I have a Meridian 818v3 and have it configured on my ROCK-based server by both USB and ethernet. I prefer listening via USB so I can play DSD using DoP, but in this configuration I get no comms control of the 818 for volume, and find myself switching back to the ethernet based endpoint in the roon remote for volume control, then back to USB for music selection.
I see in the device setup that you can select a different method/device for volume control (and see lots of Home Assistant entries given that integration is present), but I cannot seem to get this to work or find much in the documentation as to how to use this setting.
It would be great if I could make this a little more seamless - any thoughts greatly appreciated.
FWIW, I use an 861v4 for my setup [5200 L/R and 5200HC] and I stream to it using a raspberry Pi with HiFi berry audio hat.
For Volume control, I installed the Roon Extension Manager and I am sure this is possible also on NUC, but it allows me to use a USB → Serial adapter to gain control of the 861 via the DB9 connector on the rear.
Setup will allow you to choose the control protocol, as well as set your source for Roon ‘USB Audio’ in this case. I also have it set up to control power on/off so I can place the unit into standby when finished.
When you select the zone in Roon, your 818 will automatically power on and select the correct source [and speakers by default] and then you will have volume feedback on the slider. Just be sure to check the audio settings for the 818 zone and change volume to “Meridian Volume Control” once you have the extension up and running. and Voila!
@Jan_Koudijs has written a beautiful extension here and there is heaps of documentation around it to get going. Any other questions hit me up I can try and point you in the right direction.