Is there an Roon endpoint that supports multichannel?

Audio Gear Talk
21

There is cheaper version with an integrated BluOS module: NAD T 758 v3. I will get one next week as an interim solution waiting for the NAD T 777 v3.

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22

But does NAD BluOS even support multichannel? All evidence seems to point to the contrary.

AJ

23

I use my Linux based Roon core to output HDMI multichannel to my 105D HDMI input.

24

Donā€™t think so, but the NAD should play multichannel over HDMI when connected to NUC/ROCK.

25

Chad and Wim, you seem to misunderstand the thread topic. Neither one of you is using a Roon endpoint, just a core. HDMI output from the core to HDMI input on an OPPO player or NAD AVR is irrelevant here. Again, Edward is seeking a networked endpoint with multichannel HDMI output. That is the sticky wicket.

AJ

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26

Thanks for clarifying this @WiWavelength!

27

Bummer. You would think a SURROUND receiver listed as Roon Ready would handle SURROUND music. :face_with_raised_eyebrow:

At least Iā€™m no longer tempted to spend money that I donā€™t have. :yum:

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28

Well, no, the ā€œsurroundā€ aspect refers to the traditional A/V segment, not necessarily the network segment. The latter is a real hodgepodge of capabilities. And unless/until a dominant standard emerges, network audio compatibility will continue to be a crapshoot.

AJ

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29

I wonder whether a networked HDMI extender from the core to the room where the Denon receiver is located would work. I assume the Denon, like my Marantz prepro, will do multichannel audio. Mine translates the HDMI input to 24/176.4 and runs the Audyssey MultiXT32 sound correction.

The product I am thinking of is this:https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_id=101&cp_id=10105&cs_id=1011012&p_id=16228&seq=1&format=2

In other words, extend the core to the other room. An idea to try and this is not expensive. Might need an HDMI splitter on the core end.

I use a PC on my remote end and take USB out to the miniDSP U-DAC8. Works well. RPi3 indeed wonā€™t go past 16/48 so not usable for high def multichannel. JCR

30

Home theater system is two floors and opposite side of the house from the Core. So, connecting the Core directly is too much trouble. So, my new planā€¦ Iā€™ve got a Microsoft Surface Pro 3 lying around unused (touch screen is not working). Iā€™ve connected it to the Denon using HDMI, and installed Roon Bridge on it. I had been hoping not to use a PC, but I guess itā€™s the best option for now. Itā€™ll be interesting to see how stable Windows will be here. :slightly_smiling_face:

31

Well, I see now that link you shared used Cat6. I actually do have a Cat6 between the Core device and the Denon. Gonna see how the PC works out. Good to have a backup option. Thanks!

32

Has someone tried a 5.1 channel DAC such as this one? Connected to an RPi endpoint and feeding the 5.1 analog input on the AVR?

33

This would appear to be for AC3 and DTS audio. While surround sound is indeed encoded in those formats, most often for movies, there doesnā€™t seem to support in this device for DVD-Audio or SACD (DSF or ISO files) which are what commonly are used for high def music. So, I doubt it would decode those important formats as a DAC. Plus, as noted above, if connected to an RPi3, the output will be limited to 16/48, so again, no high DSF audio.

The Surface Pro 3 should work well with HDMI out to your Denon, assuming your Denon is new enough to process high def audio through the HDMI input. JCR

34

It handles my hi def, multi channel FLAC files perfectly. What I canā€™t figure out though is how to prevent the music from stopping playing when the Surface display turns off. Every time it happens, Roon loses its connection.

35

This is a Windows issue not a Roon issue. If the video feed is turned off, it will also turn off the audio on HDMI. Try setting your screen to Never go to sleep and then have a blank screensaver.

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36

I have been using the following configuration:

  1. Synology NAS DS216+ running Roon Core and using MCH FLAC + MCH DSF (DSD) files on the NAS

  2. DUNE HD Solo lite (multimedia player) converting LAN to HDMI (supporting MCH FLAC + MCH DSF)

  3. Pioneer AVR VSX 1131 that uses the HDMI output from DUNE to play the MCH files (Using the DAC in the Pioneer AVR

  4. alternately I sometimes use my OPPO BDP 105 instead of the DUNE HD player. The OPPO 105 is just a bit slower in navigating. The new OPPO 205 is much faster in navigating through the files.

Both configurations work perfectly well (without ROON) for 5.1 music over the network.

Unfortunately none of my endpoints (OPPO, DUNE or Pioneer) is a certified ROON endpointā€¦ so I canā€™t use it with ROON for MCH as I would like to. OPPO, DUNE and Pioneer can all be connected to LAN and to HDMI
My preferred solution would be to have one of them being certified as a ROON endpoint.
Reading the OPPO comments in the OPPO section, OPPO will never support MCH with ROON in their current series.
Perhaps Pioneer or Dune can???

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37

Thanks! Iā€™ll give this a try. But Iā€™m wondering, is it bad to have the screen on 24 x 7, even if just a blank screen saver? Thanks.

38

How about Rock NUC HDMI out to Meridian HD621 to Meridian 568.2mm multichannel processor (or G61, G65, G68, 861ā€¦)?

39

That is too much equipment and too expensive, not to mention, Edward already has an AVR that accomplishes the same as all of the above Meridian gear.

People seem to be losing track of the specific request in this thread. Edwardā€™s core is on NAS in a remote room. His AVR in the listening room supports multichannel HDMI input. He seeks only a ~$500 network endpoint that supports multichannel HDMI output.

AJ

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40

Edward, I donā€™t think that having the video outputting to a screen that is set to a black screensaver should be an issue. I would expect that the Surface Pro 3 is your Roon endpoint ā€” and you donā€™t have to spend anything, let alone $500! JCR

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