Sonos to Amp - is simplicity better?

I'm curious if adding a dac and preamp into the path between a Sonos and amp will improve the sound?

michaelkingdom02-01-2013 1:27am

michaelkingdom OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 153 posts 02-01-2013 at 03:45pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I hope my question is clear. I am basically asking if adding components into the chain could improve the sound. The amp in question could be any amp - tube, SS etc. If the answer is yes, what would the DAC/Pre be doing that the Sonos isn't?
michaelkingdom OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 153 posts 02-03-2013 at 12:18pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Martingren - I had a similar experience, just on a much smaller scale. I have a Sonos CONNECT and I was using the Emotiva XDA1 DAC to convert the signal. I did A/B testing between the Sonos internal DAC and the signal converted by the XPA1. At level matched volume, I A/Bd them for 30 minutes and could not hear any difference. The Sonos is a great piece of hardware in that it does all I ask of it AND it has no issues. The iPad interface is great. I would not ask for more. OKAY, so, let's say the Sonos DAC is of acceptable quality and remove it from my question. Would adding a preamp in the path have any benefits? Drawbacks?