I have 3 streaming devices, a WiiM Ultra, Eversolo Play, and Eversolo DMP-A10. I am trying to understand differences in listening experiences. When I stream Tidal or music from my library through the Wiim native app or through the Roon server, I cannot discern any difference. When I stream through the Eversolo Play native vs roon the native is slightly better. When I stream native through the Eversolo DMP-A10 I notice a significant difference between content streaming though the Eversolo native apps vs my Roon server. The Eversolo native apps have a better sound stage, improved fine details and more pleasing base. I am at a loss to understand. In my mind there should not be any differences between what I hear either way. For reference, I am not using any DSP features in the Roon system. For this expereince to happen, I have to conclude that either something in the Roon server is changing the content or Eversolo has some functionality the does not treat the Roon stream the same as streaming through its native apps. Has anyone else expereinced this?
These sorts of questions have been debated endlessly on this and other audio forums. There is no answer to your question. Others have observed similar differences and there are many potential reasons that get discussed forever with no resolution. Best advice is listen to what you like. If you like native apps better than Roon, do that.
All things being equal, as demonstrated by the WiiM, the most likely reason is volume levelling. Differences in volume result in the perception that one source is better than the other.
Rule this out first, before looking for other explanations.
It is already proven that Roon does not alter the stream (PCM or DSD.)
Could you clarify how everything is connected?
Are you using the same DAC and amp?
A lot of variables here.
Not really suspecting the Roon. I used SPL meter to normalize listening. Was thinking it might be something the manufacturer does. I will look on their forums. It is not as simple as “listen to what you like” as there are differences in functionality and Roon has advantages over native apps.
Cynic’s corner: of vendor X’s limited optimization, debugging, and testing budget, what fraction do you think goes for X’s native app and data paths vs Roon, which for X may just be another checkmark on a feature list?
If it’s worse, it would violate Roon Ready certification though, and Roon is supposed to verify