Roon with UQ2
Posted by: Sorren on 26 July 2015
Hi. I have a quick question which I hope someone in the know might be able to answer. I know I am very unlikely to get a definitive answer but maybe a hypothetical one?
If Naim were to support the 'Roon Speakers' protocol in the future would my UQ2 be likely to be able to to this via a firmware update or would all new hardware be required?
I know this is just idle curiosity at this point but any information would be appreciated.
ATB Russell
Well, firstly, I really do hope Naim team up with Roon and adopt the RoonSpeaker protocol when it becomes available. Not everyone is going to jump on it because I suspect there will be the subscription fee to be paid to Roon, and also the Roon Core will need to be running elsewhere (currently this entails a PC/Mac computer, but there is a distinct possibility that some of the better specified NAS boxes, i.e powerful ones, may get a Linux version of Roon).
Still makes it fully worthwhile as there is nothing else out there that matches Roon in what it does. Including seamless Tidal integration (with extra bells 'n' whistles on top).
As far as I can tell, RoonSpeaker will be like AirPlay, but on steroids, no limitation on bit depth or sample rate. Roon are aiming to get this into every top-end player so I would imagine the mechanism will be a firmware update to the respective units. No reason as such why it should not be able to be adopted on current Naim streamers, but that's pure speculation for now. Seems that the RoonSpeaker protocol is very high on Roon's to-do list, so later this Summer and we may see it surface on some third party players (not necessarily Naim).
Allen
Thanks Allen. A considered response. I was hoping that this might be the case. I like the idea of Roon but also love my Qute.
Russell
Well, firstly, I really do hope Naim team up with Roon and adopt the RoonSpeaker protocol when it becomes available. Not everyone is going to jump on it because I suspect there will be the subscription fee to be paid to Roon, and also the Roon Core will need to be running elsewhere (currently this entails a PC/Mac computer, but there is a distinct possibility that some of the better specified NAS boxes, i.e powerful ones, may get a Linux version of Roon).
Still makes it fully worthwhile as there is nothing else out there that matches Roon in what it does. Including seamless Tidal integration (with extra bells 'n' whistles on top).
As far as I can tell, RoonSpeaker will be like AirPlay, but on steroids, no limitation on bit depth or sample rate. Roon are aiming to get this into every top-end player so I would imagine the mechanism will be a firmware update to the respective units. No reason as such why it should not be able to be adopted on current Naim streamers, but that's pure speculation for now. Seems that the RoonSpeaker protocol is very high on Roon's to-do list, so later this Summer and we may see it surface on some third party players (not necessarily Naim).
Allen
Dear Allen,
You seem to be the real "hands-on" expert here when it comes to Roon.
How are you faring with Roon, are you happy?
I am very interested in the development of Roon and would appreciate hearing what your daily positive and negative experiences are. I will buy a Auralic streamer, which I hear will be Roon proof soon, so I am preparing myself ;-)
PS. This you probably know, seems Roon and Qnap are currently developing the "distinct possibility" you speak of, to run Roon from a (top spec) Qnap NAS.
Thanks in advance and have a good weekend.