11-Jan-2016, 17:23
(This post was last modified: 11-Jan-2016, 17:31 by Hifi_swlon.)
For those that don't know, the RoonReady program allows manufacturers to incorporate the new Roon streaming protocol (RAAT, or 'Roon Advanced Audio Transport) into their devices firmware, supporting streaming up to 24/384 and DSD, as well as zoned playback, and volume control etc.
RAAT is essentially 'Air', but more advanced, open to all manufacturers, and with more functions (such as proper manufacturer integrated volume control) and by all accounts stable (as far as we know from early developers/testers). And this is just at launch.
A whole host of manufacturers (below) have been announced at CES this week, and we're told a lot more to come:
AURALiC, Audio Alchemy, Bel Canto, Bryston, Cary Audio, Constellation Audio, dCS, Exasound, IQ Audio, LH Labs, Lumin, PS Audio, Small Green Computer, Sonore, SoTM, and TotalDAC.
The reason hardware manufacturers seem to like it, is that they retain responsibility for getting the best SQ out of their device, while Roon is responsible for the front end and delivery of the audio data to the device in a format that requires minimal processing by the hardware. For manufacturers that have their own streaming software, this instantly gives their customers another option, and takes pressure off their development. For those without, (or with failing ones), it gives them a big boost of a high-end UI.
Sadly, when I approached Devialet about adding it, I was told they're not considering it, and the main reason given was (paraphrasing) 'lack of interest'. So while a large chunk of high-end audio gear will start to gain advanced streaming capabilities beyond that of Air, us Devialet users will get left behind. For me personally - having never managed to get Air working properly despite it being the main reason I bought into Devialet - it's another blow.
For anyone who uses Roon, or is even considering it, or even people who have given up with Air and are looking for an alternative, all I can suggest is that you to contact Devialet support directly and ask that they implement RoonReady into their next firmware update. Even if you don't use Roon, having it incorporated will do nothing to harm the resale value of your lovely Devialet…..
There's more information on the DAR website here: http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/0...rtnerships. And lots more over at the Roon forums.
Roon will also launch 'RoonSpeakers' this year, which is the software version enabling users to add the same thing to their computers - initially its thought Mac, Windows, Linux and lightweight devices like the Raspberry Pi will be supported. This could of course then be connected to your Devialet via USB, but would mean missing out on the lovely minimalist connection direct to the network port, and also missing out on things like control of the Dev's volume, and whatever else they add down the line.
What do other Dev owners think?
Meantime, just for fun, a pic from Auralic of the Aries with RoonSpeakers enabled.
RAAT is essentially 'Air', but more advanced, open to all manufacturers, and with more functions (such as proper manufacturer integrated volume control) and by all accounts stable (as far as we know from early developers/testers). And this is just at launch.
A whole host of manufacturers (below) have been announced at CES this week, and we're told a lot more to come:
AURALiC, Audio Alchemy, Bel Canto, Bryston, Cary Audio, Constellation Audio, dCS, Exasound, IQ Audio, LH Labs, Lumin, PS Audio, Small Green Computer, Sonore, SoTM, and TotalDAC.
The reason hardware manufacturers seem to like it, is that they retain responsibility for getting the best SQ out of their device, while Roon is responsible for the front end and delivery of the audio data to the device in a format that requires minimal processing by the hardware. For manufacturers that have their own streaming software, this instantly gives their customers another option, and takes pressure off their development. For those without, (or with failing ones), it gives them a big boost of a high-end UI.
Sadly, when I approached Devialet about adding it, I was told they're not considering it, and the main reason given was (paraphrasing) 'lack of interest'. So while a large chunk of high-end audio gear will start to gain advanced streaming capabilities beyond that of Air, us Devialet users will get left behind. For me personally - having never managed to get Air working properly despite it being the main reason I bought into Devialet - it's another blow.
For anyone who uses Roon, or is even considering it, or even people who have given up with Air and are looking for an alternative, all I can suggest is that you to contact Devialet support directly and ask that they implement RoonReady into their next firmware update. Even if you don't use Roon, having it incorporated will do nothing to harm the resale value of your lovely Devialet…..
There's more information on the DAR website here: http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/0...rtnerships. And lots more over at the Roon forums.
Roon will also launch 'RoonSpeakers' this year, which is the software version enabling users to add the same thing to their computers - initially its thought Mac, Windows, Linux and lightweight devices like the Raspberry Pi will be supported. This could of course then be connected to your Devialet via USB, but would mean missing out on the lovely minimalist connection direct to the network port, and also missing out on things like control of the Dev's volume, and whatever else they add down the line.
What do other Dev owners think?
Meantime, just for fun, a pic from Auralic of the Aries with RoonSpeakers enabled.
>>> 1st Place Award: Devialet, last decades most disappointing technology purchase. <<<
