I’m wondering what a network streamer will add to my system that using my miniDSP SHD and Volumio doesn’t. I purchased the SHD because of it’s Dirac Live capability and both analog and digital outputs/inputs. It also uses Volumio and has streamer capability--it is indeed an amazing machine! I’ve been contemplating buying a Wyred 4 Sound modified Sonos Connect and streaming from that to the SHD, and from the SHD to my DAC., but I’m wondering if the streamer will enhance the sound quality over what the SHD can do or if it would be money poorly spent?
I don’t want a streamer with a builtin DAC as I’m happy with my current DAC and one day want to upgrade to a Denafrips Terminator. I do have an old Bryston BDP-1, but it has started crashing and the interface is very slow. This is why I started using the SHD and Volumio as a streamer. I see these for sale on Audiogon and they don’t seem to move, so it’s probably going to be a relic I can’t sell.
I don’t have a lot of ripped CDs or music of my own. I typically listen to Tidal or Pandora (lower quality, I know) from the SHD and SACDs through my Oppo 105D that I send to the SHD using XLR cables. I feel I get the interface ability from Volumio I need, but my question is more around sound quality. Would the Sonos, or any other streamer, enhance the sound going to the SHD over the SHD’s capability?
My system:
- Furman Elite 20 power conditioner with all Pangea power cables
- Bryston BDP-1 (going into the closet)
- miniDSP SHD
- Gustard x-20 DAC modified by Ric Shultz
- Oppo 105D modified by Ric Shultz
- Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated Amp
- Martin Logan Summit X speakers
- Clear Day Double Shotgun speaker cables
- Kimber D60 S/PDIF
- Avanti Audio AES/EBU, RCA, and XLR Interconnects
Thanks very much for your advice on this!
