Focus: What does "Roon Ready" mean?

I’m considering the Focus 50 and was wondering when it refers to the system as ‘Roon Ready’, does this mean that Roon will recognize the Focus without the necessity for a Roon ‘core’?

Roon operates as a system with a server and multiple clients/players. This means that a Roon Core is always required, which can be run on a PC/Mac or a dedicated server like the Nucleus.

“Roon Ready” means that the device functions as a client/player when connected to a Roon Core server, using Roon’s own proprietary streaming protocol. So you still need a separate Roon Core.

There are also “Roon Tested” devices, which are devices that Roon has tested and approved that works with a Roon Core, but using a different protocol such as Airplay or Chromecast.

 

These are not limitations in our speakers – it is how the Roon software is designed to function.