Dac for Sonos


Hello all,

I've got a Linn Majik DSI and would like to get a standalone digital source to sell it and finance another amp.
The next step in the Linn range is too expansive for me and Kinsky is not robust at all and I'm kind of fed up with it.
I'm thinking of changing for a modified Sonos, running through a Dac + maybe at a later stage Synchro Mesh.
How much (SQ) would I lose compared to the DSI?
I know there are some threads about DACS but the scene is changing quite rapidly.
What DAC around 1000$ maybe less would you advise me? Every review underline the USB part of the new dacs but never the digital inputs (the Sonos doesn't have an USB output); is a spidf to USB converter a smart move?
I don't care for hi res as well (and I can't with the Sonos and I got my TT for that), red book CD suits me well.

Another option for me but more complicated and expensive would be mac mini + DAC if the SQ is really better than a modified Sonos + reclock + dac

I will listen a stock sonos + rega dac at the end of the week and I will take the Rega as a point of reference soundwise and moneywise for alternative products.

Thanks for your inputs!
abolive
A USB to S/PDIF converter is the way to get the best quality currently, even driving a USB DAC via S/PDIF input.

Good DACs under $1K are rare. You almost have to choose Chinese DACs. The Concero from Canada is one possibility. AudioGD is another.

Remember, the DAC is less important than the jitter from the digital source. Spend more on the source and master clock and less on the DAC for best results.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio