I have lifetime Roon accessibility so would probably not go with Aurender in the event I ever did want to go back to using Roon. I also don't like being locked into using gear from only one brand in order to get the best sound. My current server is essentially a networked drive and with SSD and a Roon core, as I use streamers/endpoints to feed systems at several locations in my home. I am currently using the Metrum Ambre in my main system and although the Ambre sounds quite good when used solely as a Roon endpoint, I thought maybe I could achieve even better sound with something like the Innuos Pulsar or Auralic G2.2. I will look at the Lumin also. However, $6-8K seems like a lot of money for a Roon endpoint with steaming capabilities.
Showing 5 responses by mitch2
Although @mgrif104 makes good points about separating the server and endpoint (or streamer, or renderer), I would add that IME the method of conveying the digital signal may also play a role in how things sound. This is likely due to the interfacing circuitry within the two units being connected. I am using a pretty good streamer to a Roon endpoint and then either coax or AES/EBU out of the endpoint to the DAC. However, in the cases of the Mojo Audio Mystique evo Pro and Mola Mola Tambaqui DACs, a USB connection directly between the streamer and the DAC (i.e., no outboard endpoint) seem to sound the best compared to using the DAC's S/PDIF or AES/EBU inputs. |
The above is really good advice. I am leaning toward keeping my Mojo Audio DejaVu (server/streamer/NAS) and using it as a networked server/NAS running roon core and allowing me to use different roon endpoints for different systems. If I were able to set things up to have a choice of playing roon or playing the streamers own proprietary player software you are absolutely correct that it would be the best of both worlds. I still like what I have read about the Auralic Aries G2.2 over similar competitors for several reasons including the quiet power supply, ability for onboard file storage (if I decide to give up roon), well-regarded proprietary software player (Lightening DS), and multiple outputs including a high performance USB output but also coax and AES/EBU. I just haven't heard much feedback from users about how it sounds, other than a couple of very positive reviews by the-ear and positive-feedback. |
I am also evaluating adding an upgraded streamer and I have a couple of new DACs on their way here as well (SMc Audio DAC-2 arrives Friday and my Mola Mola Tambaqui should be here within the week). I am interested in the Auralic Aries G2.2 streamer but would prefer to continue to integrate and access Tidal, Qobuz, and my own stored music files using Roon through my own server, which is a Roon core. However, I keep reading that Auralic's own Lightning DS software sounds noticeably better than using the G2.2 as a Roon endpoint. Does this mean the Auralic streamers do not interface with Roon very well, or is it that their own software is just better? If I don't want to give up Roon, should I consider a different streamer other than the Auralic Aries G2.2? |
Thank you for the response and suggestions. I have recently stumbled across the Rose RS130 streamer which, based on the current review comments, sounds promising. Word is, it sounds quite good. However, I am skeptical because it seems to have additional "stuff" that I would not need or use and also because I am not a fan of the Android 7.1 operating system for music. Excluding the Rose, my short list at this time would include Auralic Aries G2.2 or the Innuos Pulsar, but I am wondering whether I should add the Lumin U2 to that list. I am curious with any of these streamers that offer on-board SSD storage, and that operate their own proprietary interfacing systems, if I were to stop using Roon would I even need to have a separate server (since I wouldn't need to run Roon core anymore)? BTW, I have well under 2TB of stored files and mostly stream from Qobuz and Tidal. |