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I found a cheap Roon Endpoint with HDMI output + OSD + Multichannel FLAC/DSD support!

PHD

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Mar 15, 2023
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Hi

I was long time looking for a multichannel Roon endpoint solution which could also display the music info on my TV and connect to my Denon AVR as an alternative to using the terrible HEOS. I've had the Zidoo Z9X (non pro):


But until today, it was detected as a Roon rectified 2-channel capable endpoint. But after today's Roon core and player update, it's now being detected as Roon-ready multichannel capable endpoint. I'm able to play both 5.1 FLAC files (up to 192kHz/24bit) as well as multichannel DSF (DSD) files up to 5.6Mhz per channel.



See the attached images as proof.

Roon app on Win 11:

1717864564055.png


My TV (Ziddo Z9X connected to Denon X4400H via HDMI and from AVR to TV):

1717864656786.png


The newer Ziddo Z9X Pro also supports this with even better quality video processing (my non-pro Z9X supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ via MP4 abd MKV as well as full HD BD ISO files via network).

Moreover, the Z9X also has an HDMI input. When I connect my PC to it's HDMI input, I can even play multichannel bit-[erfect WASAPI music from either Roon, Foobar2000, or Jriver (PC to Z9X HDMI in and from Z9X HDMI out to AVR).

I'm more than happy and can now get the Cinema 50 w/o worring about it's still useles HEOS...
 
Also, the Z9X can side-load Google Play so any Google Store app could be installed such as Tidal, Qobus, or Deezer with HI-FI support (Ziddo support says even Atmos via Tidal and Amazon HD could be added in the future).
 
@PHD
Interesting I am looking for a streamer/player capable of playing my local audio/video files without the need to be connected to the internet. I really like the capabilities of the Z9X (pro).

Does the optical out support 24bit/192kHz?

Which phone apps can you use to control the Z9X, preferably not dependent on always being online?
 
@PHD
Interesting I am looking for a streamer/player capable of playing my local audio/video files without the need to be connected to the internet. I really like the capabilities of the Z9X (pro).

Does the optical out support 24bit/192kHz?

Which phone apps can you use to control the Z9X, preferably not dependent on always being online?
No, because it's optical which is limited to 96kHz. There is an official Ziddeo controller app on Google Play. The High-Res music is limited to HDMI output (must be set to RAW mode). It might be possible to use an HDMI to SPDIF coax adapter.
 
Here is a device that I would like to see Amir test!

But can you stream multichannel audio over WiFi from Roon without connecting the computer to the Zido's input HDMI socket?
 
Last edited:
Here is a device that I would like to see Amir test!

But can you stream multichannel audio over WiFi from Roon without connecting the computer to the Zido's input HDMI socket?
There's not much to test because the whole point of the device is to serve as an endpoint for lossless streaming.
 
There's not much to test because the whole point of the device is to serve as an endpoint for lossless streaming.
Bad hardware implementation is always possible... we've seen others...
 
As in a reasonably priced subscription to Roon? Haven't seen anything close to reasonable for their limited options.
 
Lifetime subscription:)
Pretty pricey at $830 and I can organize my own music anyways. High pricing might ensure they stick around more than some tech companies do in the long run?
 
Pretty pricey at $830 and I can organize my own music anyways. High pricing might ensure they stick around more than some tech companies do in the long run?
Only looks high if you think about the next 2-3 years..,but I think the lifetime subscription started at 500$.. i purchased it a couple of years ago for 700$ ..

Roon does not only organize your music, but i don’t want to go into it. Maybe it’s just not for you :)
 
Only looks high if you think about the next 2-3 years..,but I think the lifetime subscription started at 500$.. i purchased it a couple of years ago for 700$ ..

Roon does not only organize your music, but i don’t want to go into it. Maybe it’s just not for you :)
I appreciate the thought but I know what it can do for the most part and don't need it either for hardware nor organization/information especially for that cost. Hopefully they're still viable is 2-3 years, tho. Maybe if lifetime were $50 but at $500 I passed but at $830 I could just piss into the wind and tell myself its raining :)
 
I appreciate the thought but I know what it can do for the most part and don't need it either for hardware nor organization/information especially for that cost. Hopefully they're still viable is 2-3 years, tho. Maybe if lifetime were $50 but at $500 I passed but at $830 I could just piss into the wind and tell myself its raining :)

Well that’s nice :)
It probably all depends on how much u use the software etc …for me its well worth it and its not that crazy expensive.


But if you could get a Netflix or Disney+ lifetime subscription, would it be so different ?
 
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