Sonos Connect directly into MC452?

+1, mattmiller

With the exception of LAWNMOWER comment 😉

The Connect needs a good DAC to fully justify the pairing with MC452. To my ears, the sound from its analog output is lean towards dull and flat. 

@willemj 

What so special about Benchmark DAC3 vs any other sub $2K DAC?

@gtur,

If I may suggest, try Bluesound Node 2. I have recently bought Vault 2 to replace my Connect. I was pleasantly surprised by its exceptional sound quality...much much better than Sonos Connect.