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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.
128x128falconquest
11 responses Add your response
erik_squires
15,662 posts
 
I have a W4S and used it between my Logitech SB Touch and previous DAC. It worked pretty well, but given everything you are contemplating, I suggest you upgrade your DAC instead. :-)

Some DAC's have reclockers built in, such as Schiit. Some function very well without them, like Mytek. This is also known as "Sample Rate Conversion."

If you are hearing a signficant improvement I think maybe this is a better option. :)

Otherwise, yes, the W4S type of solutions do work.

Best,

Erik



jond's avatar
jond
5,660 posts
 
Hi falconquest it was probably me who you read saying that I went from Sonos>W4S to just an Aries Mini. Keep in mind though I do have a very good Dac, a Yamamoto YDA-1 and also I upgraded the power supply of the Aries Mini with the SBooster unit for $380. One of my main reasons for making the switch, sound quality aside, was to get my streaming off the 2.4ghz network and onto the 5ghz network, Sonos is only 2.4. Since making the switch to the Aries no more dropouts! Also I much prefer the Lightning DS app from Auralic over the Sonos app, particularly with the newest version of DS that was just released for iPad.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 
Thanks for the replies. I guess my question boils down to.......do I buy a reclocker for the Sonos and if so which one? Or, do I just go with the Auralic? Since typing my original question I have also read up on the Auralic Aries and may just hold out for that. The LE version utilizes the Femto clocks as in the reclocker and also has the external power supply so now I'm thinking the LE may be best solution. I'm not really up on digital audio however so I appreciate any comments. 
erik_squires
15,662 posts
 
I would go with something you could listen to.

Schiit and Mytek are very very good and have as good if not better clock / jitter performance than Aries.



Best,


Erik
falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 
erik,
Thank you for the info., are you referring to a streamer or DAC?
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
The iFi SPDIF iPurifier is your least expensive option and may be all you need to elevate the Sonos sound (should you decide to keep it). It sells for about $150.

http://http//ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/accessory-spdif-ipurifier/

IMHO if you are only going to be streaming Apple Music and/or internet radio, spending $1000 is kind of overkill even for audiophiles.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 
Thanks wtf, this sounds like a plausible solution.
keithtexas
352 posts
 
Quick [dumb] question. 
I have a WFS Dac2DSD with Femto clock upgrade.
And I just purchased a Cambridge CXC transport to replace my dead Pioneer PD65.
I've been out of audio for a few years; would the ifi purifier be helpful between the transport and Dac?
TIA
falconquest's avatar
falconquest OP
1,108 posts
 
At this point keith, I'm not qualified to answer your question. The ifi purifier uses a Femto clock so I'm not sure you would be gaining anything. Here is a link to their sight with some information.

http://ifi-audio.com/portfolio-view/accessory-spdif-ipurifier/
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
In as far as moderately priced streamers/DAC are concerned, I personally preferred the Bluesound Node2 over the Auralic Aries mini. I think its internal DAC is fairly decent and I've been using it for streaming Tidal with good results. I just recently bought an external DAC to improve my CDP playback and it  has two coax inputs and gives me the option to bypass the Node2 DAC.
audioman2015
103 posts
 
The W4S Remedy upsamples everything to 96khz.  I do not like this because most of my music is at 44.1khz.  Take a look at the Gustard U12 USB interface along with a Schiit Wyrd for a good solution.  
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