Why would I need Roon?

+1 @Soundchasr
@Jbuhl

Tried, but Audirvana sounds better. 
Can deal with GUI for better sound.

OP - I think you're feeling of frustration that some people have with Roon.  You don't just use it - there are many steps to get it right.  Some say it is worth it some say it isn't.  

The raspberry pi solution is a pretty cheap ($50) and easy way to try it out.  

I play with Roon once in a while but for listening, I don't use it often. 

I tried roon on my laptop and could never figure it out. It’s defiantly not easy, and if it’s not, I don’t have the patience for it. Maybe if someone set it up for me and showed me how, other than that, I’d rather listen to music than spend many hours trying to figure out roon. 

Thanks soundchasr. Pi sounds like an interesting direction.

If you simply want to try Roon install the core on a computer and it should find your Node2i as an endpoint. Keep the Node2i connected as is , install Roon app on your control device and play once a few simple steps are followed. You don't need to get into DSP, EQ until you get comfortable with it.