Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Hardware with Roon Application Component that can act as Roon Controller?

I’m interested in a hardware component (a streamer, probably) that can act as a Roon controller. I want it to control my Roon Core connected to my Meridian 218. I don’t want it to be a Roon endpoint or a Roon core. I just want a nice screen and volume knob to be a CONTROLLER for the Roon/218 hookup that I already have.

Can any of the popular streamers do this? Mark Levinson, Aurender, NAD, etc?

How much are you prepared to pay ?

What must such a hardware device do that say an iPad mini on a nice stand doesn’t does (wrt controlling Roon)?

I am a little confused by your stated requirements:

Nice screen

Volume knob

Needs to control Roon

Not a Roon endpoint

All we know about your system is that it includes a 218 and something acting as a Roon core. The iPad mentioned by ncpl covers some of the requirements but can be a Roon endpoint and doesn't have a volume knob. The manufacturers you mention would all be Roon endpoints, thus possibly negating the need for the 218. Does the nice screen need to be a touch screen or a display screen? A Mark Levinson would be a very expensive volume knob 😃.

If you want a physical ‘volume knob’ I suggest trying to find the recently discontinued Meridian AC200 - that can be linked to your existing 218 via SL. Your 218 is already your Roon endpoint.

There’s a used example on eBay.

Even so, if you just want to add a comprehensive streamer to your existing 218, I suggest adding a Sonos Port. While the latter is not a Roon device your 218 already is.

I use the Scenic Nuimo with a stand mounted iPad Pro as shown in the video link below. The Nuimo has bee discontinued, it they still show up on the used market. It is a very nice controller for volume and navigation.

Bruce, if you were quoting a brand new 2ch system today for a family of mostly non-technical people (who nevertheless enjoy awesome sound), and the budget were in the $100k range, what would you be recommending for speakers, preamp, and interface?

What kind of setup actually gets used the most? I imagine those are the happiest customers.

I will give you the accountants answer: " it depends".

What streaming services are desired or currently used?

Are you heavily invested in Roon?

Do you have a large local library?

Do you still use physical Media?

Do you use Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify or Apple music?

Is there a control system involved or is mobile device app the preferred method?

Probably many more questions.

We're effectively all-streaming these days. Tidal and some Spotify. Some kind of in house lossless casting would be nice (ie Airplay 2) for other sources.

That is a very sweeping statement. And in fact incorrect.

I only play locally ripped files. I play this via a Roon lifetime license since it’s the only thing left that supports ID40/41.

Of course I’m stuck on Roon 1.8 due to the ridiculous always on internet access required for Roon 2.0.

I would also say, I also actually play CD’s since I have an 808 player. It may seem quaint, but you may have noticed other “old” formats are having a revival. Vinyl anyone?

Cheers
Greg

Simple, easy to use non Meridian system but nicely integrated:


System 1

Grimm Audio MU1
Grimm Audio LS1be
Grimm Audio SB1 Subwoofer X2
Apple TV Toslink audio into MU1

Around $75000.00 allowing for custom finishes. This is a Roon Centric system where the Apple TV is also a endpoint allowing Airplay to be used into the MU1 Toslink input. All controlled Via Roon App. Budget still has room for other tweeks while still staying within budget.

System 2

Grimm Audio MU2
Ayre Acoustics VX5 Twenty
Vandersteen Model 7 MK II
Apple TV for Airplay as with MU1 system

Again a Roon centric system with higher performance amplifiers and speakers. around $97000.00 allowing for custom finishes. Dropping down to Vandersteen Kento Carbons would allow room in the budget for tweeks and cables.

Meridian Based

818v3
DSP9
Apple TV for Airplay

All app controlled via Roon and Meridian Control App $99000.00 

By “we,” I meant “my family and I.”