Music Servers and DirectStream
 

Hi all,

I have been struggling a bit with my music server selections. I’ve been using Roon for a while, but there are constant issues. On my iPhone and multiple iPads, it constantly crashes saying ”lost connection”. I’ve basically given up on Roon and have been using mconnect, which sounds good but is a really poor interface. Any suggestions on Roon/iOS fixes or alternatives?

Thanks!

Not one Roon crash for me.
I typically leave my PC on 24/7 and leave Roon on in the background minimized.

Ron

I’m not using any PS Audio gear, but I do use Roon and it’s been stable for me. This sounds like either an issue with the device on which you’re running Roon server, or a networking issue. Where are you running Roon, and how do you fix the problem when you get the lost connection?

Roon has been a little unstable with the latest update - crashed a few times with everything I tried, including PS Audio, Naim...

But before that it was rock solid. So if you were having issues before, might be a networking issue.

Yeah, this has been ongoing, but on iOS only, not on my Windows OS laptop.

I’m running Roon Server on a dedicated HP PC. It’s a bit old, but is cleared of all apps other than Roon, it is fully dedicated. I’m thinking you guys may be right about the network issue. Might call for a router upgrade.

Am I correct in understanding that mconnect and Roon are my only server app options for the Bridge? I am not really keen on running the full server on the PC and using USB with an app such as JRiver instead of the Bridge.

A flirted with the idea of getting an Aurender music server, but I cannot really justify the spend when I already have the fully integrated Bridge. I think it better to wait for the PS Octave server next year.

Thanks for the feedback!

I have been running Roon for a while. I had a few lost connection issues early on but it was network related. I also had issues with the bridge II card so I sent it back.

I use a dedicated computer from small green computer which is cheap and purpose built for running programs such as Roon. That SMG is hard wired to my network . As for wireless to a iPad I recently switched to a Synology RT2600 WiFi router which is much better than my previous Apple router. I would also recommend setting your iPad to never automatically go to sleep, often if it goes to sleep it will give that lost connection problem.

Now for getting Ethernet into a usable audio stream I have a Sonore Signature Rendu which outputs usb to my PS Audio DirectStream dac. The Sonore is a MUCH better sounding piece and so MUCH more stable than the PS bridge. Did I say MUCH better.

I also run a Sonictransporter from Small Green Computer, and found that the dedicated box for Roon hardwired via Ethernet to the network solved occasional dropouts I had when running Roon on a MacBook. If your dedicated laptop is connected via Wi-Fi this can definitely cause problems.

Check the Roon requirements for a server, and ideally you exceed the minimum. As others said, check your network connections, if you have high speed, I recommend switches of 10/100/1000 and consideration to good built Ethernet cables.

Last, and optional keep your modem and wireless separate, and consider a Mesh Network, basic to install and supports 100% max connectivity using the proper amount of access points - high speed coming in better performs matching modems and wireless

Some things to try:

Make sure all software and firmware (computers, iPhone, iPad, router. etc.) are up to date.
A quality reliable router is important and look for one that updates their firmware regularly. I've had good experience with top Asus routers.
Make sure devices have WiFi 802.11ac protocol.
Check the WiFi frequency on your devices, 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz. I have better results with 2.4Ghz on i devices and 5Ghz on my HP AIO Roon server. My Roon server computer is 5Ghz WiFi to my router and I do not have any dropout issues. Ethernet direct may be best for you though.
Roon server computers more than 3 years old may need replacement unless specs are in line or exceed Roon requirements.
Try leaving Roon server computer on 24/7.

Best of luck. :thumbsup:

Ron

I may also try SONICTRANSPORTER I7 FOR ROON DSP in the future. Do you have the SSD option for music storage?

Ron