I love that my existing setup has no knobs, remotes, or devices sitting out in the open. Just two speakers, sub, and Roon Displays on my TV. Using a Bluesound Powernode Edge and Bluesound Sub with some JBL Classic Speakers. I don’t have to turn it on, and it shuts off on it’s own after a few minutes of silence.
Almost pulled the trigger on some new Schitt audio gear (DAC, Preamp, EQ, 1 or 2 Amps). I’m an active person, but the idea of messing with buttons or remotes seemed needless. Just want to use Roon on whatever Apple Device my hands are on.
Interested in Bluesound’s new DAC, the Node Icon, but it’s got a display, also needless.
Is there a Roon-Ready alternative that I can just put in the cabinet and let Roon run it? Bluesound’s latest tech is DAC only.
They have 3 new Node models to choose from. Why change from what you have if it works and ticks your boxes. If you want something more upmarket and potentially better sound quality then there is a wealth of Roon Ready all in one amplifiers which will give you the same experience as the PowerNode in one box like you have now.
They only choice is how much you want to spend and do you want a sub as the Blusound one won’t likely work outside of the Bluesound eco system.
Good point, but the new Bluesound DAC options don’t include integrated amplifiers. I’m not sure if it represents a change in their strategy. So in order to have their latest DAC technology now one has to solve for the amp separately.
So if I bought a Bluesound Powernode today, it’s integrated DAC is a previous (less) technology than the three new DACs recently released.
Realize this is a bit of a “spiral”, but really just want some guidance on which manufacturer/partner to look at on the Roon Partner list. I’m going to be in Seattle in a few days as well, may stop by at least one Hi-Fi shop and find something to have shipped home.
They updated the powernode last year with the Powernode Edge.
You haven’t given a price point? There isn’t much after the powernode that’s a step up that’s not considerably more. Marantz latest amps have had good reviews M1 or Stereo 70’s or Model 50n.
Thanks CrystalGipsy, I’ve been looking at Marantz stuff over the last few minutes.
I currently use a Powernode Edge. Wouldn’t say it’s an update, it’s a smaller device with less power than the Powernode. A great unit, but in hindsight waiting a few days for a power node would have resulted in a slightly better sound. I found both the power node edge and JBL speakers at a retailer with a great discount.
I have the Marantz Model 40n currently not Roon Ready but have a work around. Love the Marantz sound it’s more rolled off than what your likely used to with the powernode but has great resolve and detail. Very happy with it. I’d imagine the Model 60n or M1 or good too, I was wrong about the Stereo70s it’s not Roon Ready yet and got wrong model for the other.
Also consider Cambridge Audio amps also well liked and work well with Roon.
If you go here you can see what manufacturers and models are Roon Ready
Familiar with the Partners Page, there are so many listed, one of the reasons for this thread.
Noticed the 60n was shown as Roon Ready, but not the 40n (your device). Chatted with a Crutchfield Sales Rep and confirmed that the 60n is likely not Roon Ready either.
Yes it is. It launched being Roon Ready I believe. If it’s on the page it’s a certified device. So maybe in the next batch of Heos updates. Plenty of other choices as @Joost_Hoogland says NAD also have Roon Ready amps, reliability of NAD though is a bit hit & miss. I had one and had 4 faulty units so ditched it for Marantz.
Thanks Fernando! Interesting stuff, I’m excited about this option. It appears that a Forkbeard option for a Yaggi isn’t available yet, but seems like they are confident about the Gungnir option they’ve got enabled now.
The “stack” would definitely be more than my speakers could handle, but would take it easy while researching replacement speaker options.
I’m a Schiit fan and currently run a Ragnarok in my living room system. You could buy the Schiit gear and then use a Bluesound device as streamer. This will give you the same Roon set-up you have now but will add the need for a remote for volume changes (unless you use the new Forkbeard stuff, then you’d be able to use the Schiit app to change volume).
Here’s the downside to Schiit compared to your current set-up:
More boxes, although they are nice boxes, but there are more and they are warm so you don’t want to stack them.
Relay volume control isn’t for everyone (it makes a very audible clicking noise, you can find youtube videos. I actually like it and think its a great setup).
I’m not sure which preamp you’re looking at but integrating a sub will be different to difficult (compared to Bluesound).
Schiit gear kind of expects to be left on. The amp might have a standby mode but nothing else will. Everything else is a nice chunky switch on the back. I leave my stuff on.
Schiit multibit DACs need to be left on. I don’t know if its entirely audible but those multibit DACs want to run at a very constant temperature so you need to leave them on to come up to temp and stabilize before being at their optimal performance.
As a benefit, I think the Schiit gear is some of the highest performing per dollar stuff you can buy. It just works best as separates and not everyone can be “into” separates.
Other companies which do have integrated amps with streaming are NAD, Cambridge Audio (Evo), bel canto, D’Agostino, Devialet, Linn, Lyngdorf, Naim (actually, really look seriously at Naim), and a whole host of others… but you didn’t mention price…
