Astra Streaming Options

[mdconnelly]

Regarding Streaming on the Astra. I use Apple products. iPhone, iPad, MacBook.  I am reading that streaming to the Devialet Astra through AirPlay 2 sends a compressed signal vs UPnP.  However, I can't seem to figure out how to use UPnP as a controller on my iPhone.  My Devialet will not connect to Chromecast (don't know if it would make a difference anyway).  That seems to leave me with Roon, which only works if I have my MacBook near me to act as the "server" which is annoying. Or I have to spend $1k+ to buy a physical Roon Core. 

Any ideas?

*Side note, i can't even stream Tidal directly to the Devialet through Airplay.. it skips the whole time, Qobuz works fine.  Tidal only works seamlessly when I use Roon.

Why $1k+ for a Roon Core?   The Nucleus One is only $500 or you could go with an even more powerful NUC running ROCK for probably even less.   You'd still need to add an SDD or HDD to store your local music.   I've been running Roon on a NUC running ROCK on my Expert Pro 440 and it works like a charm.   Just be sure to use wired ethernet between your router and NUC or Nucleus One.  I'm assuming here that Roon on the Astra works as well as it does on the Expert Pro.