Amp into Connect

Most record players require a pre-amp. I assume your amp has a PHONO input which performs the pre-amp function.

Other than the pre-amp function for the record player.... all the other inputs should just be switches (no actual amplification). I assume you are running line out of the receiver (like Tape OUT) to the Connect.

Thanks Chris. The amp will have a pre amp yes. I am looking at the Rega Brio. Yes, I'll use the line-out on the Rega to the Connect. So if I am not running any passive speakers direct from the Rega is there little point in getting the Rega if it is just to direct sources to the Connect. Would I be better getting the Connect:AMP and plugging the CD player and a phono stage into that....just checked ...drat there is only one input. I think what I am getting at is can you enhance the sound quality of the analogue sources you want to play to Sonos speakers if you get a much better separate amp?

No, you only need a separate amp if the 55 watts of the Connect Amp isn't enough; there is nothing gained by getting a Connect+Brio.

You can wire two sources to the single line in jack on the Connect Amp by interposing a switcher between the two sources and the Connect Amp.

thanks Kumar, what is the wattage of the built in amp inside a Play 5?

No idea; Sonos never publishes such spec for its play units. What really matters though is: will it go as cleanly loud as any speaker wired to the Connect Amp. Going by my play 1 units v Connect Amp comparison experiences, I would say yes. And play units are designed to max out their sound levels before they start distorting.

In the 5, note also that there are 6 amps.

At up to moderate sized rooms in the usual home, a pair of even play 1 units will go louder than I have ever had reason to go.

If I had an amp that goes to 100 watts and used that into a connect to send to the play 5. Would that option enable music to be played louder without maxing out due to distortion risk, than if I used a Connect:Amp?

That connection cannot be made; the 5 can only take unamplified signals to feed the 6 amplifiers inside it - what are called line level inputs. So even a Connect Amp to 5 connection is not possible.

As a rough estimate, I would expect a 100 watt amp wired to external speakers, if used with a Connect feeding it signals, to go about 10%, maybe 15% louder than a Connect Amp. Probably not worth it. If you want an audible jump in sound levels you need a 150-200 wpc Amp, and speakers able to handle that power.

Sorry Kumar, I didn't explain that properly. The 'connection' to the Play 5 will be done wirelessly. I don't intend to physicaly wire anything into the play 5 through the line-in.

If I had a CD player plugged into a Rega Elicit-R Amplifier and through the Line Out on that, I connected it to the SONOS Connect to send music wirelessly to the play 5. Would that option enable music to be played louder without maxing out due to distortion risk and better sound quality, than if I plugged the same cd player into a Connect:Amp wirelessly sending music to the Play 5?

The line out from a 10 watt amp and a 1000 watt amp is of the same low voltage. So it would not matter which amp is supplying this output.

And I don't still understand this thinking even for a Connect Amp - why not wire the CDP direct to the line in jacks of the 5?

Of course, the other question is why do you even need something obsolete like a CD player - why not rip CDs to a NAS, and box the CDs as well? And if you have a streaming service subscription, you don't need even this, unless your CDs are exotic music not part of the typical 45 million song library of all streaming services. If this approach works for you, all you need is a 5 pair. Or even better, IMO, a 1 pair + Sub. But you can't play a turntable with the latter set up.

Run that set up at full volume though and I doubt you will remain on talking terms with your neighbours.

Good point on the neighbours. So assuming there were no neighbours to worry with loud music, the volume of a CD or a record when played through the Rega Elicit-R wired to the Connect played wirelessly to the Play 5 would be able to go higher and still maintain quality than if the CD or record was played through the Connect:AMP and played wirelessly up to the Play 5 then.

Also, ignoring volume, would the sound quality of a CD or a record when played through the Rega Elicit-R wired to the Connect played wirelessly to the Play 5, sound better to someone who knew what they were listening for, than if the CD or record was played through the Connect:AMP and played wirelessly up to the Play 5?

The Play 5’s are wall mounted so no access to the line-in. Also I want to be able to play from more than one source that I can flip between with minimal effort I.e. the amp remote. CD, Vinyl, a Bluetooth receiver and an Airplay receiver. Given free rein over anything what would you recommend for this set up?

I guess I am in the depleting minority. I still like to put use a tangible thing occasionally, whether it’s a book, vinyl or CD etc. Your NAS argument could be applied to vinyl as well. The crackle is not the sole reason people still like vinyl.