I don’t want to use Allo or Pi or similar as an end point. Can anyone recommend an under-$1,000 (preferably under $500) amp or preamp with or without built in DAC, or a DAC, that’s Roon-ready (not Roon-tested). Going through the “partners” list and trying to find one is a PIA, as the manufactures’ sites often don’t confirm “Roon-ready.” Would the little Pro-Ject pre/dac work well? Thanks.
Bluesound Node 2i - Fantastic product.
Thanks. Just read a lot of mostly good reviews from Crutchfield site. Is it easy to get Roon working through it? I purchased 2 Allo units and could get neither to work with Roon.
Well, the Node 2i can be tricky to get working. Some people have a lot of issues; especially if you are going to use WiFi; ethernet is pretty stable.
What Allo product(s) did you buy? I own the DigiOne (with DietPi) and it was absolutely plug and play. I plugged in the ethernet cable, plugged in the COAX to the DAC, Roon say it immediately. Done.
I had the DigiOne Player and the DigiOne Signature. I could get neither to work, the first one after many emails with Allo. The Signature, for me, was certainly not “plug and play,” so I sold it at a discount on eBay.
I do have Kef LS50w’s, which Roon recognized and are playing (I’m not wild about the sound, so the speakers are going back).
I only use Ethernet.
Well, I would search on Node 2i in these forums and read the threads as part of due diligence in the purchase.
The Pro-ject also has it’s issues, so, search the forums again to see what people have to say.
You might look into the https://orchardaudio.com/pecanpi-streamer
Thanks. Orchard has an interesting alternative. I ordered a Bluesound PowerNode 2i to try out. I can return it if I don’t like it. It’s for a den system; I use a sonicTransport and ultraRendu for the main system.