SONOS - I have a Sonos ZP80 with a digital coax directly into Meridian DSP5200s (they only accept digital inputs as they are active). The sound is identical to my CD transport. There is absolutely no difference using Apple Lossless and the Sonos system than with a CD and a transport. I obsessed over this and did critical listening for days! The Sonos controller and software allow you to set the volume to "fixed". As I understand it, this disables any EQ and fixes the line level to CD type output volume (same as what you might find on a CDs digital out). So no extra stuff on the digital output, but you have to use your preamp's remote for volume control. I previously tried the Airport Express (liked it but didn't work well with my NAS and no remote user interface) and Slimm Devices (didn't like the interface and at the time didn't have the same audio system although it sounded good).
I love being able to access my entire CD collection (over 700 CDs and going up) all while kicking back on the couch. Also, Sonos lets you access internet radio and their own radio stations. The quality is decent given the compression, but does not compare to lossless.
I've also read hints that future Sonos updates (firmware/software/hardware) may offer 24/96 processing/pass through. Don't quote me on this because I can't find the website where I read it. But you know it's coming because the wireless N technology will allow for the higher bandwith. Sonos seems to be sensitive to the audiophile community. There was a great review in Stereophile about the Sonos system.
Hope this helps.
I love being able to access my entire CD collection (over 700 CDs and going up) all while kicking back on the couch. Also, Sonos lets you access internet radio and their own radio stations. The quality is decent given the compression, but does not compare to lossless.
I've also read hints that future Sonos updates (firmware/software/hardware) may offer 24/96 processing/pass through. Don't quote me on this because I can't find the website where I read it. But you know it's coming because the wireless N technology will allow for the higher bandwith. Sonos seems to be sensitive to the audiophile community. There was a great review in Stereophile about the Sonos system.
Hope this helps.