Does the Roon Core has to be switched on all the time?

Roon Software Discussion
1

Hi there, I am thinking about using Roon, but I have a few questions and need some advise.

Apparently one nees a core. I could use my Windows laptop as a core, but does the computer have to be switched on all the time?

I am planning to use my iPhone or iPad as controllers and my music is on a Synology NAS, I have also a Tidal hifi subscription.

Hopefully there is someone who is willing to help me out.

2

You do need a core. However if your NAS has an Intel processor it’s can act as that core. The core is always on, or at least it has to be on when using Roon. It also benefits greatly (stability and user experience) from being hard wired to Ethernet.

3

Hi Hans,

The Core has to be on for Roon to work, but Control devices can be turned on and off. Try it out and see what you think.

You’ll find helpful info in the Roon User Guide and can check in here anytime to ask questions. There’s usually quite a few other users happy to help.

4

Ok I will check my synology if it has intel inside. The Roon software must then being downloaded on the nas of course, but where can I find this sw?

5

Check the processor on the Synology first. If it’s not up to spec then knowing where to get the Core software for the NAS is useless. Under spect Core will yield a poor result and turn you off from Roon. The laptop only needs to be on and running the Roon Core when you are using Roon. It need not be on 24/7.

6

Most Synology NAS models with a + on the model should work BUT your experience will be far from ideal based on Roon’s minimum specs. Certainly you can try, BUT again there are SSD requirements for the database location on the NAS too. I would try nd see how you like Roon on your laptop first, then think about either a NUC or other dedicated machine to run the Core on.

7

I started out using my laptop to run the Roon core. It only needs to be on when using Roon. It worked fine, but was a little awkward for me, so I bought a Nucleus to run the core. Using your laptop can get you started while you decide if you like Roon and want to invest in another device to run the Roon core.

8

There.’s a regular Synology package for it.

9

You can learn more here and a link to the software download from Chris

https://kb.roonlabs.com/Roon_Server_on_NAS

Do note the performance impacts, and hardware requirements like SSD are important.