I have recently upgraded to SONOS S2 software and removed old devices from my home network. In particular I wanted better Hi Res support for my HiFI setup. Imagine my alarm when I find that my old Connect (v2) works better than the new PORT and more to the point that the PORT is unusable in my system.
Let me elaborate:
My music is stored as uncompressed FLAC images, Rips of my CD collection. I play these via the Connect(V2) to an M-Dac (via coax cable). I have run tests and the bit pattern from my Library hard disk to the M-Dac is preserved exactly. that is, the original CD is delivered intact to the M-Dac! Great!
Not so the PORT. Instead of delivering a 44.1/16 stream to the Dac it delivers 44.1/24. The original CD is changed and the DAC compromised. THIS is unacceptable.
But here’s the thing. The PORT does NOT deliver even the lowest so called Hi Res file to the DAC. I play a 48/24 file to the PORT and it does what Connect does and samples down to 44,1/24.
The press releases for the SONOS S2 controller and the new devices at least hinted at Hi Res. And I suspect some attempt will be made by SONOS HD streaming service when I get it but right now I am sticking to my old Connect(v2) and CD Rips only.