Roon Labs is introducing an exciting new feature to the Roon ecosystem: Roon Ready Relay. This innovation aims to "break down the barriers between traditional audio equipment and modern streaming capabilities."

Roon Ready Relay establishes a new connection between network devices and Roon's multiroom audio platform. Unlike traditional Roon Ready devices, which receive audio directly from your Roon Server, Relay seamlessly routes sound from various audio sources in your home through Roon. This allows the audio signal to be sent to any supported device, whether it's via AirPlay, Google Cast, phone, tablet, laptop-based Roon controllers, or over 1,000 high-performance Roon Ready devices.

Networked equipment designed for digital conversion and sophisticated DSP processing, such as devices that convert analogue signals, can also be routed through Roon.

The benefit of Roon Ready Relay is that it could integrate legacy media formats, such as CD players, tape decks, turntables, and reel-to-reel players, traditionally limited to a single room, thereby expanding their capabilities.

Once connected to a Relay device, audio—including Hi-Res FLAC—can be sent to different zones or grouped devices. Roon Ready Relay passthrough can also be enhanced with signal processing features like EQ, sample rate conversion, or OPRA headphone tuning using Roon's MUSE Precision Audio Control suite.

This development is promising, as Roon Ready Relay could transform how we utilise existing audio equipment by facilitating seamless integration between traditional audio sources and Roon's streaming ecosystem. However, you would still need to return to the other room to flip the LP or cassette over.

The first device to support Roon Ready Relay technology has been announced: the Victrola Stream Onyx, a "streaming wireless turntable," available in the spring of 2025.

For more information, visit Roon Labs