, might be more practical long term. Your dedicated PC/NUC running Roon core can be upgraded as needed, while your audiophile server focuses solely on what it does best - delivering pristine audio.
Curious to hear others' thoughts - particularly from those who've used both approaches. Have you experienced any performance differences between built-in vs external Roon core setups? How important is future-proofing in your server choice?
