Roon endpoint questions - One that also support Spotify Connect

I agree with @Bill_Janssen, just use the USB connection from the RPI to the Rotel. The amp’s DAC supports up to 24/192, so you’re good to go.

I realise you’ve already ordered the RPi, just my thoughts to add to the comments made already:

The Sonore microRendu offers nothing more than a RPi4 running Ropieee in all honesty and it’s a whole lot more expensive. With Ropieee, updates are free and run seamlessly in the background. With Sonore, you have to buy the updates on microSD card.

Sure, Ropieee isn’t a commercialised product, but it’s not costing a commercialised price, either. There’s plenty of support available on the forums here, including from the developer.

I’ve just switched from HiFiBerry OS with a HAT to Ropieee with an external DAC for my office system. The external DAC (SMSL Sanskrit 10th MK II) allows me to run the optical output from the TV to my headphone amp :slightly_smiling_face:

Ropieee setup was a cinch. Downloaded the image file, downloaded Etcher (free). Flashed the image file to the MocroSD card with Etcher, plugged the card into the RPi, powered up, wait a few minutes. Logged in via IP address , (you can also login via Ropieee local) made a couple of changes to the settings and voila, new Roon endpoint. Takes about as long as making a nice cup of coffee and it’s no more difficult!

I just purchased a Denon AVR (x3700h) that is “Roon tested,” which means the receiver has airplay 2 capability and, therefore, can be used as an endpoint – wired or wireless. It is also capable of playing Spotify or any other service. And, it has bluetooth so you could stream that way as well. Last, it has zone capabilities, so I can play Roon in the living room and adjoining kitchen.

Anyway, the receiver sounds great playing Roon and it always works, so I am happy and impressed by the features.

I assume the new Denon processors have airplay 2 and are Roon capable as well.

@Sammie

Airplay would be a bit lower SQ than Roon RAAT, so if you can add an endpoint (player) to your AVR, I think you would be happier yet.

My Aurender will cast Roon with a Shairplay (Airplay) feature, but it doesn’t accept Roon RAAT. Roon RAAT will sound better for you. Most of the people on this thread seem to like RPIs. I like Sonore gear for the features and support.

Thanks for the tips. Yes, the Sonore gear is great. I have ultrarendu in main system, but their endpoint is $1000, so no go for me. I’ll take a look at other possibilities.

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RPI or maybe the new microRendu. Either way, you’ll get a jump in performance from Shairplay/Airplay.

I have a Allo USBridge Signature running Ropieee feeding my Michi P5 Pre-Amp/DAC which is just a Rotel and uses the same drivers etc and it works flawlessly. USBridge Signature Player - Ultra low noise RPI
It came with DietPi and Allo GUI but I find the Ropieee OS much better and it supports all my file formats, flac dsd wav natively.

Tony,

On Allo website, USBridge Signature Player has a HDMI output, which I’d prefer for my Denon receiver. But what would you recommend for the drop down menu: “discount add ons”? Thanks

Received and successfully setup a Pi 4 with RoPieee. I then upgraded RoPieee to XL but can not see the AirPlay etc. on the .local site or devices, I assume there is a setting I missed, any help would be appreciated.

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Goto the local ropieee admin webpage, hit the RopieeXL tab, enable “shairpoint-sync” for airplay, and “librespot” for spotify (audio ouput = )

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Thanks Mike

Sonore Rendu products are Spotify Connect ready.

They’re also considerably more expensive than a RPi based endpoint and future firmware/software updates have to be purchased at additional cost.

A microRendu in the UK costs £395.

My RPi4B with a case and power supply cost me £63.

Ropieee, HiFiBerry OS etc. and their future updates are provided FoC.

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I occasionally use Spotify though my Matrix Audio element X airdrop.

RPIs are great budget players. No argument there.