Roon Integration in Music Servers - A Future-Proofing Perspective

[exupgh12]

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?

 

[Hydrology]

I have no issue with Roon core implementation. built-in. I got into this hobby knowing full well the level of redundancy that exists.
We play our vinyl, our stylus wears, our record wears, the electronics wear every time we switch them on.
Ive had an Innuos Zen Mk3 for almost 5 years and it hasn't missed a beat and I don't feel Im missing out. There may be a time when it either fails or something will change that forces the upgrade. Im OK with that.

 

[exupgh12]

I have no issue with Roon core implementation. built-in. I got into this hobby knowing full well the level of redundancy that exists.
We play our vinyl, our stylus wears, our record wears, the electronics wear every time we switch them on.
Ive had an Innuos Zen Mk3 for almost 5 years and it hasn't missed a beat and I don't feel Im missing out. There may be a time when it either fails or something will change that forces the upgrade. Im OK with that.

Thank you for sharing your perspective—it’s a valid point that redundancy and wear are inherent parts of this hobby, whether with vinyl, electronics, or servers. It’s great to hear your Innuos Zen Mk3 has been so reliable over the years.

That said, my concern is less about failure and more about adaptability. As software requirements evolve (e.g., Roon updates or new features), hardware limitations could become an issue. Having the ability to upgrade an external core independently might provide more flexibility without needing to replace the entire server.
Of course, it all comes down to personal preference and how much importance we place on future-proofing.
I’m curious—do you think this aspect could become more relevant as the hobby evolves?

 

[Hydrology]

I’m curious—do you think this aspect could become more relevant as the hobby evolves?

For some its very relevant and for others not so much, so I guess it comes down to the individual. Assume Roon (if we use them as an example) don't enable a kill switch, I wont be too bothered - its not like the hardware and its sound quality diminishes overnight.

 

[dcc]

If I can avoid adding boxes and cables in my system, so be it. I have a Roon Core built in my server/player and I am fine with it. One day, it will become obsolete and I will replace it. This is very good reason why I am reluctant plunking huge sums of money in digital contrary to analog playback (vinyl and tapes).

 

[ssfas]

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?

Also used an Innuos Zen Mk3 for about 5 years. I now have an Innuos Pulsar. Roon Server runs on a Mac Mini M1 on my network. I could also run it on my QNAP.

At the end of the day Roon Server is just a network application. As far as I'm concerned it doesn't need an audiophile device. What counts is a good low-noise streamer/endpoint, like the Innuos Pulsar.

Roon serves a lot of devices in my house, about 30 last count.

 

[exupgh12]

For some its very relevant and for others not so much, so I guess it comes down to the individual. Assume Roon (if we use them as an example) don't enable a kill switch, I wont be too bothered - its not like the hardware and its sound quality diminishes overnight.

Unlike analog audio, digital technology has evolved at a much faster pace. We’ve already seen numerous digital formats and software platforms come and go.

Personally, I hope Roon is here to stay, as I’m very fond of its user interface and features.

Can you please share which server\streamer you’re using?

 

[exupgh12]

Also used an Innuos Zen Mk3 for about 5 years. I now have an Innuos Pulsar. Roon Server runs on a Mac Mini M1 on my network. I could also run it on my QNAP.

At the end of the day Roon Server is just a network application. As far as I'm concerned it doesn't need an audiophile device. What counts is a good low-noise streamer/endpoint, like the Innuos Pulsar.

Roon serves a lot of devices in my house, about 30 last count.
View attachment 142226

I also run Roon core on Mac mini, however with far less end points. Managing 30 devices with Roon is impressive. How’s the Pulsar been working for you so far?”

 

[ssfas]

I also run Roon core on Mac mini, however with far less end points. Managing 30 devices with Roon is impressive. How’s the Pulsar been working for you so far?”

I use HQ Player. The Mac Mini M1 16GB can cope with Roon Server and HQ Player up to DSD256 without any problems.
I use the Innuos Pulsar in HQ Player endpoint mode.
It's USB-only output goes to a Holo May DAC, which is also optimised for USB input and its preferred operating mode is NOS DSD.

It's a popular combination because it gets the best from all elements. HQ Player is often used through Holo Audio DACs. I was very pleased to use a Zen Mk3 for 5 years and to use the Pulsar as an ultra low-noise transport made sense.

My other option, which I haven't done for a while, is to use the Pulsar in Standalone mode in the internal DAC of my Gryphon Diablo 300. It's a slightly warmer presentation (ESS9018 rather than R2R) and a very nice alternative to have.

The Innuos software just gets better and better, for example attaching network drives. I use an old Buffalo SATA network drive for my music library. It's basic and I prefer it to the more "modern" network drives that force you to connect to the internet. The Buffalo LinkStation can be limited to the LAN.

 

[ssfas]

I also run Roon core on Mac mini, however with far less end points. Managing 30 devices with Roon is impressive. How’s the Pulsar been working for you so far?”

I tried a different configuration today that limits network traffic to the Innuos only to music, using a VLAN. This is very easy if just using Innuos Sense, just put the Innuos and the music library on the VLAN and it's completely isolated from the rest of the network.

I put Roon Server on a QNAP and plugged the QNAP into both networks, and put the Mac Mini with HQ Player on the VLAN. So the idea was that Roon would control HQ Player on the HiFi on the VLAN and control all the other Roon devices on the main network.

The QNAP sees both networks, but either Roon doesn't like looking at two networks, or the second network need a different configuration.

After half an hour and it not working, I gave up and went back the single network configuration.

 

[exupgh12]

@ssfas

I run Roon Core on a Mac Mini (Intel Core). My audio network is separated by a SOtM switch, which connects the fiber channel (FC) router to the network. The system is connected via Ethernet to the endpoint/server (Melco N1Z/2EX-H50), which in turn connects to the MSB Premier DAC using USB through the PRO ISL interface.

In my experience, the Melco/Lumin application is inferior to Roon in terms of user interface, and the sound quality does not surpass what I achieve with Roon.

 

[PYP]

@ssfas

In my experience, the Melco/Lumin application is inferior to Roon in terms of user interface, and the sound quality does not surpass what I achieve with Roon.

Reading about how bad Roon can sound, when the SQ at home is wonderful, I have to conclude that how the streamer implements Roon governs SQ. Anecdotally, Taiko, Wadax and Grimm (surely others too) all have embraced Roon and produce SQ that appeals to a wide audience (at very different price points).

 

[exupgh12]

Reading about how bad Roon can sound, when the SQ at home is wonderful, I have to conclude that how the streamer implements Roon governs SQ. Anecdotally, Taiko, Wadax and Grimm (surely others too) all have embraced Roon and produce SQ that appeals to a wide audience (at very different price points).

I currently use the following configuration for my Roon setup, which works well for me. Please also consider my network and hardware topology. The result is a sound that is airy, detailed, and organic.

I’d love to explore higher-tier servers in the future and see what improvements could be achieved—perhaps in 2025.

 

[PYP]

I currently use the following configuration for my Roon setup, which works well for me. Please also consider my network and hardware topology. The result is a sound that is airy, detailed, and organic.

I’d love to explore higher-tier servers in the future and see what improvements could be achieved—perhaps in 2025.

Thanks. I have implemented some of those configurations + the setup guidance from Grimm Audio that are specific to the MU1 and MU2 servers (some of which are different from your list).

Airy, detailed and organic -- sounds like you have it dialed in!

 

[ssfas]

@ssfas

I run Roon Core on a Mac Mini (Intel Core). My audio network is separated by an SOtM switch, which connects the fiber channel (FC) router to the network. The system is connected via Ethernet to the endpoint/server (Melco N1Z/2EX-H50), which in turn connects to the MSB Premier DAC using USB through the PRO ISL interface.

In my experience, the Melco/Lumin application is inferior to Roon in terms of user interface, and the sound quality does not surpass what I achieve with Roon.

I looked at a SoTM system and it was a lot of boxes, their selling points seem to be that there are fully proprietary designs with high quality clocking. I'm impressed by Melco, I think they are part of Buffalo Corp. I did briefly have a Lumin machine and hated their application software.

The audio streamer is electrically isolated from all the processing as it is on a different floor of the house and connected by fibre.


As you can see below, I have a VLAN set up for my hifi. As I explained above, Roon Server does not like running across two networks. It's OK if you're just using Roon effectively on a standalone player. I use Roon Server on about 30 devices in 12 groups.




I have tried all the endpoint options offered by Innuos, as well as standalone, they make no difference to sound quality as far as I can hear.



To use Innuos on Standalone mode on the VLAN, all I have to do is move the MacMini from port 21 to 23 and the Pulsar from 26 to 25 and restart the Innuos. Or I could just reallocate the ports, but it takes the switch a while to adjust to the change.

 

[Hydrology]

Unlike analog audio, digital technology has evolved at a much faster pace. We’ve already seen numerous digital formats and software platforms come and go.

Personally, I hope Roon is here to stay, as I’m very fond of its user interface and features.

Can you please share which server\streamer you’re using?

As already mentioned, Innuos ZEN MK3 as server. Up until this weekend, this was going USB direct into a T+A DAC200, but I have a Holo Red streaming transport arriving Tuesday that will sit between them.

 

[exupgh12]

As already mentioned, Innuos ZEN MK3 as server. Up until this weekend, this was going USB direct into a T+A DAC200, but I have a Holo Red streaming transport arriving Tuesday that will sit between them.

Congratulations on your new streamer.
which of the streamer output are you intend to use ?