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Goodbye Sonos, hello ????

I've been a happy Sonos user for over 10 years and will continue to use it in my casual listening areas in my house. However I dont think I am doing my dedicated 2 channel system justice streaming from the ZP-90. In addition, Sonos does not do high resolution. Therefore I am looking for a high quality digital transport/streamer that can replace the Sonos. Here are my requirements:

1. High quality, low jitter digital output
2. Awesome user interface with remote control via IPAD, ANDROID, iphone, etc
3. Wireless and wired digital streaming from music stored on a NAS
4. No built in DAC as I prefer to mix and match
5. Ability to handle various audio formats including high resolution.

So far it looks like my options are the Bryston BDP-2 or DIY my own streamer. I have built several low powered (ATOM) HTPC in my home to stream 1080p movies so this is definitely an option but I am not too sure about how to get the best possible, low jitter digital output from a PC so this would be something I need to investigate. I can build an ATOM based, fanless system running Jriver and my IPAD to remotely control my music. I know there are products from Linn and Accustic Arts but these all come with either a DAC or an amp.

So are there any other audiophile quality products on the market that fit my need or should I just go the DIY route?

Thank you.
tboooe
williewonka
3,110 posts
 
Jeffkad - I took a look at a couple of those and it was difficult to assess just how good the interface was - even those with remote capability

The computer based ones were easier to assess and cheaper to implement - plus you can change interfaces pretty easily and as sample rates get better you can grow with them.

However - with computers you do have to do a fair bit of investigation and setup and there can be some setbacks along the way.

Having worked in computers for 39 years my choice was easy, but it's not for everyone

Boxed solutions are close to plug and play once connected to the network, so for some a boxed solution is preferable

There is clearly a market for both products and they both have similar performance capabilities - it's really a matter of which one suites the person using it
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
jeffkad, thank you for the recommendation. I don't necessarily want a one box solution for convenience which could limit my flexibility. I actually don't mind having to rip my CDs on a separate pc. I've been doing it for 10 years so its like a routine I like. Besides, I don't want to over complicate my system with a one box solution that may be difficult/impossible to upgrade. With this is in mind I have decided to build a CAPS v3 Zuma. This will give me enough horsepower to also play around room correction software as well.
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
knghifi - GET OUTTA HERE!!! Rolling ethernet cables - really? :-)
Every cable in my system makes a DIFFERENCE, why NOT ethernet? Hopefully they will arrive next week ...

I saw Michael Fremer's Newport Show interview where he mentioned AQ ethernet cable demo. Hard wired much superior to wireless. AQ entry level ethernet cable much superior to generic brand. Couldn't hear a difference between AQ entry and best ethernet cable.

The computer based ones were easier to assess and cheaper to implement - plus you can change interfaces pretty easily and as sample rates get better you can grow with them.

However - with computers you do have to do a fair bit of investigation and setup and there can be some setbacks along the way.

Having worked in computers for 39 years my choice was easy, but it's not for everyone

Boxed solutions are close to plug and play once connected to the network, so for some a boxed solution is preferable

There is clearly a market for both products and they both have similar performance capabilities - it's really a matter of which one suites the person using it
Luckily I understand computers so NO black box for me. I want the flexibility and don't want to deal with someone elses bugs and limitations.

In order for a DAC/computer to play/process, data must be loaded into memory whether via transport or computer. The only difference is computers offers options in ripping and serving the data. Too many options are overwhelming for computer challenged unlike a transport just load the disc and hit play.

I switched to computer audio 6+ yrs ago. I use Itune ripping cds to Apple Lossless and high rez to flac. Use Logitech Media Server or PS Audio Music Manager to serve the music to the DAC. IPhone to control the devices. There are zillions other ways now but this works for me so no reason to change unless to improve quality of sound. Will probably look into Apple mini server and running vm (virtual machine) next.

Over the years I've made improvements by going hardwired from wireless, new computer configurd runnig only necessary services to save cpu cycles, copied all my music to computer internet hard drive ... now rolling ethernet cables.

I believe computer audio has arrived years ago and it's only to get more confusing with more options/improvements ... not going to get easier.

I suggest to get started, pick/install A ripping and serving software. Start simple, get it working and once gain knowledge, then experiment.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe OP
1,009 posts
 
Knghifi, you mention the sound quality is better wired vs wireless. Can you please describe the differences you hear?
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Tboooe,

With wireless, sounds like something is missing, not as continuous, coherent, and vivid. In theory if the buffer is big enough, it shouldn't be a problem, but ...

IE: Watching a video in a browser, flash player buffers data to avoid interruption when play begins. When buffer runs out whether slow server, bad connection ... , play stops and re-buffers before start again.

Take it one step further, if buffers whole track or cd before play, essentially changed loading data into memory from a synchronize to asynchronize operation which is much simpler to implement. No need for over priced transports, external clocks ... Abstract out the interface and only requirement is loading data before play.

Got my AQ ethernet cable and it's a major improvement over HD cable. Similar going from wireless to wired +1.

Michael Fremer interview .
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