A concern I had when deciding on a DAC to add to my Sonos system was if it had a volume control (like the Benchmark). You want the Sonos to be near the max volume setting to send the most accurate digital bits to your DAC. Thus, the DACs volume control regulates how I can best attain near max volume for the loudness I generally listen to music. This allows you to use the convenience of the Sonos controller. Loss in sound quality happens at the lower/lowest listening levels of the volume bar from Sonos. If the DAC can't 'regulate' the volume you might be listening to levels predominantly at the low end of the Sonos controller and thus are sending digital bits to your DAC that aren't as 'bit perfect'. So beware of what DAC you use and how you use it.
Cullen ZP-80 Mod and D-Link 3 mod
Hi all:
I bought the PS Audio D link 3 level 4 mod from Rick Cullen. I though it was great but as mentioned below needs a lot of time to break in. All in all, a great DAC for the money. Very analog sounding. I then added the ZP80 to my Sonos system. Oh my. What a difference over the stock unit. It makes the Sonos sound like a great transport. Perhaps it is the combination of the two units that work so well. I am using the Sonos volume control (until my Supertek Chardonnay Pre amp is built) and even that sounds ok (particularly at loud volumes). I think the whole system needs to break in a little more and I need to experiment with a few different cable choices but I could not be happier with Rick's work.
I bought the PS Audio D link 3 level 4 mod from Rick Cullen. I though it was great but as mentioned below needs a lot of time to break in. All in all, a great DAC for the money. Very analog sounding. I then added the ZP80 to my Sonos system. Oh my. What a difference over the stock unit. It makes the Sonos sound like a great transport. Perhaps it is the combination of the two units that work so well. I am using the Sonos volume control (until my Supertek Chardonnay Pre amp is built) and even that sounds ok (particularly at loud volumes). I think the whole system needs to break in a little more and I need to experiment with a few different cable choices but I could not be happier with Rick's work.