Best DAC for Sonos

Good question! I picked up a used Cullen-modded ZP80 a couple months ago to play with while I decided on a more permanent DAC/streamer solution (I had been using a purpose-built headless PC into a Benchmark DAC1 USB). I'm still feeding the DAC1 with the Sonos via an Audioquest Hawkeye coax but I'm basically on the same search you are. That said, I don't find the Benchmark particularly "harsh" as some do with my Crimson SS amps/pre and Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors. Still, I'm looking for an "upgrade".

A number of the guys working at my semi-local dealer (PS Audio, Audio Research, Krell) use and are very pleased with the Sonos into the PS Audio Link iii.

I've been considering the PWD, Weiss Dac2, Audio Note Kits 3.1, Redwine Isabellina and others but can't seem to make up my mind.

The Sonos has a high level of jitter on the S/PDIF output. In light of that, you will probably want to select a dac that handles jitter well, whether through ASRC, reclocking, or whatever. Another option is to lower the Sonos' jitter by getting Cullen to mod it, as others have suggested.

Either way, I would consider minimizing the effects of jitter an important consideration in your decision.

Bryon

I am in the same process. Slow process for me. In addition to researching here on Audiogon, there is a ong thread on Sonos forums related to your issue.

http://forums.sonos.com/showthread.php?t=18305

Not sure if links are allowed. Sorry if not.

I use DCS Purcell/Elgar Plus.

Sounds great but I would like to get a clock input socket on the Sonos so I could synch it to the
DCS Verona Masterclock. None of the Sonos mod people seem to offer that option.

I should add that I had the Cullen mod (now done by W4S) done to my ZP-90 and it made a noticeable difference. Was it worth the money? It's a lot, more than the Sonos itself, but I love the Sonos controlled via my iPad. I wish it were cheaper, but it definitely made a difference and if your Sonos is your primary source, I strongly recommend it after being a doubter for a while...difference was immediately noticeable.