(September 15, 2020) Yesterday, Melco released Firmware 4.04 (USB download), injecting the convenience of Roon Ready across its entire line of EX Series digital music libraries. Melco says a second over-the-air update (4.10) is due to be released later this year. EX Series gear owners can update to 4.10 using their device’s front panel display; those with legacy gear can also access firmware upgrades but must contact a dealer to perform an EX Series update.
The EX Series comprises five different digital music libraries (two half-width, three full-width) loaded with advanced hardware and software tech for high-level Hi-Res Audio playback. Depending on the model, storage capacities range from 2TB to 6TB, with additional music sourced via Ethernet and various USB ports. The company’s proprietary SongKong – part of the Melco Intelligent Music Library (MIML) – is an automated retagging process that uses databases and sophisticated algorithms to replace or enhance search-necessary metadata for individual songs. When combined with MinimServer, the process of browsing for music is streamlined and intelligently simplified.
Now, Roon's addition brings high-end streaming into the equation, allowing Roon to operate as an alternative to UPnP when a library is configured with a USB DAC. Roon Ready means that Melco devices will now carry a customized version of Roon’s RAAT streaming capability, delivering easy setup, an intuitive interface, and reliable playback performance.
Melco says that global EX Series libraries are Roon Ready now; however, libraries in Japan will be delayed until a later date.
