network, hardware, and software needed?

[SteveKershaw]

I've spent a few hours reading here and at the sonore site and frankly am not sure I understand how a system works. Maybe I need a diagram. 

 

As near as I can tell a rendu of any type is placed on a network. It has a USB out to go to a DAC.

 

There is player software on some other piece of hardware on the network. And there are music files on another device or you can use a streaming service. But you'll need a music player than can use that service and also can talk to the rendu device. And you'll need software on some of these devices called roon.

 

Am a i close? 

 

 

[Axiom05]

Yes, what you describe are all possibilities that work with the Rendu's. I think that the key components are what you plan to use as a music player and where you want to store your files. If you want to subscribe to a music streaming service your choices must accommodate that. If you find all of this confusing or complex, you are not alone, there are a lot of moving parts. Roon is a subscription service that is music player, music organizer and will stream from Tidal if you purchase a separate Tidal subscription. Roon is only one of your options. Qobuz is another streaming service but I am not sure what you need to get that to work with a Rendu. The Rendu's also have a MPD/DLNA mode where you can use MPD (music player deamon) to play your music, so no additional software is needed other than a MPD client to control MPD (e.g., Soundirok on an iPad). MPD is rather bare bones and minimalist but I prefer its sound quality. Other music players that can be used with the Rendu''s are Audirvanna (Mac), JRiver (various platforms and HQPlayer (various platforms). These options will cost you extra for a license for the software and may have specific hardware requirements. You can also check out Small Green Computers, a sister company to Sonore, they sell purpose built computers to work with the Rendu's and can make the whole set up process much easier. One important point: don't assume that all music players sound the same. Each player offers different options and some offer powerful advanced processing capabilities that may or may not interest you. Take advantage of the trials offered to see what works best for you. Also, if you do plan on setting up a networked system, make sure that your network is robust (I prefer fully wired), WiFi is only used for control via tablets or phones. The Rendu's are just one way of getting networked music playback. Hope this helps somewhat.

[SteveKershaw]

Thanks for the help, Axiom. Much appreciated.