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Goodbye Sonos, hello ????

I've been a happy Sonos user for over 10 years and will continue to use it in my casual listening areas in my house. However I dont think I am doing my dedicated 2 channel system justice streaming from the ZP-90. In addition, Sonos does not do high resolution. Therefore I am looking for a high quality digital transport/streamer that can replace the Sonos. Here are my requirements:

1. High quality, low jitter digital output
2. Awesome user interface with remote control via IPAD, ANDROID, iphone, etc
3. Wireless and wired digital streaming from music stored on a NAS
4. No built in DAC as I prefer to mix and match
5. Ability to handle various audio formats including high resolution.

So far it looks like my options are the Bryston BDP-2 or DIY my own streamer. I have built several low powered (ATOM) HTPC in my home to stream 1080p movies so this is definitely an option but I am not too sure about how to get the best possible, low jitter digital output from a PC so this would be something I need to investigate. I can build an ATOM based, fanless system running Jriver and my IPAD to remotely control my music. I know there are products from Linn and Accustic Arts but these all come with either a DAC or an amp.

So are there any other audiophile quality products on the market that fit my need or should I just go the DIY route?

Thank you.
tboooe
williewonka
3,167 posts
 
knghifi - yes, Apple only I'm afraid

But maybe there's a Linux version - contact Damien at [email protected]

He is very responsive

Also see http://audirvana.com/ for a full description

Basically it's a media player that can be standalone or integrate with iTunes
williewonka
3,167 posts
 
kriskdf - your comment " Things like minimum radius bends "

Happen to know what that minimum radius is?

Tighter than a 3.5" radius by any chance?

That's about the gap in my wall space for the outlets - the rest is fairly straight runs or a much larger radius.

Thanks
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
Basically it's a media player that can be standalone or integrate with iTunes
Then AQ ethernet cable will definitely make a difference. I thought audirvana was a DAC with a big buffer.
kriskdf
12 posts
 
I just ran across this, which actually seems to cover things I forgot: http://www.lanshack.com/cat5e-tutorial.aspx

It looks like about 1" radius is the minimum. The article is pretty good and points out that the faster you want the network, the more you need to pay attention to the standard for install. There are also good practices called out that may impact performance less, but helps long term maintenance (labeling, leaving a service loop and lots of slack, etc.).
williewonka
3,167 posts
 
Kriskdf - thanks for the link - great article that contains some interesting point to observe when running network cables.

Also explains why local computer stores had never heard of CAT7 - i.e. rarely used in north america
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