5 Best DACs for Roon
Five DACs that bring out the best in Roon, with details on Roon Ready and Roon Tested certification.
The Relationship Between Roon and Your DAC
Roon is software that combines music library management with high-quality playback. To get the most out of Roon, choosing a compatible DAC — one that’s Roon Ready or Roon Tested — is important. With a Roon Ready device, Roon controls the DAC directly, guaranteeing bit-perfect playback.
Roon Ready vs. Roon Tested
Roon Ready: Devices that Roon can discover and control directly over the network. They support RAAT (Roon Advanced Audio Transport), enabling the highest-quality playback possible.
Roon Tested: Devices verified to work via USB or similar connections. Not as seamless as Roon Ready, but fully functional.
Devices that are neither can often still be used as USB DACs. However, to take full advantage of Roon’s signal processing and DSP features, a Roon Ready device is ideal.
Top 5 DAC Picks
1. RME ADI-2 DAC FS ($1,300) — Roon Tested
Roon Tested, and its USB audio quality is beyond reproach. Combining Roon’s DSP with the RME’s built-in parametric EQ opens up ultimate sound-tuning possibilities. Professional-grade reliability is another strong point.
2. Topping D90SE ($500) — USB DAC
A flagship DAC built around the ES9038PRO. Not Roon Ready, but works flawlessly over USB. It includes a preamp function, so it can drive active speakers directly. The sound is precise and highly resolving.
3. iFi NEO iDSD ($650) — Roon Tested
A unique DAC that lets you switch between tube and solid-state modes. Roon Tested with USB support. Bluetooth reception adds flexibility for non-Roon sources as well.
4. Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M ($400) — Roon Tested
A DAC with full MQA decoding. Roon Tested with confirmed stable operation. Balanced outputs accommodate higher-end headphones and amps. The sound is flat and uncolored, faithfully rendering Roon’s signal processing.
5. SMSL SU-9 ($280) — USB DAC
Impressive value with an ES9038PRO chip at this price point. Bluetooth reception and a remote control add daily-use convenience. Roon recognizes it as a standard USB DAC.
Roon Power-User Tips
DSP Upsampling
Roon’s built-in DSP engine can handle PCM-to-DSD conversion and upsampling. Matching the output to your DAC’s natively supported formats can sometimes improve sound quality.
Checking the Signal Path
Roon’s signal-path display shows exactly how your audio is being processed. A purple “Enhanced” or blue “Lossless” indicator confirms high-quality playback.
Separating the Roon Core
Running the Roon Core on a dedicated machine (such as an Intel NUC or Roon Nucleus) and connecting to the DAC over the network is the optimal configuration. It eliminates CPU load and fan noise from the playback chain, letting you focus on the music.
Conclusion
If you use Roon, start by looking at Roon Ready or Roon Tested devices. For those with the budget, the RME ADI-2 DAC FS is the top pick; for value, the SMSL SU-9 delivers. Combined with Roon’s rich DSP capabilities, you can dial in your perfect sound.