Hi guys,
I am interested to move from Roon app to either Lumin or Aurender Conductor native apps for better SQ over rich info. However, I prefer to control music playback right on PC (not Mac) over the apps on phones and tablets.
Is it possible to use Lumin or Aurender Conductor from PC desktop (windows 10) with android emulator programs like Bluestacks, MemuPlay or Noxplayer? Anyone has such experience? Is there any issue?
Thank you.
Roon is an app that tells you it knows better, but often with much annoyance, gets it badly wrong. If you are writing here, I can understand your post to try something different with a Lumin.
For desktop apps, there are two I've tried that *work* with Lumin, Jriver and Audirvana. If you find others, look and determine if they output DLNA.
I haven't tried the android emulators, the extra overhead may create more noise.
For the most stable performance, Jriver wins, there is a setting to stop the Lumin 'resetting' the DAC at the end of every track. Other than that, detection of the Lumin works, you have to setup generic DLNA server in Jriver first. The procedure is an ancient one, so if there's a wiki from a few prior versions, the new version will still work.
Audirvana has many UX and operational bugs which I can't recommend as a standalone player, let alone a source for the Lumin.
The most optimum is a standalone PC or a NAS for that matter that runs Minimserver. Very stable, and indexes super fast, Minimserver has a very low footprint as far as resources are concerned, but it's only a server, it does not select what you want to play. Sure it will advertise to apps it exists on the network. The client software will ask Minimserver what to play, the Lumin will receive and play. I don't know of an desktop app that controls Minimserver, just the Lumin and Esoteric apps on iPads or tablets. The main idea of using the ipads, because they are portable, can be operated anywhere within your home's wi-fi.
I've tried a few other control apps, but are below professional presentation, don't play DSD, indexing takes forever, dropouts.... the list goes on an on.
SQ wise, Jriver sounds rough compared to Minimserver/ipad, perhaps more overhead. and PC goings on. Use an EtherRegen before the Lumin, this device drastically cleans up noise and mess on network cabling, and worth every penny. If the ER is too steep a price, try the DXE-ISO plus filters, also take out a lot noise for very low price commitment.