Sonos Connect

I've been using my sonos connect (zp90) connected to my NDX via a DC1 for a while and it sounds very good.

In the last fortnight I've been listening to qobuz via the free trial that audio-t are running. TBH I can't tell the difference between this and streamed CDs that I've ripped.

I haven't been scientific in trying to AB test, but its certainly good enough to listen to.

I use Connect into Ndac, albeit with Napster, not Q. I am happy with the sound, which improved considerably when I changed from coaxial to optical.

Allan

I use Sonos ZP90 into my Superuniti.

I bought it originally for streaming from Napster (which I'm listening to now while I yype this as it happens) but I did take up the Qobuz CD Quality streaming trial offer some weeks back - the quality was really good, I have to say.

have anyone compared the sound quality of a Squeezebox and a Sonos connect/zp90 when streaming losless.

I have a Squeezebox receiver I use with a service called Wimp. They stream in  losless flac quality.

The userinterface is not very good either on pc or with ipeng, so this would be a reason to switch to a  Sonos, but if the sound quality is the same I can use  the Money to pay for the service instead.

Claus

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I'll buy one and subscribe to Q.

Has anyone had any mods done to the Sonos Connect? Worth it?

M

Hello, M,

All I can say is that when I play my own lossless rips on a stock Connect, SBT, and NDX, all into nDAC/555DR, the Connect is obviously poor in comparison.  The latter two are surprisingly close to each other in SQ.  I once put a DC-1 on the Connect versus home-made interconnects on the other two to handicap them, but the results were the same.

There is abundant testimony on the Forum from those who have modded their Connects.  I do not recall anybody saying it was not worth doing or that it failed to close the gap.  I will mod my Connect (now in mothballs) only if my SBT breaks.  That is what I would do if I did not already have the SBT, but I would be doing the mod on faith in what I have read here, as I have not heard a modded Connect myself.

Good luck.

Nick

A few years ago I tried an AB comparison:  Sonos Z90 digital out into bryston DAC vs mac mini into bryston..Both lossless files via optical out

I thought there was a fair drop off using sonos

Forgot to mention the Mac Mini - yes, it is up with SBT and NDX, into the nDAC, IME.

Nick

Thx Nick / Greg,

Have to say that I have a deep seated objection to Apple, but I will have to give this some thought.

M

Dear Martin,

If you want to sample a basic MAC Mini [plain iTunes] into a DAC V1 [NAP 100], and ESLs, you are welcome in Worcester. I expect you still have my email contact, though I don't have yours.

It is in any case an invitation! It would be my great pleasure if you decide to visit!

AT|B from George

If there are no Apples in your current bag of tricks, I sincerely think the modded Sonos sounds worth pursuing.  The elegance of the interface cannot be overstated, IMHO.  Deep-seated objections are hard to overcome -- I know from experience -- and they interfere with music enjoyment.  If you already had a Mac Mini in the house, it would be questionable if the the extra cost of a Sonos would make sense; without one, it seems your path is clear.  

I have always suggested that my bad experience with Sonos SQ might be due to to a mediocre sample; on the other hand, the enthusiasm for the mods is so great that I suspect my experience is not so unique, after all.  

Let us know how it goes.

Nick

I have been using a Sonos Connect into Naim DAC via Chord Signature SPDIF cable. Originally this was using a standard Sonos Connect but then I bought a modified Wired for Sound Sonos Connect.

Quality is very good and is a step up on the standard Sonos Connect.  I cannot comment on how this compares to a Squeezebox or how it sounds with Qobuz as I have neither.

Highly recommend Sonos feeding a good quality DAC.  Sound quality of an unmodified Connect feeding a Rega DAC became much better with Wryed4Sound modification.    Another good option is to use Empirical Audio’s Synchromesh with Sonos to minimize jitter.  I have no experience using Qobuz because the CD quality streaming service is not yet available in the US.  But comparing CDs and Spotify (320K) streamed from W4S Sonos>TeddyPardo DAC, the sound quality is remarkably close.  

As for the elegant Sonos user interface, many people have complained that the recent 5.0, May 2014 modification is awful!  Reading the comments on the APP store and looking at a You Tube video, I agree.  I’m sticking with version 4.3 until being forced to upgrade or Sonos makes some improvements.  New Sonos users will not have that option unless Sonos re-introduces the older version, which is not likely.

Personally, I’m closely following the release of the Auralic Aires, which is an audiophile level product that will wirelessly stream Qobuz and high resolution files, including DSD.   The Aires should be released this July, with pricing about $1,000 for the basic version.  There is plenty of information on this product at the Computer Audiophile web site and Audio Stream.  

Even more to consider - thanks.

Dear George,

I'll drop you an email.

Yours,

Martin

I use a standard Connect (ZP80) into the NDX DAC.

It sounds very good but ulitmately falls a little short of the NDX streaming natively. I use QoBuz through the Sonos and it is very good.

Why don't you pick up a used one at a well known auction site, they sell well so you try and can sell on with little loss If it doesn't work out. Then if and when Naim support it directly in their streamers you can make a considered opinion as to whether you add a Naim streamer or stick with Sonos and perhaps have it upgraded.

Richard

+1 for Richard's comment.  Forgot to mention Naim's plans to support Qobux... one day.  Sonos could be easily sold then or kept for music elsewhere in the house. 

Hi Richard,

I went your suggested route and bought a 2nd hand ZP90 and ZoneBridge for a reasonable price, not that I will use the ZB, but it was part of the package.

Signed up for QB, and am now on my one month free trial.

Took me a while to get it up and running as, again, it insists on Win or Apple, argggghhh!

Anyway - all up and running now in a VM.

Immediate impressions?

This is running into Bel Canto Pre3 > BC DAC3.5 (Both VBS) > EAR534 > Living Voice Aud IIs.

Not at all bad. Not as good as through the NS01 ...especially in the upper registers. I am currently just using a cheapo toslink I had to hand, so some experimentation to be done ....but it is quiet listenable even as it is.

Thx for the advise one and all.

Martin

Martin

Good to hear that you are pleased with this.

Have you enabled FLAC for Sonos in Account Settings > External Services in yout QoBuz account? By default this isn't enabled so you will get MP3's delivered to your Sonos without this being set.

Richard

Yes, that's the one

Hi Richard,

My immediate thought was - that was MP3!

Unfortunately the flac option was already on.

I've just put on a proper coaxial cable and repositioned the box, time to do some more listening!

Thx,

Martin

Just got a Sonos connect today and running it ATM with Qobuz FLAC in to Unitiqute2 via Chord Prodac VEE 3 digital coax and the sound quality is FANTASTIC! Would highly recommend. 

Hi George,

You should try Audirvana which would improve the SQ of your iTunes music. You can download a free trial for two weeks at Audirvana.com.

ATB

Steve

You truly are lucky to know when you are content. it seems to be wanting what we haven't got which can make us unhappy and is what keeps the advertising industry going.

Good for you.

I may even give it a try myself.

ATB

Steve