Streamer and Connection Questions

I don't think it's always true that Roon lowers SQ. It probably depends on the situation like everything else in audio.

My Rockna Wavedream NET transport has a multiple options on board but Rockna recommends Roon. I've dabbled with the other choices and find Roon superior all around. Not sure how that translates to other devices though.

Switching from Roon is also very dependent on your ability to make sense of a different user interface. Like switching from Windows to Mac to Linux. Some people can just do it easily, others hate the changes and switch back. Even though Aurender's Conductor is better than it used to be, you might still find it unappealing to use. It's a very personal choice in my experience.

@996turbo911 appreciate your response. 
 

Thanks!

@woots Do you have any option to spend some time with an Aurender device so you can get a feet for Conductor yourself? Maybe a dealer showroom, or loaner unit, or friend who runs Aurender in their system? It doesn't necessarily have to be the N30SA, just any Aurender at all so you can try out the controls. If there's a dealer you would be using for the N30SA, maybe see if they have an N150 you can borrow to get a feel for it. To me that really is the key here and more important even than the SQ factor. 

@996turbo911 yes, I have a dealer where I can play around with it.  One reason for the Aurender is that you can connect it directly with Apps like Qobuz or through Roon without changing any connections. I was told better SQ through App but with the Roon connection I can stream anywhere in house like with my Grimm MU1.  
 

@woots The direct connection of native apps is nice to have but still variable for results imho. I use a bunch of streaming services (don't ask why, I'm dumb). I love Qobuz for SQ but their app is by far my least favorite. Tidal is way better to use, or at least more compatible with my brain. 

When I had a Lumin transport, I thought Roon was at least equal or maybe better in SQ compared to using Tidal Connect directly. When I had a Naim streamer, Tidal Connect was clearly superior to running it through Roon. So the SQ part really does seem case by case to me. And that's separate from the user interface where to me Roon is always top choice.