Are you looking for a way to upgrade the streaming capabilities of your existing audio system but don’t know quite where to start? If so, fear not, you’re not alone! This is easily one of our most-asked questions, and for good reason. Pulling it off tastefully can feel a bit like conquering the home audio equivalent of having your high-res streaming cake and eating it too!
Just exploring the possibilities for crafting the ideal streaming recipe can feel daunting when there are so many device choices and starting points for existing setups. And most importantly, how do you infuse streaming in your current system without altering the tonal complexity and musical richness you already know and savor?
Well, it’s a lot easier than you might think, all you need are a few carefully chosen ingredients. Allow me to help in this How to Roon quick guide. I’ll slice and dice some essential tips and tricks — all you’ll need to do is combine them and enjoy the music.
Assessing your current system: The first step to streaming success
Before we dive into choosing a recipe, we need to do a couple things — figure out what you’re making and take stock of what you have on hand. The same is true of any project. So, first, let’s nail down what you want to do.
Are you trying to modernize vintage gear that predates streaming? Do you want to upgrade a system with limited streaming capabilities by making it fully Roon Ready? Or maybe you’re not a Roon user at all, but you’re seeking a similar solution and open to a sample of Roon. Take our customers’ word for it — it can totally transform the way you experience music! Either way, you’re in luck, today’s menu covers all these options.
I had the opportunity to get a 60-day free trial for Roon with the purchase of my HiFi Rose streamer. After about 4 weeks, I made the decision to purchase a lifetime subscription and am happy with my purchase. You don’t realize what you were missing until you have it. I can’t imagine not having Roon.
Marc C — Roon Community
The good news is that virtually any stereo system—from the exotic tube amp you inherited from your audiophile uncle to the trusty home theater AVR you splurged on 15 years ago—can be transformed into a modern powerhouse with surprisingly little fuss. You don’t need to throw out what you have and start all over. Your system still sounds fantastic; all we need to do is spice it up with a little streaming. Fortunately, solutions come in a wide range of flavors and price ranges!
Device options for adding streaming to your setup
Dedicated streaming devices are available in every price point, from several thousand dollar audiophile-grade units to the flourishing crop of Value-FI gear that’s appeared over the last few years. Many of these high-value, low-cost streamers are from Roon partners who have perfected the art of making great sound very affordable. As a result, they’re hugely popular with Roon users and perfect for anyone wanting to add streaming to their current setup — whether that’s a vintage component system or a pair of powered speakers.
The simplest approach to upgrading a pre-existing system is by adding a network streamer to your setup. These devices connect to your current gear, as well as your home network, via Wi-Fi or ethernet. They receive audio from Roon or your streaming service and pass it through your stereo system. Think of them as an additional source of music, just like your disc player or turntable.
Many streamers include built-in DACs (Digital-to-Analog Converters) while others focus solely on relaying the digital music across your network, requiring connection to an external DAC or a digital input on your existing audio system. Streamers with DACs are sometimes called Streamer/DACs or Streaming DACs. If you’re wondering… “What’s a DAC?!” DACs transform digitally encoded audio into analog signals that your amplifier, speakers, and ultimately your ears can understand.
The best way to determine whether a streamer has a built-in converter is to check the product specs, which list its features, connectivity options, and DAC chip model. A quick way to tell is to look for analog RCA outputs. If a streamer has analog outputs, it likely has a built-in DAC. However, I always recommend checking the device specifications even if a quick glance suggests a built-in converter.
For vintage systems that are analog only, you may want to consider an all-in-one streamer with a pre-amp section. These devices offer greater flexibility by combining streaming capabilities with modest amplification in a single chassis. If your current receiver or amplifier already has a quality DAC, a budget streamer with a small footprint can modernize your system while maintaining its cherished sound characteristics.
Whichever route you choose, a carefully selected streamer can preserve everything you love about your setup and enhance it with the benefits of Roon, playback convenience, and the vast selection of streaming services. If you’re not a Roon user yet, most Roon Ready streaming devices work with multiple services and streaming methods. This means your careful device investment can still do the job even if your software or streaming service preferences change over time. Even better, many Roon Ready streamers come with a FREE extended Roon trial – offering a taste of all the music magic Roon has to offer.
Essential tips for choosing the perfect streaming device
- Check the supported audio quality of both your existing gear and potential streamer — some digital connections have limitations that could affect enjoying high-resolution music.
- Be aware of possible limitations with convenience streaming methods — AirPlay is sometimes lossy (just below CD quality), while Chromecast supports up to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio.
- Look for streamers with companion apps — many offer valuable extras like voice control, room correction, bass management, DSP features, and direct streaming service integration.
- Experience sound and art — explore streamers with visual displays offering album art, track information, and touch screen controls to enhance your listening experience.
- Experiment with connection methods — try both analog outputs (using the streamer’s DAC) and digital connections (using your system’s DAC) to discover which sound signature you prefer.
- Don’t obsess over DAC chip models—a streamer’s overall design impacts sound quality more than the specific chip.
Finishing touches: Bringing it all together for streaming adventures
The beauty of modern streaming technology is how seamlessly it can integrate with systems of any vintage or configuration. Whether you opt for a high-end audiophile streamer or a budget-friendly device, you’re not just adding a new component, you’re exposing your palate to a wider menu of choices and new music tastes.
The right Roon Ready streamer is the perfect complement to your beloved system — infusing your daily listening with a wonderful blend of rich metadata, diverse musical flavor, and sweet sonic qualities that make audio adventures more appetizing.
So go ahead, take the recipe above, adjust it according to your taste, and enjoy a fresh listening experience courtesy of your carefully selected streaming ingredients. If you’re ready to broaden your horizons add a side of Roon now with our free trial!