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RE: Most Intuitive User Interface

Active development with feature updates and bug fixes have been on going since Roon's inception 10 years ago. Harman International only recently acquired Roon Labs and I haven't seen any "changes" to it. It's the same Roon with continued investment as best I can tell. I especially enjoy Roon's intuitive user interface across various devices, rich meta data links, and advanced music discovery tools. I outright purchased a lifetime Roon license about 7 years ago (before the price hikes) so I'm not paying a monthly subscription.

I run Roon Server on my Mac Mini or the Synology NAS hidden in the basement. In my setup Roon Remote runs on the iPhone or iPad. Roon Bridge runs on my DIY Raspberry Pi streamers, the Eversolo DMP-A8 streamer is Roon Ready, and Roon ARC runs on my iPhone while pedestrian mobile, bicycling, on a road trip, or in another part of the country.

I am particularly interested in ongoing updates to Roon ARC for portable / mobile use over the cellular network.


Roon ARC is a mobile app designed to extend the Roon music experience beyond the home environment. Here are the key features and aspects of Roon ARC:

Core Functionality:
Roon ARC allows users to access their entire Roon library and features remotely, providing a seamless music experience on-the-go. It functions as a custom-built streaming service powered by the user's Roon system at home.

Library Access and Features:
Full Library Access: Users can explore their complete collection of artists, albums, playlists, and personal music files

- Streaming Integration: Supports integration with TIDAL, Qobuz, and KKBOX streams

- Discovery Features: Offers Roon's discovery tools like staff-curated playlists, Daily Mixes, New Releases, and personalized recommendations

- Library Management: Allows users to add albums, create playlists, set favorites, and create tags while mobile

Audio Quality and Control:
MUSE DSP Audio Suite: Provides advanced audio shaping features including EQ, balance control, volume leveling, and support for FLAC, DSD & MQA

- Customizable Sound: Users can create and save audio presets for different listening environments

Offline Capabilities:
Roon ARC offers offline listening by allowing users to download personal music files for playback without an internet connection.

Vehicle Integration:
The app integrates with car systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for convenient and safe playback while driving.

Network Requirements
Roon ARC requires the user's home network to be configured to allow remote connections. In many cases, this can be set up automatically, but some users may need to manually configure port forwarding.

Availability and Compatibility:

Free for Roon subscribers

Available for iOS (12+) and Android (9+) devices. Requires Roon 2.0 or later running on the user's core system. Roon ARC is a powerful tool for Roon users who want to take their music experience beyond the home environment.


My iPad as Roon Remote Control at home

Mac, PC, iPhone, Android device, Apple Watch can also be used for remote control

Albums via Roon on my TV

Roon ARC on my iPhone with Apple CarPlay to the car infotainment system

The iPhone is connected to the car's USB port via the Apple Lightning cable. Similar to connecting the iPhone to a portable DAC like the AudioQuest DragonFly, music from the iPhone is sent at full (lossless) resolution in the digital domain to the car's DAC. No AUX cable, no Bluetooth, no USB sticks with music files on them. And it sounds excellent! Playlists that I created at home consisting of my own music files and selections from Qobuz & Tidal streaming services also appear consolidated in one very handy App - the Roon ARC App on the iPhone. Album art and basic controls additionally appear on the car's infotainment navigation screen via Apple CarPlay (or Android Auto if you're not an Apple fan). Basic controls are also on the car's steering wheel.




Edits: 09/16/24

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