2. digital
  3. 1375969641

Goodbye Sonos, hello ????

I've been a happy Sonos user for over 10 years and will continue to use it in my casual listening areas in my house. However I dont think I am doing my dedicated 2 channel system justice streaming from the ZP-90. In addition, Sonos does not do high resolution. Therefore I am looking for a high quality digital transport/streamer that can replace the Sonos. Here are my requirements:

1. High quality, low jitter digital output
2. Awesome user interface with remote control via IPAD, ANDROID, iphone, etc
3. Wireless and wired digital streaming from music stored on a NAS
4. No built in DAC as I prefer to mix and match
5. Ability to handle various audio formats including high resolution.

So far it looks like my options are the Bryston BDP-2 or DIY my own streamer. I have built several low powered (ATOM) HTPC in my home to stream 1080p movies so this is definitely an option but I am not too sure about how to get the best possible, low jitter digital output from a PC so this would be something I need to investigate. I can build an ATOM based, fanless system running Jriver and my IPAD to remotely control my music. I know there are products from Linn and Accustic Arts but these all come with either a DAC or an amp.

So are there any other audiophile quality products on the market that fit my need or should I just go the DIY route?

Thank you.
128x128tboooe

Showing 11 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
I have not tested or heard yet, but when my Squeezebox units go their way someday, Android based general media players (with digital out to external DAC) is where I will likely look first.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
IF the converted files could be retagged as needed in real time as well as part of the itunes load/ipod synch, that would be really nice. I do not expect that Itunes will be able to convert the .wav metadata, but hey, I'll wish for that too if it can be done.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
I've gotten very good results consistently using SPDIF from various <$1000 network players and pCD players/transports to DAC. Have not used Sonos but have read where others have indicated it is not as good in regards to jitter, etc. compared to Squeezebox Touch, which is what I use currently, for example. I've used digital out also from Denon and Marantz CD and DVD players and older Roku Soundbridge devices to same DACs and gotten similarly good results.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
Tbooe,

That does not surprise me at all, though I have never tried SPDIF direct from a general purpose computer. Better to keep noisy computer physically and electronically isolated from music making components as much as possible for best results. Network players especially using wireless network connections make this easy to accomplish.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
Willie, I have a large lossless .wav music server file library. Do you know an easy way to get itunes to pick the .wav files up and auto convert files to compressed format for synching with an Ipod? Can Itunes do the conversion needed on teh fly as part of teh synch? OR even if Itunes alone (or with some freeby third party Apple plugin or add on perhaps) could batch convert the .wav files up front prior, I could live with that.

Bottom line I would like to be able to synch my .wav files up to an ipod in compressed format with as few clicks as possible. How to do that?

Thanks.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
Actually, my .wav files do contain some metadata put there when ripped via Windows Media Player. Problem is that it is not truly standardized metadata tags, so its not always as usable as say FLAC, depending on system. ITs worked to date though with both older Roku and newer Squeezebox systems I have used so far. I think the basic CD identification info is there in a pretty standardized place (for .wav at least) so that seems to be enough to enable retagging later when needed, if implemented case by case.

I've also experimented with batch conveting to flac and having open source systems retag and seen that work as well.

Not so sure about Apple and .wav though.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
Apple should really get on the ball and enable easy import of .wav from common sources like Windows MEdia Player to Itunes. Not sure why they have not. It would seem to be to their advantage to do so and it is technically feasible, aat least for certain common tools capable of producing .wav files, like Windows media Player.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
"WAV does not contain metedata so when you import tracks it puts them into the "Unknown Artist" folder and within that the "Unknown Album" folder - told you it had some warts."

Are/can the imported files be converted to mp3? My kids have Ipod/Iphone devices that I would like to be able to use my .wav music library with when we are away on vacation, at the pool, etc.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
Don't mean to hijack the thread. Willie, I can contact you via agon email to take this offline. I'd really like to crack the Itunes/Ipod/.wav nut already if possible.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
Well, that is the thing with Apple. You have to live in their world. Many people are happy doing that (and perhaps paying a premium in some cases to live in a world managed for them) but I have never been a Apple kind of guy. I do like my daughters Ipod touch though when I use it, especially with some good quality matching earphones or buds (not made by Apple).

Will check out MAX. Thanks.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,887 posts
 
Willie, thanks.

I have yet to see any computer audio solution without some warts. Maybe on Star Trek. SOmeday perhaps....
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