ROON help needed

How about relaxing and exploring a bit? You're ready to condemn it and have you even done a tutorial or a walkthrough?  My guess is you're venting, but you sound curmudgeon-like.  :(

ROON offers you options based on your preferences/artists. It's not like you are maxing out a drive, so relax, it's streaming music. Listen to it if you want, or not. 

Pay attention to whether you are in your Library, indicated by "Artists" or "Album", which is YOUR collection, versus TIDAL and the icon which looks a bit like that of Mitsubishi, which is streaming audio. When you have Playlists both can be combined, but the ROON streaming tracks are indicated by the icon. 

What you're doing wrong is not educating yourself to the product, and condemning it quickly. Shape up, man! :) Give it time and you may come to love it. I had to adjust somewhat to the interface and operations, but now feel it is nearly indispensable. I only very rarely now use a CD. 

Doug...thank for your reply. I am not a curmudgeon and really didn’t mean to sound like I was. Although you weren’t very nice with your comments, I have always appreciated your input, but you don’t need to be mean about it.

The main question (which you didn’t answer) was if Roon added those titles to my list in Tidal?

I should have stated that I don’t have my own music library anywhere on the network. I will only use Roon for Tidal. So, that aspect of Roon doesn’t apply to me.

I still don’t see what the value of Roon is? Maybe if I didn’t know anything about music it would be cool, but I do.

I haven’t bought or listened to a CD since I did beta testing for Tidal, so quite awhile now. I have done this without the use of Roon, so again I don’t see the value.

I feel your pain. 

It's not easy when you first move from Tidal to Roon. Roon does load a whole pile of albums, and I think you will appreciate that feature later.

Like any software, there is a learning curve. Roon gets frustrating when one runs into problems. One more or less needs to familiarize themselves with the software and the support forum. Good news is that Roon itself or another member usually come to the rescue.

Roon 'IS' and offers so Much More than Tidal ... which I believe you will appreciate as you get more comfortable with it. If you want to keep things very simple and straightforward, then it may be better to stick with Tidal direct.

You have 60 days to figure it out. You can always come back to it, in the future if you find it too much at present.

I'll likely move to a lifetime membership once my current yearly membership runs out. So I'm not coming at this from an 'anti' Roon perspective.

@david_ten...Thanks so much for your comments.  I really appreciate it.  I think I might not have this setup right.  I've been trying to get this to work correctly, but it just seems to not do anything that I would use.

I'll keep trying.

Upon initial launch, Roon offers you the option to import premade libraries of various genres into your library collection. You obviously clicked yes to preload your library up with many of their additional recommended album collections.

Roon is the best software out there for music listening. Unfortunately it requires some thought when setting up, I suggest a fresh install.

I like the way roon also automatically adds music when your playlist ends - all based on your library and the style of music in your playlist. The options for playback and the amount of configuration available is astounding. 

To get the most from Roon you need to set it up RoonServer "headless" on a PC that connects to internet for Tidal and accesses your music library (mine is around 3 TeraByte and sits on a USB drive connected to a mac mini). You should then use a tablet like an iPad to run Roon remote and access your collection and online library from Tidal as well as all the artist background and credit details as well as lyrics and even internet radio...

@shadorne...thanks for your input.  The more I try to use this, it just doesn't seem to be working right.  The Roon interface seems to be the same as Tidal?  I don't see anything additional from the Tidal interface and the Roon interface.

I will try your suggestion of a fresh reinstall.

You should no longer need to ever run Tidal once Roon is setup. Roon just accesses Tidal using your Tidal credentials - everything should be selected and played from within Roon. If you like a Tidal album then just add it to your library from within Roon and it becomes part if your Roon library. Any music files on your harddrive will add automatically upload to your Roon library provided they are in the designated folder(s) you setup in Roon.

Roon does nothing to affect your harddrive music library - it does not move musuc around. However you can delete music files  if you wish - Roon will warn you if you try to delete albums or tracks because this is permanent. 

Do you have a local audio buddy that is Roon savvy? Or one that can get on the phone and walk you through it? Might be very helpful to do so.

I love Roon, but if one isn't that far into computer based audio, and doesn't want the frustration, then I recommend staying with Tidal. It will save you the subscription fees as well as on the 'components' you will need to add to truly elevate and optimize sound quality. There are some less expensive options; but many will quietly add up. : ) 

If you are committed to going down that path, you will be rewarded and Roon will be a an integral part of your system and listening experience.

Okay, I think I have found the problem.  I can't get my iPhone SE to connect to the Roon "core" on my computer.  I have tried all the troubleshooting tips, but still can't get it to work.

Roon works on my computer, but I don't use my computer in my sound room, so I need a remote.  I made sure the "remote" option is on in the main Roon app on my PC.

On my iPhone SE, it just flips from "connecting" to "connection failed" no matter how long I give it.

Your computer and your iphone must be on the same LAN. For example both on Wifi or your PC connected to the same router that provides yoir wifi....

It wont work if your iphone is only connected to your cellphone provider but your PC is connected to cable modem.

Both need to be on the same LAN - local area network

+1  :)

Thanks.  Both are on the same network.  I should have mentioned that I do have a degree in Computer Science, (went back to school at the age of 55 and got my Associates Degree in Computer Science.  So I'd like to think I know a little about computers).

I still can't get the remote to connect.  I've turned off firewalls and rebooted my computer, modem, router and everything else I could think of.

Roon does look pretty cool on my PC, but again, it's not in my soundroom.

If both are on the same LAN then you should see the core. If it doesnt connect then try selecting a different core - perhaps the fresh install changed the core ID and your phone is looking for the older installation.

I also reinstalled the APP on the phone.  It "sees' the core, but won't connect to it.  I've tried connecting to a different core name, but to no avail.

In the main Roon app on my PC, under 'settings" then "setup" does it matter what name the CORE NAME is?  I've tried several, but I still get the same connection issue.  I've done so much troubleshooting that I don't remember if that CORE NAME was auto-populated when Roon launched or I put that name in?  I've tried using the IP address, but again, it won't connect.

Not trying to be intentionally mean; apologies if I offended you. 

Jim Salk helped me set up mine with the Salk StreamPlayer III (reviewed). Though I wasn't paying super-close attention, I recall something about "pointing to", i.e. getting the ROON running on the upstairs computer to point to the StreamPlayer III. Perhaps it's that. 

You mentioned your sound room; have you gotten WiFi in there before? My sound room is so well built that I cannot get a WiFi signal to penetrate it! I had to go with a IOP (internet over power line) solution, and it works fabulously. If everything looks in pace and you haven't done WiFi in the room previously, then there is a chance that it's the WiFi not reaching/connecting and not an issue with ROON directly. Another solution which may work is a WiFi extender.  

My ROON goes from router to home computer, through IOP power lines to the room, and finishes with a hard connection. You may have to go that route. It's not a big deal; the IOP devices are relatively inexpensive and pretty easy to install. 

It sounds like setup issues; when it's set up right it's silky smooth. Call ROON support; this is what they do well. 

I have a very strong WIFI signal not only in my soundroom, but all over the house.

All of the "pointing" is there, it just won’t connect.

Do you have a phone number for Roon?  I can't find one.  Seems they only do support online and through the forums, which I had read and reread.  I did find a few people that had the same exact problem I am having and tried what they suggested, but still no go.

I’ve spent half the day on this and I’m pretty sick, (had dinner at my son’s a few nights ago and both of my Grandsons were sick, so guess what, now I have it), so maybe I missed something. I’ll try again later.

THANKS everyone for your help! I truly appreciate it.

Make sure Roon is working well from your PC, that is: as Control, Core, and Output. I am assuming this is how you have your PC set up; you mention you are using a PC (i.e. not a Mac).

Uninstall the Roon App from your iPhone. Reinstall it. If you have enabled the device (your iPhone) on the main settings page within Roon (on your PC) and the iPhone app still doesn't lock in, then contact Roon.

I don't think there should be any cross platform issues. I believe Roon Remote works fine on my wife's iPhone, while I am PC and Android based.

If you have enabled the device (your iPhone) on the main settings page within Roon (on your PC)

I don't see anywhere where I can "enable" my iPhone?  If I select the "Configure Roon OS Devices" is doesn't find anything.

On your PC:

Settings > Audio > Networked Devices

First see if your iPhone is listed there.

If it is not, hit the refresh 'Circular Arrow"

If it still does not show, Contact Roon.

If it does show, this area allows you to select it as your default Output Device. I have Not Enabled my Google Pixel XL.

 See how the remote works for you via the iPhone first (that is Do Not Enable it).

Try this approach first.

For clarification: My Enabled Network Output Device is my Sonore Signature Rendu SE. In my case, I would not want to Enable my Google Pixel XL.

I'm guessing that your PC is your Output Device. Therefore your iPhone should not be Enabled. In any case, I believe that Apple iOS is Control only (and cannot Output). But I may be wrong. I'm not in that ecosystem.

Thanks.  Even after the refresh, it still doesn't find my iPhone SE.  It's just not there.

I'll try again tomorrow.  If it wasn't for all of you saying how great Roon is, I might just bag this whole endeavor, but I would like to see it work on my system.

Thanks again everyone!

Roon is not for everyone, especially if you don’t intend to use or keep PC running which is a must for Roon core to work properly. 

I use Tidal via Aurender and Blue Sound apps and don’t miss using Roon at all. I found Roon quite cumbersome to use and did not appreciate its co-dependency on PC.  

I got my Blue Sound Vault up and running in less than 10 minutes. 

@lalitk...thanks for your candid response.  I'm kinda leaning that way also.

I got out my Dell Venue 7 Android tablet and set it up.  I was able to finally see this device in the main Roon software program on my PC, however, it still doesn't work correctly.  All I get on either the Dell or the iPhone is a black screen with a large white Roon logo and a play bar underneath that.  But nothing else and there is no navigation out of this screen.  I have to hit the "home" button to get out.

I going to keep trying for awhile, but (for me) this might not be the right interface...

Roon’s DSP is very good.  This alone is a great feature.  Also you get much more including liner notes, album reviews, artist info, lyrics, artists similar to the one you like, artists that influenced the artist you like...

Also forgot to mention Roon brings out the best SQ possible for Tidal. 

FWIW, I am managing 2 TB of ripped music from CD’s including high Rez downloads (HD Tracks) through BLUOS app with ease. No issues with sorting or searching music, artist and albums. 

Vault 2 app allows me to browse music from HDTracks and download music files directly onto its 2TB of internal storage without the use of PC or laptop. 

I don’t care for upsampling but if I need to, my DAC allows me to upsample files up to 384kHz. Blue Sound app got me covered on digital filters, should I choose to do so. 

I don’t want to come across as anti-Roon but speaking from my experience, you can pretty much enjoy all the features of Roon in other apps without jumping through hoops. 

Dedicated streamers have come a long way. The convenience, user experience and SQ far outweighs the use of PC/laptops based interface when it’s comes to streaming music, IMHO. 

Agreed on PCs and laptops not being needed, but you can’t beat the SQ of Roon. Amazing with Tidal and your ripped CDs.  Highly suggested along with the Micro or UltraRendu. 

Roon interface and background album and artist content is a wonderful experience. I am done fiddling with multiple apps...

I am with Lalitk here.

I use my Bluesound Vault 2 to stream Tidal and never actually have to,open Tidal app.
Its all handled direct via Bluos on my android phone, I can save any Tidal album direct to my music and access it anytime.
After latest Bluos update I now also see all Masters titles on my android phone, something that used to be pc only.
It is possible roon could have better sq but ease of use of Bluos via the Vault makes it a winner for me.
On another note(sic), has anybody else heard that Tidal is in serious financial trouble?

I have been using Squeezebox system for a number of years. Added Plex a few years back. I will likely look at Roon sometime soon as a replacement for Logitech Media Server that works with Squeezebox and other devices. If that happens next I would  re-assess the need still for Plex, at least for audio. Plex does a nice job with digital audio video and images. Roon is audio only.  I'd like to do away with Logitech Media Server for sure sometime soon.

Any thoughts or comments appreciated.

Hey guys. The guy got me scared, he is computer geek and he has problems with this roon taidal whatever. I mention it because I'm medium skilled and 50's older and intermediate English skills. I loaded few days ago taidal and ofcours realized I need remote for all my equipment Mac mini , iPad Pro so I loaded roon today guess what. It took me 10 minutes every thing works great and I love it since first step piece of cake. Beside my mac can't upgrade to new operating system because something is wrong with hard drive which is ssd. But every thing sounds great and works great best wishes for new people who is going to try roon and taidal 

By the way guys I'm never in digital audio files. My question is what music server is better then Mac mini if there is any , just server I do have a dac . Please recommendations thanks 

Good to know pophaudio.

I'm planning to move from a raspberri pie/squeezebox platform to Roon, because I like the idea of the better Tidal integration and the added track/artist info.

I just hope I like the iPad app for Roon as much as I like the iPeng app I've been using for the squeezebox server.

Roon has lyrics too. Really impressve interface and powerful control of the audio stream.

@grannyring 

I never noticed a Tidal SQ improvement using Roon (DSP disabled) vs. the native iOS app from dCS or Lumin, Has anyone done a credible review of the SQ of Tidal on Roon vs. one of the many Tidal integrated network streamers (eg. dCS, Lumin, PS Audio or others)? 

Tidal in its native form sounds amazing, applying DSP settings is like compensating for deficiencies in your listening environment / faulty component or simply a matter of personal preference.

I like simplicity, plug n play. 

Yes I do find that Tidal with Roon brings up the sound quality another notch. The DSP ability in Roon is yet another plus with no negatives I could hear. I use a light handed approach with the EQ with fantastic results. I find listening without DSP now rather unacceptable vs DSP engaged. It takes time to play around and fine tune the best settings in DSP. However once dialed in it is quite fantastic. I love the 2X Max PCM setting.  Roon is perhaps the best thing to happen in my audio rig in 35 years. 

I am brand new to streaming, haven't even started yet...except that I have purchased a lumin d1 streamer and sonos connect. I want of course, a good navigation software and metadata. Should I go with something like roon or should I go with seperates...seperate navigation and metadata? Thanks for any input

easola 01,
To answer your question if I’m understanding what you are asking,
Roon and tidal integrate together as one with the library and metadata incorporated in the Roon interface.Roon is also your music player software as well.

I use Roon and tidal together but I also use HQ player also,and it intergrates with Roon and is my music player,lots of upsampling and filtering capability.

I have a highly tweaked computer in another room and I don’t have a stand alone music server,I didn’t want to go that route because I want full control of everything and is also much easier to upgrade.

Best of luck to you,
Kenny.