Is there really just one Roon-Ready Speaker with Headphone Out

Audio Gear Talk
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I am trying to find a small all-in-one hifi device for the bedroom. I want to use it mostly for headphone listening, but occasionally, would like to listen through a speaker. Were it for headphones only, I know there is the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition (which is out of my price range) and then the Bluesound Node 2i (which would be feasible) and other options (though not too many). When it comes to the device I am looking for, it seems there is almost nothing. The only option I found is the Pulse line by Bluesound. Now, does anyone here have experience with their headphone sections? Are they any good? I am a bit skeptic as some Pulses cost less than the Node even though they have one additonal feature (the speaker, that is).

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The normal Naim Unit Atom has speaker and headphone output (though the headphone output is not as good as in the headphone edition)

Edit: I see now you said out of the price range

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Thanks! Out of my price range, yes, but also I would like a standalone speaker, not only the option to add speakers. Like a small Bluetooth active speaker, but with headphone out. And Roon, of course :slight_smile:

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I use a Bluesound Pulse Flex in a bedroom. This has a headphone jack, but I’ve not tried it as I use a Mojo Poly.

The Bluesound speakers are good, but placement is important, so don’t expect great results unless the furniture you’re using is solid. Build quality is excellent, and you get a lot of connectivity for £249 €299 direct from Bluesound.

Since they’re available online with free shipping, you can try for up to 14 days and return if you’re not satisfied.

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Ah! Difficult and I can’t think of any, sorry

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Also consider speakers with AirPlay. Roon Tested.

Might widen your search.

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What headphones are you using if its not for too discerning (bedroom) listening then have you considered Bluetooth headphones , the Sony WH 1000 MX (3,4,5) , are all good , apply a bit of EQ and Sony’s BT tech and they sound great or Sennheiser Momentums etc

I have the MX4’s and a Beoplay A1 BT speaker , after that all you need is your phone/tablet, I use a (battery) worn out iPad Mini

It’s my kitchen source , I sleep in the bedroom :smiling_imp:

BTW my main headphone source is the Naim Uniti Atom HE ,/ Sennheiser HD800 yes it is really good !!

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Thanks everyone!! @AMT: Good idea, but interestingly, there are very few AirPlay speakers with headphone jack. Seems to be an either/or-thing.
@mjw Could I by any chance entice you to try out the Pulse Flex headphone? Especially in comparison with the much loved Mojo. That would be very interesting indeed. Thanks a lot in advance!
@Mike_O_Neill I am using the Meze 109 Pro, which are excellent. Open headphones of course, so only makes sense when the missus is out of town or goes to bed later. I also own the Sony MX5, but only use them for listening on the train or plane as the noise cancelling is truly fantastic.

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The FiiO R7 Desktop HiFi Streaming Music Player AMP/DAC Headphone Amplifier paired with the FiiO SP3 Powered HiFi Active Desktop Speakers

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Great combo – but too big for my nightstand :slight_smile:

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Perhaps you need a larger nightstand?

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… that would require a larger apartment. Not sure the missus would love that. Especially when she finds out that a dongle DAC would mostly do the trick :slight_smile:

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Might this fit the bill? Not Roon Ready but has Airplay 2 so you could use that

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@Phil_Wright Very interesting indeed! Speaker, streamer, headphone out, even a CD player and FM radio. Qi charger on top. Not Roon ready, but as you said, AirPlay could be the compromise here. Comes out this month, will be interesting to read sone reviews. Thanks!

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Okay, I tried it, and I’d say the headphone stage is good, and benefitted with crossfade.

However, it lacks the clarity and detail of the Mojo Poly. My feeling is that this is a reflection of the onboard DAC; it’s not in the same league as the Mojo. But, I was pleasantly surprised, and it’s definately an improvement on, for example, iPhone + Bluetooth headphones.

Note: I used Beyerdynamic T5p headphones, and these are very easy to drive.

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Wonderful! Thanks very much indeed, I really appreciate it. Good to hear that the Bluesound headphone section was a pleasant surprise. I guess I‘ll order one! Will report back here. Thanks again!!

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I use to own a Sonos Play:5 Gen 1 speaker. For what it was, was ok. Aux input, headphone output.

I believe they still work with Roon via Sonos Streaming. Cannot confirm though.

Going quite cheap on eBay and other places if 2nd hand was ok for you.

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Thanks! Sounds like an interesting alternative (as it typically is with Sonos and Bluesound).

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The new Bluesound NODE with the Silver finish is an upgraded DAC and a much better Headphone amp with 1/4" socket. Steve Huff reviewed it on his channel and loved it.

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But no speaker

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