I have experience using BluOS, LUMIN, Roon, mConnect (UPnP), and Aurender Conductor.
BluOS was the first but I was not satisfied with the sound quality
LUMIN was the next I tried but I was not satisfied with the streaming service searching capability.
With all the raves about Roon, I decided to give it a try, but it was similarly disappointing and more complicated than I wanted. The added expense and need for a computer to run the core were also negatives for me.
mConnect is an independent app that is compatible with UPnP/DLNA devices. Similar limitations like the LUMIN app.
Bubble UPnP is another independent app with some good reviews, but is only available as an Android app. Anyhow, I use an iPad so have not tried Bubble UPnP.
Then decided to try an Aurender streamer and it’s Conductor app. Discounting Roon, Conductor is the nicest to use of the apps I’ve tried. I really like it’s pop-up menus versus the icon approach used by most.
But overall, I learned that the searching capability is determined by the streaming service, not the software. I use Tidal and Qobuz, and searching is different between them even within the same app.
Eventually I realized that with all the apps (including Roon), the feature rich searching capability only applies in the app’s “library”. Tracks or albums from your streaming services can be added to your library, along with any files you own. This creates your own personal database you can search using the more elaborate tools. (The database contains searchable information about the files in your library, but not the actual music.) But you have to FIND those tracks and albums in your streaming service’s catalog before you can add them to your library.
So I have decided I enjoy using the Aurender Conductor app the most, and I’ll just live with the streaming services searching capability.
I wholeheartedly agree it would be great if all the apps worked with all the hardware, but I guess the hardware manufacturers don’t see it that way yet.
It’s really unfortunate you can’t try the Conductor app without buying an Aurender component. It’s also unfortunate that if you do decide to buy an Aurender component, you can’t try out Roon with it. On the plus side my Aurender N100H sounds fantastic. And since I enjoy using the Conductor app I am happy on both counts.