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 8 responses by tboooe

tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Mapman, I have heard that the SPDIF available on motherboards or pc cards have questionable quality. I am not sure about the implementation in devices such as players and DACs.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Thanks Mapman. The more I think about this the more I am leaning towards building a CAPS streamer. I just wish there was a way to get high quality SPDIF output so I can avoid the added cost and clutter of getting a high quality USB/SPDIF converter.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
thanks williewonka, I have considered the mac mini though to be honest I dont have much experience with macs. The solution you propose is definitely attractive. I just hate the idea of getting tied to itunes. Does Audirvana allow you to play FLAC? Most of library is in FLAC which is one of the main reasons why I dont use itunes.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Jaxwired, thanks for the headsup on the Xonor. My problem is that the CAPS I am going to build (v3 Carbon) only has 1 available pcie slot which I was intending to use for a wireless card because unlike you my media is stored on a NAS so that my other Sonos devices and HTPCs can access the music and movie files. I could use a USB based wireless dongle. Hmmm...just need to make sure the SPDIF output is great quality.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
jeffkad, thank you for the recommendation. I don't necessarily want a one box solution for convenience which could limit my flexibility. I actually don't mind having to rip my CDs on a separate pc. I've been doing it for 10 years so its like a routine I like. Besides, I don't want to over complicate my system with a one box solution that may be difficult/impossible to upgrade. With this is in mind I have decided to build a CAPS v3 Zuma. This will give me enough horsepower to also play around room correction software as well.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Knghifi, you mention the sound quality is better wired vs wireless. Can you please describe the differences you hear?
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Just an update...I decided to retask an HTPC I had laying around which is very close to specs of the CAPS Carbon server aside from the USB card. Using Jriver and Jremote on my iPad and streaming music wireless via the optical output from the mobo to my Dac, the sound is much better than Sonos. I can hear more micro details and the overall soundstage envelopes the room more. What I especially like is the ability to rate songs and have smart playlists, features that I always wished Sonos had. Needless to say I will be ditching the Sonos and moving on with building a SOTA CAPS server. This is going to be fun!
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Thank you Ig316b. I have considered trying out JPlay. I will definitely do that in the near future. Right now I am running Windows 7 and have used the Fidelizer app to optimize the OS. I must say, I am very happy with the sound and am looking forward to building a proper music PC with a better USB implementation.
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