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.