A wise move given current market requirements. This renders it more limited than Roon – and it is a bit more hands-on as a result – but the UPnP networked streaming development nevertheless signals Damien’s intentions. Audirvana+’ approach is streaming from a single point to a single point. Multi-room is in Roon’s DNA and it uses its own protocol. Best to try Audirvana+ and see how it suits your modus operandi.Īll up, the new interface is a step change for the better. That’s the thing: we all use players in different ways and the pros and cons vary accordingly. The showreel that accompanies the now playing screen niggles – it gets in the way. That search results are returned from both your own library and those of Tidal, Qobuz et al. Smart playlists replace Roon’s bookmarks, tags, and focus tool - a concept is carried over from previous versions and whilst less flexible than Roon, it still works well. This disarming simplicity is the result of Plisson drafting in a UX (User Experience) specialist.ĭark and light modes are available, as is a mini-player when needed. The Windows’ version’s front door hides a multitude of features. There’s little need for a user guide.ĭon’t underestimate A+’s power and flexibility though. It eschews cleverness for the sake of it to feel modern and straightforward. Gone is the ‘Windows Explorer’ techie feel of the older interface, replaced by a vaguely familiar look that connotes a sense of Tidal crossed with Spotify. In absolute terms, it’s not overly expensive. The initial cost of entry favours Audirvana. This is where A/B SQ standoffs between the two apps tend to take place With A+ we can stream to any UPnP-capable device – hello again Raspi – but also go from computer to DAC with a USB cable.
BITPERFECT REVIEW PC
Here we are sticking to a Windows PC (and a Mac). Or join me in lusting after DCS’s Bridge at £3250. Start at the bottom with a Raspberry Pi for forty quid. Where Roon piles on the value is via its ecosystem.
BITPERFECT REVIEW SOFTWARE
Remote software is included, as is good EQ and upsampling (A+ has no EQ in the core).
BITPERFECT REVIEW FREE
Version upgrades have been free so far, with each delivering significant extra functionality. Roon is $499 to purchase outright or rent it for $119/year. EQ, for example, can cost the same as A+ itself. You do need to factor in plugins as well, which can be pricey. Major new versions are also billable. Those muttering ‘momentum marketing’ should note the low cost – V2 to V3 will run you US$39 – and the infrequency of major releases – 3 in seven years. Bottom line: Deep Thought isn’t required.Īudirvana+ is $99 including 20% UK tax and $10 for the iOS remote. I ran with 4Gb memory – scanning 3,500 NAS-based albums took a while – but once it’s done, it’s done.
A powerful CPU is only needed for upsampling PCM to DSD.
BITPERFECT REVIEW UPDATE
Plisson recommends 64-bit Windows 10 (April 17 update onwards) with 8Gb memory. My ageing i5 Asus laptop coped okay with the Windows take on Audirvana+. (‘Bits are bits’ believers are invited to alight here and are advised to stick with the inferior sounding iTunes or Foobar – Ed) Electrical noise can travel down USB cabling to disturb the downstream DAC. Software apps sound different because they each have their own processor, RAM read/write and hard-drive read requirements and therefore deliver different electrical noise. This one’s for Windows users and is the first outing of Audirvana+’s improved user interface.Ī viable alternative to Roon – or still a lagger? And which sounds better? Game on. Time to revisit an alternative: the new version of Audirvana+. It does cost a fair wedge and Roon’s in-house coded RAAT protocol is theirs and theirs only. I’m two years in and things move on both inside Roon (via a wealth of updates) but also elsewhere.
Or rent it, like your music.”…say some. It’s not the only party in town though. All for the price of a good interconnect. Great functionality, metadata2die4, a user interface that trounces others Hulk-style.
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