Sonos + dac v1 v's NAC 172xs

They're very different - opposite ends of the Naim spectrum. This is one choice where you really do need to listen to them. 

Personally, I prefer the 172, which is more refined. The V1 has more bounce. 

There's more difference in how they're used. The 172 is a streamer/pre which works best with a NAS, and the V1 is a DAC/pre which works best with a computer. These are generalisations, and there are many options for each. 

Another option to consider is networking your DAC-V1. Something like the Sonore microRendu would be perfect. It's about the size of a pack of cards and hooks up to your DAC-V1 via USB. Based on my limited experience; I've only had it a few days, it's in a completely different league to an unmodified Sonos Connect. Everyone will have their own opinions but its output has been compared very favourably to streamers many times more expensive.

Like Naim's streamers you can use DNLA/UPnP enabled computers or NAS devices. In addition the microRendu also supports AirPlay, HQPlayer and Roon. If you aren't familiar with Roon it's like iTunes on steroids with integrated support for Tidal. I think the Sonos UI is fantastic, but in my experience Roon does the job of merging your own library with a service like Tidal better than any other product out there right now, by some margin. 

I happen to think the NAC-N 172 SX is a cracking streamer and a real vfm darling in the Naim portfolio. It will sound more musical than the Sonos, but not be as flexible with online services of course.

Simon, more musical than the DAC V1 which is providing the analogue signal in the OP's current setup?

I ask as I'm considering a source upgrade from my Qute2, and enjoyed the difference a lot when the dealer added a Dac v1 to it (going into a NAP200 & Focal 926). The improvement over the Qute DAC was clear particularly in terms of more natural, resolved and relaxed sound (while still being 'bouncy') which made the Qute-200 combo sound a little tense by comparison.

Unfortunately the 172 is out of stock here so I didn't get to compare that with the Qute+V1.

The Sonos is just not a great digital source without a bit of work  - ok for casual listening , but listenable if a bit rough around the edges - it's not really a great main source for this level of system though.  The OP needs to really compare the 172 to his present setup to see whether it is a significant gain, or worth saving a bit more for the 272 which would really be a step up on the V1.

Greg makes a very good point with the Micro Rendu feeding the DAC V1 as a very cost effective alternative to the above. 

DC71 posted:

Simon, more musical than the DAC V1 which is providing the analogue signal in the OP's current setup?

 

I can't say - I have not played with a DAC V1 - but I have with the streamers

S

The microrendu into the DAC V1 is night and day compared to my UQ streaming via a very nice BNC spdif cable to the V1. No idea about the 172, but I can't imagine it's that much of a leap over the UQ/V1 combo. 

Thanks all for your replies. Interesting about the microrendu. Never heard of that before. Sorry Charles but you mention a UQ streaming? Can I ask what this is? I inherited much of my system from my Dad and so am still new to the terminology. 

The UnitiQute https://www.naimaudio.com/product/unitiqute-2 is a compact all in one streamer, i.e. streamer, pre and amp.

I use an Auralic Aries Mini with a 2TB ssd fitted inside to feed my DAC V-1 via USB. I also have a linear power supply for he Auralic. I love it. From the Auralic app I can access my own music and Tidal's library. Unfortunately I can't comment on how good it is compared to other options except that it's a whole lot better the the MacBook that was doing server duties before. At £1,000 including the 2TB SSD I thought it great value. Also the Auralic can be switched to become a NAS so a future switch to a Naim streamer should be simple if I ever wanted to go that route.