I don't use Roon as I don't figure the management of my library of audio files is yet worth the expense of a Roon subscription - just not necessary for me at this point - but Roon should be able to handle virtually any files you hand to it, doesn't matter the source; ripped CDs or vinyl, or purchased online downloads.
For a small form factor, well constructed, high quality box streamer, look at the Cambridge MXN10 I mentioned a few comments above. It's a great little device with awesome sound quality. Qobuz integration in Cambridge's StreamMagic app is mostly very good. It's just a groovy little plug'n'play device, and quite affordable, too.
First thanks to all for all the info; I think it’s penetrating this thick old boomer skull…
1. I could do the build Rasp. Pi thing, but I do not want a computer in my living/listening room. I deal with software almost 24x7 now, and don’t want anymore - LOL
2. My CD collection isn’t sufficiently large that I feel the need to spend all that time ripping them, and then if/when I did (see #1 above) I don’t want to have another “server” environment to maintain.
3. Sounds like given that I have NO ripped/stored media of my own I wouldn’t need Roon. (Does Roon work with ripped content if the source happened to be LP? Because THAT might be something I could get into (having 2000 LPs). Never bothered to digitize them (I have the zPhono USB) as never had the time. THAT might be worth having a private music server!
4. I can easily run Ethernet cable from my router to the cabinet with my other gear
5. I prefer as close to small, quality, “just a box/appliance” as possible, so the Ifi looks quite attractive in that regard
So a streaming device (like he SoTM Neo or Ifi Zen) + a subscription to a service (e.g. Qobuz or other) - is that literally all I need? I want something I can easily teach my techno-phobic-ignorant wife about; I don’t want yet another “system” I have to “maintain”…. If any of that makes sense?
Any update from anyone on this thread re a new preamp (Saga S type) for RCA users? I see Jason posted about lack of direction on this in January - has anything been decided? I think for a lot of us smaller amp users, the lack of a multi-input preamp is a a pain/stumbling block...! Nor do the Chinese manufacturers seem interested in doing anything in this category that's non-tube...
....
As an analogy, that would be like saying because Toyota once made this monstrosity:
...
...someone should never even consider, much less purchase one of these:
...
My thoughts about the Vali 3 are, it will give me a way to give a better listen to 12AU7’s before and after they are incorporated into my PrimaLuna amp. I will also be sending along a Loki Mini + I kept around for mini rack staging. Gear comes gear goes, and the rest is Ripper and Cowenisms.
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