Thanks for the replies. I guess my question boils down to.......do I buy a reclocker for the Sonos and if so which one? Or, do I just go with the Auralic? Since typing my original question I have also read up on the Auralic Aries and may just hold out for that. The LE version utilizes the Femto clocks as in the reclocker and also has the external power supply so now I'm thinking the LE may be best solution. I'm not really up on digital audio however so I appreciate any comments.
To reclock or not to reclock
I would like some advice regarding streaming audio. I currently use a Sonos Connect and stream Apple music into a Simaudio Moon DAC. Streaming music is my secondary choice after CD’s and I usually use it for playing tracks or albums that I do not own on disc. Sometimes I use it only as background music while doing other things around the house so from a sound quality standpoint it is a secondary choice in my system.
That established, I have been reading lately about how a reclocker can greatly improve the sound of the Sonos. As I began that research, the comments were very favorable toward reclockers in that application. I then started to look at actual units available with the first being the Empirical Audio Pace Car which sells for $599.00 (w/ one year of free Tidal). I then ran across the Wyred4Sound unit at $399.00. Both received very positive reviews. The additional option for each of these units is an upgraded power supply but I don’t want to get mired down in that detail here.
As I was reading it dawned on me, gee, why not just upgrade my streaming device? Would that allow for a higher level of sound reproduction without the need for an additional device? (Sonos $395.00 plus reclocker $400.00 or $600.00 puts the total package in the $800.00 to $1000.00 range so I could justify $1000.00 for a new streaming device). That’s when I happened upon a comment from a poster who said the AURALic Aries MINI streamer at $549.00 sounded better than the Sonos with the Wyred4Sound reclocker. So anyone have any suggestions here? A lot of the information I read was older and wanted to get feedback on up-to-date technology. So is it Sonos w/reclocker or different streaming device? Thanks.
That established, I have been reading lately about how a reclocker can greatly improve the sound of the Sonos. As I began that research, the comments were very favorable toward reclockers in that application. I then started to look at actual units available with the first being the Empirical Audio Pace Car which sells for $599.00 (w/ one year of free Tidal). I then ran across the Wyred4Sound unit at $399.00. Both received very positive reviews. The additional option for each of these units is an upgraded power supply but I don’t want to get mired down in that detail here.
As I was reading it dawned on me, gee, why not just upgrade my streaming device? Would that allow for a higher level of sound reproduction without the need for an additional device? (Sonos $395.00 plus reclocker $400.00 or $600.00 puts the total package in the $800.00 to $1000.00 range so I could justify $1000.00 for a new streaming device). That’s when I happened upon a comment from a poster who said the AURALic Aries MINI streamer at $549.00 sounded better than the Sonos with the Wyred4Sound reclocker. So anyone have any suggestions here? A lot of the information I read was older and wanted to get feedback on up-to-date technology. So is it Sonos w/reclocker or different streaming device? Thanks.
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- 11 posts total
The iFi SPDIF iPurifier is your least expensive option and may be all you need to elevate the Sonos sound (should you decide to keep it). It sells for about $150. http://http//ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/accessory-spdif-ipurifier/ IMHO if you are only going to be streaming Apple Music and/or internet radio, spending $1000 is kind of overkill even for audiophiles. |
- 11 posts total