Thanks much for the explanations. But as usual some things raise further questions. For example, I know the Core is the Core of the system, but when I read the definition, I wish I knew what the various pieces are and what they do. For me it is an understatement to say that Roon is “a bit overloaded on the terminology” (lol). I think it would help my understanding grow if I read documentation more, but still, I find the documentation less enlightening than I think it should be, I do find it very well written, but it seems to speak to a higher level of background understanding than I have. I find myself longing for the much simpler analog world! Take RAAT for example. Even after reading the definition I still don’t have a good feel for what it is, it still reads to me as very abstract. I didn’t really understand RAAT until I saw RAAT.exe somewhere. The addition of .exe was enormously enlightening to me. But I still don’t know if RAAT is a subroutine of Core, or just where and how it fits in. Perhaps I don’t need to know all that but I do think I would find it all easier to understand. Similarly confusing is Roon Bridge. I thought it was a generic name for a physical device. No, it, too, is software. Well, I digress. I can see I have a LOT to learn.
Turning to my system. I would use slightly different terminology. Though, first, I have no idea why HDMI is associated to the Nucleus. There is not a single HDMI cable in the room, nor a device that needs an HDMI cable.
I actually have four Zones, two computers with music systems attached and two music systems.
Zone 1 is Windows Computer, Roon Nucleus, Alpha USB, DDP-1 DAC
Zone 2 is living room system, DMP-1, Berkeley DAC
Zone 3 is TV room, OPPO
Zone 4 is 2nd Windows Computer (husband)
I have to add I enjoy it enormously when I play music all over the house! What a treat that is. But I do wish it would be a little more Plug and Play.
My next challenge is to integrate my new QOBUZ subscription into Roon. I hope the documentation will be helpful!
