However, LMS can't compete with Roon's user interface, which is arguably second to none and is its actual main selling point - rather than its audio quality. Don't forget, Roon has no influence on the audio quality of your AirPlay (or Chromecast - if it's the CXN V2) supporting devices, since AirPlay (& Chromecast) has nothing to do with the Roon Advanced Audio Transport (RAAT) network audio protocol as used by native Roon endpoints. If you are willing to install & spend a little time to properly configure LMS for your particular devices, there's no reason why you won't experience the same audio quality as Roon from your music files. I'll check out LMS if it can do all the above but it looks like I may have to stick down the subscription route. There is no doubting though that the quality Roon outputs is out of this world. This is why I'd prefer to purchase software rather than be held to ransom if prices increase etc. My problem is a subscription to play something which is actually mine on something I own! It's only used for my music, no streaming services. I've not found anything with the simplicity of Roon to allow me to play from anything to anything. We have a Cambridge Audio Airplay speaker in the kitchen and one in the dining room. I have an iphone, and my wife iphone and ipad which are all used. I have a PC in the living room which does play music, and iMac for work which I also use for background music when I'm working. That PC itself doesn't play anything, it's just the Roon core. It's running headless at the moment as I'm trialing Roon and it seems to be more than capable. I've got JRiver to work but it's a little clunky compared to Roon.Īs for the mystery PC, it's just a small forma factor PC, 1tb SSD, AMD Athlon 2.2Ghz, 16gb ram running Windows. Yes Volumio was 'briefly' considered as I'd been told it was a cheaper alternative to Roon, which, after looking isn't.

Jriver media center 21 review