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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
yioryos's avatar
yioryos
723 posts
 

Jkscherk
I did that last summer and compared my macmini(JRiver vs my sonos and it was clear to me that the mini sounded fuller.Both went through the same dac and electronics,same songs and same volume level.Also files were on external Lacie drive on the macmini,and NAS Western Digital My Book Live for Sonos.
I admit the Sonos has an excellent interface though,and the CR-200 controller is so easy and convenient to use.But the JRiver music player is no slouch either.I use a wireless apple keyboard and mouse for now on my macmini,viewing the playlists through a 23 inch display.
Best
George
skinzy's avatar
skinzy
158 posts
 
I can’t answer but can say my Mac mini with Amarra Symphony with its room acoustic correction software is fabulous! I use my Esoteric K-01 as the DAC.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
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
justubes2
203 posts
 
Does it matter less not to have bnc before say the sychromesh, and use bnc out?

If the dac only has rca, would'nt the bnc on one side, if beneficial , be be totally wasted?
martykl
3,578 posts
 
My Sonos system goes back so far that it pre-dates the company's records. I have zones everywhere in my home/yard and absolutely love the ergonomics, while enjoying sound that is good enough for distributed listening. Serious listening sessions happen in front of my big rig. However...

There are definitely more options out there these days. I haven't yet heard the BlueSound system, but it looks like a 24/192 knock off of Sonos. By virtue of already owning 11 zone players, I'm married to Sonos, but it might be worth investigating for you.
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