@danny2 - right. Roon playback to an SB (or SonicOrbiter SE) will not provide all of what LMS does (yet) which is why I’m switching between Roon and LMS as needed. As Roon evolves, I suspect the reasons to switch back to LMS will be less & less (internet radio, iPhone controller, some plugin functionality currently in LMS, etc…)
Right now I need to buy an end point to replace a SB Duet that died over the holidays. I was looking to pickup a used SB Touch, but now I’m thinking the Sonicorrbiter SE might be a better choice - both near term (ability to use with LMS & Roon) and long term with Roon via RAAT.
The ability to use Roon in a mixed environment of Meridian/SqueezeBox/RAAT endpoints is way cool and a great transition solution to get people to give Roon a chance (hey, worked for me). But, syncing playback of multiple endpoints is one of the reasons I’ve stuck with LMS for so many years. While I wouldn’t be surprised if Roon will eventually be able to sync across these platforms, I betting that the better long-term view will be to have all RAAT/RoonSpeaker endpoints throughout. No?
If I was you I’d go with the Sonic Orbiter SE. It gives you full access to SB/LMS features, plus lots of flexibility to use other ecosystems (Roon,among others) if you ever want to. And I own 2 SBTs and a Boom, and formerly owned a Duet, if that means anything to you.
The Sonic Orbiter SE is new, and based on Sonore’s reputation I bet it sounds good.They have very good customer service. I bought a used SOtM SMS-100 (also based on Sonic Orbiter software) and they gave me free support, even though I hadn’t bought it from them.
Received my Orbiter SE this afternoon. Simple to operate, install. Playing through roon ready no issues sounds fantastic. USB to a PS Audio Directstream
I have been pondering the same question. I currently have a DAC i am happy with and was looking to purchase a SonicOrbiter SE as soon as the RAAT update is released. With Roon i believe we should get that here sooner rather than later but in regards to MQA i just don’t know. The only music available currently is very niche, and who knows how long it will take until there is a better selection.
I have decided to fight my nature and try to avoid being a cutting edge adopter with MQA until a couple of my questions become more clear, specifically if hardware decoding adds some element software decoding doesn’t. That being said if i was currently looking to upgrade then MQA compatibility would be a bigger factor in my decision rather than wait and see.
It seems you could get something like this and the Explorer2 from Meridan and have both for a moderately low investment.
Why is it $298.00 when it’s basically a CuBox-i that sells for between $100 - $169, depending on configuration? Isn’t it running the same open source software?
On the second one: custom image for easy switching of endpoint selection, I am not sure I understand what that means. Do you mean multiple boot/runtime images that are pre-configured for a variety of uses? For example, one with Shairport or Squeezelite enabled and/or one setup for MPD or uPnP playback?
Someone already loaded and configured all the software so that the consumer does not have to. And it’s tested.
For me that would have saved many, many hours tinkering. This opens the product up to people that have zero knowledge of Linux, and don’t want to learn - people looking for a turn key solution.
If I had to do it all over again, I’d happily have spent a few extra bucks to get a linear power supply AND save myself a ton of time. But we all place a different value on time and dollars.
I don’t want to speak for Rene, but that’s what seems to be implied. Though having no hands on experience with the product, that’s just conjecture. Not really sure you one would turn one feature off (like ShairPort), and another on (like Squeezelite). Looking forward to feedback from people who try it.
My understanding is one has to “choose” between the different modes. Is there a reason why one can’t have multiple modes operational simultaneously? For example have the unit able to receive RoonReady and Airplay? Obviously not actually streaming at the same time, but ready to receive.
I understand it’s because the software is modular. One program decodes AirPlay, another RAAT etc. It might be possible to create an overarching program that detects format and calls appropriate programs, but this unit leaves it to the user do that.
Another reason to buy this instead of a generic Cubox box: you will get support from Small Green Compuer/Microjukebox/Sonore. They are known for giving good support, even including remote logon to your system to fix problems.
You need to have an app “attached” to your DAC. This app has full control of your DAC for things like volume control. There is no way to have two apps running at once on one USB device. But it’s very easy to switch. You just go to the app switcher on your phone and press the button for the app you want.
Just received my SonicOrbiter SE this morning and hooked it up over lunch. Setup was very easy, just plugged it in, found the device’s ip on my router, set it to Roon and 1 or two click later added the output to the Roon app was ready to go. Only had a few minutes to listen but sound quality was very good on initial impression.
Strange issue with my Sonicorbiter SE : Roon (latest version 1.1 build 99) only detects it when I set the Sonicorbiter output to SPDIF, as soon as I reconfigure the Sonicorbiter to use the USB output it disappears from Roon. It is of course always visible on the network. I guess I am doing something wrong ???
Note that I am using an Oppo BDP-105D as a DAC.