I own a Nucleus but this will not be used. Intend to buy new ROON Core, possibly 432 EVO Aeon.
Networking Gear & Setup Details
StarLink serving NetGear router with many extra taps.
Connected Audio Devices
Generally use LAN cables and USB cables. HDMI connections are under consideration.
Number of Tracks in Library
About 1TB, but expect this to double over time.
Description of Issue
Hello, I am in the process of purchasing new audio equipment. I own a very high quality main system for serious listening (Magico/Constellation/REL.) For this system, I have yet to purchase the front end equipment (Music Player/DC/Pre.) I also want to send a stereo pair of signals to two separate rooms within my home. This would be medium quality audio playback.
I want to maintain the highest sound from my main Magico/Constellation/REL system. Preferably, I would like to control the basic operation (on/off, volume control) of the two separate rooms using the ROON App. FYI, I am a lifetime subscriber since your early days.
See the attached schematic (assuming it came thru to you OK.) This describes the arrangement I am anticipating, but I need some equipment purchase and configuration guidance. Note especially the highlights in yellow. My questions are:
Can BLUESOUND Node products be used for sending stereo signals to the equipment serving the secondary spaces within my home?
While the 432 EVO Aeon manufacturer claims this product is a ROON Core, I did not see it listed as a ROON partner product. Is this a well-supported product for use with ROON?
If the EVO music server and BLUESOUND Nodes are good choices to meet my needs, how would signals be sent to the Nodes? Via HDMI (but there is only one HDMI output!) or LAN connections from my NetGear router? Or, via other method.
Please provide your comments to these ideas. If I am heading in the wrong direction conceptually, I would welcome your direction.
I have more thoughts and questions since my message earlier today.
A moment ago, I noted that Roon recommends Esoteric equipment. Title of Page
My audio dealer is recommending this product line, specifically the N05XD. However, it does not have internal SSD storage.
I am trying to understand the differences between a “Roon Ready” device and a “Roon Core.” I believe you need both. The Roon Ready device manages the playback via the app and the Roon Core manages the data (the music files.) Is this understanding correct?
My additional questions are:
If I bought an Esoteric N05XD, I can team it with a NAS drive for Roon Core functions such as storing and retrieving my music: Right?
With an Esoteric N05XD backed with a NAS drive, am I able to utilize the Zone capabilities of Roon?
If yes to question 2, would I purchase the Bluesound Nodes (two of them) and connect them to the Roon/NAS system via LAN connections to my Netgear router?
@Rick_Talaske, it may be worth looking at these links to get a better understanding of how Roon works and what you may need between the Core, Remotes, and Endpoints:
Roon Ready means that Roon and audio manufacturer have tested integration between Roon and the manufacturer’s device(s), which would need to natively support Roon’s RAAT audio protocol as well as expose certain features/capabilities that would be controllable from within Roon itself. A Roon Core is the computer that is the centralized control center for a Roon-based music system. The Core may be a dedicated appliance such as a Nucleus or NUC-based Roon ROCK system, a Mac/Windows/Linux computer or server, or an OEM-based music server who has been approved by Roon.
It does not appear that the N05XD is a computer that can act as a server for the Roon Core. It seems that it is a network streamer that connects between the Core and a preamp or amplifier to stream music files from the network. You still need a computer to act as a Roon Core and be the control center for a Roon-based music system.
I believe you could use the Esoteric N05XD to fill the “DAC” + “PreAmp” boxes in the upper left of the system diagram. You may or may not want to (or be able to) connect it directly via USB to the TBD Music Server. Alternatively, you could connect it via ethernet cable to your home network and use it as a Roon-Ready endpoint.
Many other products could fill the same role. I believe HiFi Rose, ExaSound, Lumin, Matrix Audio, NAD, PS Audio, and T+A are a few of the brands with integrated streamer-DAC-preamp products in their lineups.
The Roon Nucleus and the Small Green Computer sonicTransporter are two examples of dedicated music servers that can host the Roon core. You also can use a multi-purpose Windows computer, Mac, or NUC to host the Roon Core.
