2. digital
  3. 195733-150041

Is my Sonos 1 Connect the weak link?

I have Roon resident on my Synology NAS. It is wired to my Synology Wifi Router ( no way to run a wired connection, but solid wifi signals). The signal goes to my Sonos Connect which is connected to my Brysten BDA 1 Conveyor. This then goes wired to my Rogue Audio Magnum III. Speakers are Linn Magic. I have all my CD collection on my NAS so Roon can access Internet or resident music.

I have a NAS transport for my CD collection that goesto the Bryston and it seems a bit better than streaming through Sonos. And, of course, my Thorens turntable direct to the Rouge is killer. 

How do I improve streaming?

lbarbish

Showing 3 responses by zlone

zlone
996 posts
 

Good plan. Once you get a new streamer in place you will be able to hear your system better, including the DAC, and decide on a path forward. I should add, don't skimp on digital cables, and plan for it in your budget. I know it should not make any difference, but it does. Good luck and keep us posted.

zlone
996 posts
 

For the record, I have Sonos speakers all over my house, and yes, they sound very good for casual listening. But the Connect is not a high quality streamer, and if I remember correctly, it is SPDIF out, which means it supplies all the clocking for the stream, which is a big part of the problem. I would consider upgrading both the streamer and the DAC. A lot has been improved since the BDA-1 came out. 
 

Look at the used market here and on USAM and TMR. Schiit makes very good DAC’s that are reasonable priced.  For the streamer pay close attention the software and user interface. Bad software will drive you crazy even if it sounds good. 

zlone
996 posts
 

My first digital player was a Sonos Connect. They are very poor streamers in terms of sound quality,I think primarily due to jitter that smears the sound. Almost anything will sound better. Do some research on standalone streamers, there are lots of options.

More to discover