Equipment for ROON

[Sonnie Parker]

I'm very interested in a software program like Roon that will play my music I store on my USB drive, but the core software has to be on a computer or similar device that can be accessed. I'm not a fan of using my phone as a remote, nor using a tablet, nor my laptop. I don't want to use any of those items while listening to music. I want simplicity... such as my URC MX-890 remote. I use my 890 remote now when scanning thru music on my USB driver via my Panasonic UB9000. However, the interface on the 9000 is very weak. I only shows the folders and/or song titles (based on how you have them written to the USB). I currently have 450 songs on the drive, and scrolling down thru that many songs to find a particular song is extremely slow... and again, the interface is blah as can be. The Roon interface is very interesting, and the music is much easier to search and access, but I haven't found any device/source OTHER than Apple TV that will allow it's use with a remote control. I don't want to use my Apple device, and I believe it down samples the files to 16/48, which may or may not make a difference, but either way, I would rather have a different source. It would be really nice if Panasonic and Roon could get together and add Roon to the UB9000... that would be the perfect solution.

Anyone know of any such device that would work?

Even if it were a standalone device, as long as I could navigate the program with my remote control, I'd be happy.

Roon has a lot of partners, but I'm not familiar with any of them that might have such a source at this time.

 

[tripplej]

I never heard of Roon. So, went to link below to understand it.

It does offer a lot. Would be interesting to see if it works as described.

Roon - How Roon works

roonlabs.com

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I would say it's similar to J River... but I have not actually used it yet, so I can't be 100%. There is a LOT of hype about it on the Internet. The AudioControl folks recommended it to me for listening to my USB music, but I'm just not crazy about using Apple TV to control it. I am hoping there is another streaming device/set top box that is remote control that will be compatible with it.

 

[ddude003]

The Roon model includes a "core", an "endpoint" and a "controller" app... In the simplest case a laptop computer could do it all... But you do not want that... So, you would have a separate device be a core, another device be the endpoint and you could use your apple tv as the controller with its IR remote control... The apple tv as a "controller" would replace an iPad or iPhone or laptop... The controller only tells the "core" what to do... The core manages the music content and sends it to an endpoint for playing... So, no music would be sent to or from the apple tv and no worries about down sampling there...

I have used Roon for almost a year now and use my MacBookPro sometimes as a core and controller, sometimes a just a core... I also have a desk-side PC that I sometimes use as a core and controller and sometimes as just a core... I have a network streamer that is a Roon endpoint and a DAC that connects to it... And I sometimes us my iPhone as a controller to any core...

Once you wrap your head around the core, endpoint, controller model there are many ways to mix and match...

Something to think about... The user interface is a large part of the Roon experience... Without a decent display as part of the controller Roon is difficult to use... The difference between ease of use on a 13 inch laptop and an iPhone are stunning...

 

[Sonnie Parker]

The Roon model includes a "core", an "endpoint" and a "controller" app... In the simplest case a laptop computer could do it all... But you do not want that... So, you would have a separate device be a core, another device be the endpoint and you could use your apple tv as the controller with its IR remote control... The apple tv as a "controller" would replace an iPad or iPhone or laptop... The controller only tells the "core" what to do... The core manages the music content and sends it to an endpoint for playing... So, no music would be sent to or from the apple tv and no worries about down sampling there...

I have used Roon for almost a year now and use my MacBookPro sometimes as a core and controller, sometimes a just a core... I also have a desk-side PC that I sometimes use as a core and controller and sometimes as just a core... I have a network streamer that is a Roon endpoint and a DAC that connects to it... And I sometimes us my iPhone as a controller to any core...

Once you wrap your head around the core, endpoint, controller model there are many ways to mix and match...

Something to think about... The user interface is a large part of the Roon experience... Without a decent display as part of the controller Roon is difficult to use... The difference between ease of use on a 13 inch laptop and an iPhone are stunning...

This is what I'm trying to figure out. I can use the AudioControl Maestro X9 processor as the endpoint, however, I can't figure out how to use the Apple TV remote to navigate Roon... I can't even figure out how to get Roon to show up on the Apple TV 4K display. I have Roon core on my laptop, which is on the network. I am able to get it to play on Apple 4K, but that's operating it from my laptop, not thru Apple 4K.

 

[ddude003]

I don't have an apple TV nor I have not tried these extensions... So, I really can not help you much with the apple TV in general... And you can look at this thread https://community.roonlabs.com/t/apple-tv-extension-roon-tv-remote/109448

I would think Roon would have several smart TV remote control apps... And they have other things they focus on...

Just to help a bit with the nomenclature... Roon Core = Compute Server... Roon Endpoint = Network Bridge or Network Streamer... Roon Controller = Remote (control)...

 

[JStewart]

An interesting puzzle Sonnie.

Thinking out loud here, first thing that strikes me is if this hinges on using your IR remote then you need a Roon controller with video capability.
@ddude003 do you know if the ATV can be used as a controller or just an endpoint?

Sonnie, the Audiocontrol is an AVR that has Roon endpoint capability?

Another (possible) obstacle is the USB in the panasonic. To play music with Roon the files will need to be accessible via network. Wireless or ethernet.

Still thinking out loud...If the music was accessible on the network and you could forgo the IR remote for an app (laptop, tablet, phone), then you're done.

Final thoughts ... Tidal and Qobuz can be connected to Roon also and if done Roon presents all your music in a single, searchable, interface. Roon controllers have the ability to turn on/off Roon endpoints and can control their volume. May want to double check with your Audio Control Friends if it gets that far.

Edit: Shame on me for walking away and coming back to this post. A couple of points have been covered.

 

[ddude003]

@JStewart... Core, Endpoint and Controller are just software functional components of Roon... One or more components may reside on one or more pieces of hardware kit... The best Roon suggested use case is each functional piece being on separate hardware spanning a wired/wireless Local Area Network...

As far as the Apple TV is concerned, it may just "show up" default configured as an Roon endpoint... The Roon extension I linked to above seems to configure the Apple TV as a Controller only device... Which is what I think Sonnie is looking for...

It also looks like there is a Roon Remote (controller) app for Google Chromecast... I have no idea if this would be something @Sonnie would be interested in...

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yep... I am looking for the video display of Roon ... and be able to control it with my regular URC MX-890 remote control... same remote that controls my home theater, AV processor, UB9000, etc.

My music is on a USB drive... and on my laptop that has Roon core loaded on it... and is on the network.

The AudioControl Maestro X9 is an AV processor that can be used as an endpoint, but then I need the remote controller. At this point all I can use is a phone or tablet, which I prefer not to use. I'd like to navigate the video display of Roon with my remote, not a phone or tablet. I want to push physical buttons, not swipe a screen, etc. I can navigate my remote blind folded... whereas I have to LOOK at my phone to navigate it.

Supposedly Apple 4K can be used as a remote controller, but that extension linked above is beta and they are not accepting anymore beta testers at this time.

If Panasonic and Roon would team up, the UB9000 would be perfect for displaying and controlling Roon for the X9 to be the endpoint.

I have not spoken with the guys at Roon yet, but plan to next week. Hopefully they will know of some sort of equipment that will work. I would think someone makes a box that will work and that has a remote that I can learn with my remote.

 

[JStewart]

Supposedly Apple 4K can be used as a remote controller, but that extension linked above is beta and they are not accepting anymore beta testers at this time.

That’s hopeful. You can’t be the only one with this use case.

I have not spoken with the guys at ROON yet, but plan to next week. Hopefully they will know of some sort of equipment that will work

If not, perhaps they could get you hooked up with the ATV beta.

The AudioControl Maestro X9 is an AV processor that can be used as an endpoint,

Did I miss a post or did you get a new processor without telling us? Hope you’re enjoying it!

 

[NBPK402]

I have been using Roon for a while nowm and I love it...it is the most stable platform I have used and is excellent for use with my tablets, and phones. Once you have it you can not only play on various devices, but also control what is sent to each device from any device with Roon on it. I only use it for my own music collection though...not going to pay for streaming down here with slow internet. I used JRiver for years and for some reason it was never stable for me and the remote control of it was not even in the same league as Roon...IMO. Of course it is more expensive than Jriver, but is worth it to me.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

It also looks like there is a Roon Remote (controller) app for Google Chromecast... I have no idea if this would be something @Sonnie would be interested in...

Hmmm... well... the UB9000 does Chromecast, so maybe I can use it after all. I'll check out that option.

I also looked closer at the Apple TV remote... apparently there is one available in the app store... I'll see about adding that to my Apple 4K.

Did I miss a post or did you get a new processor without telling us? Hope you’re enjoying it!

Well... kinda sorta... I have the Maestro X9 here with Dirac Live Bass Control that we are reviewing (Wayne, Dennis and myself). It may end up sticking around. It indeed does magic with six subs.

I have been using Roon for a while nowm and I love it...it is the most stable platform I have used and is excellent for use with my tablets, and phones. Once you have it you can not only play on various devices, but also control what is sent to each device from any device with Roon on it. I only use it for my own music collection though...not going to pay for streaming down here with slow internet. I used JRiver for years and for some reason it was never stable for me and the remote control of it was not even in the same league as Roon...IMO. Of course it is more expensive than Jriver, but is worth it to me.

I've heard nothing but good things about it... and I too don't care for streaming. I buy the music, but I like to organize it for easy playback... so Roon had caught my attention.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I got the Roon remote app installed on Apple 4K, but there is really nothing to it... very blah. It's not like the online interface and you still have to queue up and start the music from the core system, so I'm not really sure what the purpose of the remote app serves.

I though the UB9000 had Chromecast, but it doesn't. It has a web browser, but the URL that Roon provides only gives me a black screen... nothing loads, so that's a no go as well.

At this point, unless Roon has something I'm not aware of, it's simply wishful thinking.

 

[JStewart]

Thinking about this a little bit more, there are so many navigation links within Roon it might be very difficult to use a typical IR remote with up/down/right/left and enter. Searching is also aggravating with a handheld remote picking from a box with letters.
So even if you do find what you’re looking for, you may not like it.

 

[NBPK402]

I got the Roon remote app installed on Apple 4K, but there is really nothing to it... very blah. It's not like the online interface and you still have to queue up and start the music from the core system, so I'm not really sure what the purpose of the remote app serves.

I though the UB9000 had Chromecast, but it doesn't. It has a web browser, but the URL that Roon provides only gives me a black screen... nothing loads, so that's a no go as well.

At this point, unless Roon has something I'm not aware of, it's simply wishful thinking.

On Android... my tablet becomes a zone and I can control other zines and also play on the android. My cxa 5100 uses airplay and it also can play ROON. I have a i3 NUC, Samsung Tablet, and all 3 can play or controlRoon. The PC had to have bridge jnstalled as I recall.

 

[ddude003]

@Sonnie Maybe we are looking at this from the wrong point of view... What if the Core had IR remote control? The Core could be something an Intel Nuc running Windoz 10 and Roon having HDMI out to run thru your Maestro X9 to your A/V devices. There must me an IR receiver and software to configure up that remote control you love so much ;^)

Like a Logitech Harmony remote set up as a MCE keyboard?

I have never tried this and I think it could be clumsy as @JStewart suggests above...

 

[Sonnie Parker]

With Roon I am only using it to navigate my own music, as I don't do Tidal, or other streaming devices. I don't typically type anything in the search fields... I simply scroll through the artist folders and then pick songs, which easy to do with my Panasonic UB9000 and it was even easier when I had my OPPO 205, but the UB9000 doesn't organize it very well, and it's slow scrolling thru the songs, not being able to page down or see more than 7-8 songs at one time in a list, with no artist info. What I see in Roon would be easy enough for what I'd like to do with the remote. At least the OPPO did show me album covers and allowed getting to folders and songs faster.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I've been going thru a bunch of the network players on the market (did not realize nearly everyone is making them now), and I haven't found one yet that has video out. Haven't finished looking at all of them by any means, but seems odd no one offers video out thus far. Denon has one that is very nice, and includes a very detailed remote, but it has no video out.

 

[ddude003]

Your Maestro X series has the ability to accept and play audio files from a USB drive. I take it the user interface is not so swift there either? It has HDMI in and out... And a nice remote ;^)

Unless you are trying to do some death-defying DSP tasks in Roon you don't really need much of a PC...

PS - I went through this search about a year ago myself... Except for the remote control preference you have...

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Yep... to navigate the X9 USB you need to use the AVR Setup Utility link (IP address of the X9) and then use the Web Client within it. It's blah like the UB9000, and you have to use something other than the remote.

All I really want is a better interface on my projector screen. I like how Tidal looks, and it would be easy to navigate with the up/down/left/right/select buttons with it. I am pretty sure I'd like Roon if someone had the setup with video display.

 

[ddude003]

Pro-ject’s Stream Box S2 Ultra has HDMI I/O for A/V... Not exactly sure what it buys for you though...

 

[Sonnie Parker]

It was looking promising up until I read this... and there is no remote control included to copy commands.

In order to control the unit, the attached screen must be a touchscreen, unless a mouse and/or keyboard is connected.

 

[ddude003]

Here is an interesting remote... https://www.pepper-jobs.com/products/w10-gyro-smart-remote

It seems you just plug the receiver into your Windoz 10 PC and away you go... There are several Intel Nuc mini pc style boxes that have all the USB, Wired/Wireless iNet and HDMI I/O ports that would make a fairly cheep Roon Core Server...

You already have an Endpoint and HDMI switcher and DAC built into your AudioControl Maestro X9 processor...

 

[Sonnie Parker]

So I guess I could open Roon on my laptop, use the HDMI to display Roon on the big screen, then use the this Gyro Smart remote to control it. I wonder since the Gyro is able to learn IR remote functions, if it is IR and my URC remote can learn functions from it. It appears to be USB and 2.4Ghz, so I'm thinking I'd still have to use two different remotes. Although I think the Gyro remote could learn the few functions I'd need, mainly volume control.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Checking out that remote closer... it uses RF for the windows 10 operation, so you have to use that remote, so I can't teach those to my URC. To control any IR functions you learn requires switching to the TV mode on the remote, which would be aggravating.

It seems like it's going to be impossible to find anything that works. I sit here and watcht Wayne and Dennis fumble around with their laptops that has to be connected via HDMI to the X9 processor, using either their mouse or finger to navigate thru their music on their laptop, then using the remote to change the volume. That's way too much going on for me... which is why I'm looking for simplicity. Sit down, turn on my system with the remote, select my USB as the source, use the remote to navigate the music files and control the volume. Seems odd that no one has figured out something that works in a simple manner. Surely I'm not the only person that doesn't want fifty-eleven things going on when listening to music.