Do I really need a separate Roon Core (computer) to use Roon Software?


The way I understand it, there are basically 4 devices required to use Roon software to play digital music files (whether from local file storage or streaming). 1. The Roon Core on which the software is installed. 2. A streamer, which takes the datastream from the core (via Ethernet) and provides a high quality input to the DAC. 3. The DAC. 4. And finally an optional controller such as a smartphone or tablet. Seems like a lot of hardware. 
Many people rave about Roon being so fantastic, but is it really worth adding another piece of hardware, power supply, power cord, interconnect, and ongoing maintenance of that hardware?

Currently, I have a LUMIN D1, which is a streamer DAC combo, and I like it. But I’m wondering what Roon would bring to the party.

So my second question is: Is there any hardware that includes the “Core” within the streaming device instead of requiring a separate piece? I found the ELAC Discovery DS-S101-G, but it does not include MQA nor Qobuz, and seems to be obsolete already. I’m kind of old school, and prefer the one box solution for sources. I’m not interested in hooking up a computer to my rig either.  Thanks in advance for any wisdom or advice!
rockrider
Yes you need some sort of computer though it doesn't have to be hooked to your gear. 
You do. Roon for me brings integrated music discovery. That is my ripped music, my Tidal favorites all look the same.

The other thing it brings is digital domain equalization and upsampling, and a relatively uniform UI.

I run an older Linux box with an AMD A10 7850 and so long as I'm not upsampling to DSD I have plenty of CPU power. I can actually upsample to DSD as well, I just don't like the sound. :)

Best,

E
Thanks for the responses. I do miss access to the complete album liner notes. Tidal, Qobuz, Lumin, and BluOS are all disappointing in that regard. I’ll check out the Innuos lineup too. I don’t really want my library to be mixed with the the streaming library, so maybe Roon is not for me just yet.  
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