Sonos or Mac as Source?


Dug around a bit but couldn't really find a definitive answer so here goes...

Gear: Peachtree Audio Grand Integrated (non-X1 version) with sources consisting of Sonos ZP80, Mac Mini and Lexicon RT-10 player, driving Vandersteen 2C speakers.

Almost all of my listening is playing AIFF files through my Sonos, originating from a 15TB server on my network. I also do a fair amount of listening of Pandora and SiriusXM though the Sonos as well. So far, I've been running the Sonos into the GI via coax digital and I've dabbled very little in the Mac, running it via USB with Audirvana.

In wanting to improve further on the sound, I have a few options, but don't want to invest in all of them to find out which is best! So anyone with experience in a similar situation would provide some great assistance to me if they could comment.

Options:
1. Upgrade the GI to an X1 version and use the Mac Mini with Audirvana. COST = $250
2. Buy the standalone X1 USB-Coax/Optical converter from Peachtree and still use the Mac as a source. COST = $150
3. Buy the Wyred 4 Sound Remedy reclocker and install between the GI and the Sonos ZP90, using the Sonos as the source. Cost = $400

The simplicity and stability of the Sonos system/interface is very appealing. However, if the Remedy reclocker with Sonos doesn't approach the quality of sound obtained by using a Mac Mini as the source, I'd be willing to forgo a little convenience that the Sonos affords. Additionally, staying with Sonos as a source affords me the ability to improve Pandora, Sirius, etc as well...assuming the Remedy would yield and sonic benefits on those source programs like it would on AIFF files.

Going in circles right now with what's the right next step, so any help is sincerely appreciated.
jkscherk

Showing 1 response by audioengr

JKS - The Mini with Audirvana will be better than most reclockers added to the Sonos, provided you play .wav files and not FLAC, AIFF or ALAC on the Mini and have an external linear DC power supply for the Mini, however, the Synchro-Mesh reclocker will beat this as well as most USB interfaces, except for the Off-Ramp 5. The Synchro-Mesh reclocker is not cheap ($599), but it delivers world-class sound from a Sonos or any other digital source.

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/products/synchro-mesh

It can be further improved by upgrading the power supply to a Dynamo ($749) and adding a world-class BNC-BNC coax cable with RCA adapters ($250). Putting more money into your source is never a bad idea. If you have a poor source, there is little that can be done downstream to fix this.

See reviews on the Synchro-Mesh. It delivers the best sound of any reclocker on the market:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/news-and-reviews/synchro-mesh

30-day unconditional money-back guarantee, less shipping.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Est. 1996