Roon is expensive? The last time I looked it was $499 for a lifetime membership. Of course that could be expensive if Roon folds in a year but I'm not sure how likely that is (I've genuinely no idea) & I suppose it's also expensive if its competition is free. But if it does what you want it to do & lasts for many years I wouldn't have thought that a few hundred (insert name of local currency) is very much in the overall cost of a decent setup.

Cinema: Meridian 271, 3 x DSP640 (behind screen), 4 x DSP320 (in-ceiling), 4 x DSP3100 (surrounds), 2 x AC12 (interface). 2 x Perlisten D12s subs, Lyngdorf MP40 processor. DT 145" 2.35 AT screen. Sony VW870 projector & S-T lens, Lumagen Radiance Pro.
Lounge: Roon, NUC, Kef LS50 Wireless + 2 x REL Gibraltar-2 subs

Meridian owner since 1998