I am installing Roon Server on an Intel Mac Mini from 2014, which is working fine.
In order to use ARC on the iPhone, I have to release the port in the Fritz.Box. This is then visible to everyone on the internet, which is a potential security risk.
That’s why I want to set up a VPN and on the iPhone too.
Will that work?
Tidal via Roon ARC.
I listen to 70-80% of my music on the iPhone. Well, I could delete the Tidal app on the iPhone because I listen to Tidal via Roon.
I now imagine that the Roon Server calls up the Tidal stream and then streams it to my cell phone via the ARC app. This generates twice as much traffic as if I stream the music directly via the Tidal app. Which wouldn’t make sense to me.
Do I see that correctly? Because without a running Server, I can’t access Tidal music either.
The question that arises for me. Is Roon even designed to be used primarily on the iPhone, or do I have to look for something else (Plex)?
In the Tidal/Qobuz streaming case, the Roon Server only performs the authentication (that’s why you need the home server), but ARC receives the music stream directly from Tidal/Qobuz.
It’s certainly not designed to be “primarily” used with ARC. The primary and more mature use of Roon is certainly still in the home setting. ARC works well for many people and poorly for others, often for reasons that are not quite clear. It is getting better but progress in reliability took some time and it’s still not perfect. If I didn’t use Roon at home, I wouldn’t use ARC but the streaming service apps. With my home music in Roon, though, ARC is now better for me than the streaming service apps.
ARC is unreliable in my experience, play queues vanishing being the biggest headache necessitating a close and reopen of ARC and then resuming of the queue.
Not something I can legally do when solo in the car and needing to use the phone, without pulling over.
Some of us use Plexamp for reliable listening of music away from home, especially commuting, me included.
I would retain the Tidal app on your phone.
I also run LMS within the home as a Roon alternative. Sometimes Roon falls over for one reason or another and I like an alternative ready.
Thank you very much.
Yes, I found that out through research and it’s not Roon’s fault.
That’s fine, but it negates the biggest advantage of Roon, as I listen to music on the go 70% of the time from my iPhone.
An album that I listen to every day on Tidal, I usually download. With Roon, it is streamed again every day.
The same goes for playlists that I listen to often. These are downloaded locally to save traffic.
Since this is not possible, I might as well use the Tidal app. But then I don’t really need the integration in Roon.
And then the advantage of Roon over Plex disappears and I can switch to the significantly cheaper Plex.
That’s also an appointment, thank you very much.
That’s why ‘local music’ is making a comeback. Not sure on what you like, but searching charity shops (thrift store for the USA’ers), online auctions, and online stores. I’ve picked up albums as little as 20p, 50p, 5 for £1, etc. Well worth looking to see if you can get your favourite albums.