Roon Joins HARMAN Family: Future of Audiophile Streaming
By HiFi Editorial2 February 2026
Key Highlights
HARMAN, under Samsung Electronics, has acquired Roon to strengthen its audio portfolio.
Concerns arise over possible changes to Roon's model and its product integrations.
Speculation suggests HARMAN may leverage Roon to compete in multi-room streaming, targeting rivals like Sonos.
In a significant move within the audio technology world, HARMAN, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, has acquired Roon, the well-regarded music management and streaming platform. This acquisition is seen as a strategic step to enhance HARMAN's comprehensive audio offerings, which include other prestigious brands like Mark Levinson, AKG, and JBL.
Public reaction to this acquisition has been mixed. Some individuals are concerned about potential changes to Roon's operational model and its impact on existing partnerships and product integrations. There's speculation about HARMAN's intent to use Roon's technology to compete in the multi-room streaming market, possibly taking on established players like Sonos. Others are cautiously optimistic, noting that Samsung's ownership of HARMAN has not led to drastic changes in other acquired brands. However, there is a general agreement that some changes are inevitable, with hopes that these might lead to improvements in products like the Roon Nucleus.
Overall, the acquisition has sparked considerable discussion among audiophiles and tech enthusiasts, reflecting the significant role Roon plays in the high-fidelity audio ecosystem.
