Zp 24/96

Part of the digital encode/decode process creates some extra high frequency energy -- it is part of the physics.

On the analog to digital conversion side we have an "anti-alias" filter to prevent high frequencies in the input signal from causing the creation of extra inband (clearly audible, non musical trash) signals.

On the digital to analog conversion side we use a "reconstruction" filter to remove another set of signals that can potentially cause trouble for the follow on amplifiers, speakers, and humans. Again, these signals are introduced as a result of the physics.

There are always some side effects with filters, obviously some high frequency information is removed and there are phase changes.

From a physics standpoint the filters are required to prevent obvious problems. We don't need a set of super human audiophile ears to hear the side effects resulting from skipping the filters. Audiophiles react emotionally to filters and declare that any limits on the signal bandwidth ruins everything. In reality the filters are very beneficial.

Audiophile grumps aside, as the sample frequency is raised, the filter frequencies move up too. At a 44.1KHz sample rate, we need very sharp anti-alias filters that will remove everything in the input signal above 22KHz. Unfortunately, part of the physics of filters causes them to have some effects below their "cutoff" frequency. Different types of filters each have their own damage fingerprint. Inexpensive or poorly designed anti-alias filters can cause damage that will be audible by quite a few individuals. Increasing the sample rate, raises the required filter frequency and pushes the filter side effects farther and farther above the human's audio operating range.

Note that, we at home are stuck with the sample rate and filters that the digitizing crew used.

On the playback side we need another 22KHz "low pass" filter to remove the extra digital junk. Although it might be tempting to skip this filter, the high frequency energy is likely to cause the follow on equipment to misbehave.

Although for CD's we are stuck with the original sample rate and filters, we can play some tricks in the digital domain and "over sample" (create some extra "samples" using some math). The advantage is that the digital to analog reconstruction filter frequencies move up too. As a design choice, we can use gentler, less obtrusive, filters to remove the digital artifacts. It becomes more difficult for the audiophiles to prove that a 192KHz reconstruction filter removes or damages a significant portion of the music.

The bit depths (16-20-24-whatever) all require similar filters. However, I don't think that I would care to be on the team tasked to design an anti-alias filter for a 44.1 KHz/24 bit system).

I love my Sonos, but having 24/96 support would make it perfect for my set up. I would hate to go to another company to get this capability for my two channel set-up. Right now I'm using the Sonos with a DAC magic going into an NHT XD.

Chris. Don't neglect the ease of use factor...:)

Thanks, still my number one choice, just wish it was in there, or in development at least.

I add my support for Sono supporting 24/96. Disappointed to find out it doesn't. Would of looked to another product if i knew they did'nt. Come on SONOS get with it!!

Throwing my vote in for 24/96 support as well.. I have several hundred tracks ripped from my DVD-As and SACDs, as well as some vinyl rips.

Heck, even if Sonos merely downsampled from 24/96 or 24/88.2 to 16/48 and 16/44.1 respectively, this would still be a plus since it would rid me of the need to painstakingly create and maintain two versions of data on my system.

Surely it has to happen soon - esp with Logitech stepping up the game with the touch!

Throwing my vote in for 24/96 support as well..
...
Heck, even if Sonos merely downsampled from 24/96 or 24/88.2 to 16/48 and 16/44.1 respectively, ...

Downsampling is a nogo.
I vote for 24/96 mainly because it allows me to play DTS tracks wrapped in the wav format (just like DTS cd's).
Fooling around with resampling corrupts the coded bitstream and kills the tweeters with white noise.

It is still a bit tricky though as the Sonos volume must stay at 0 dB 100% off the time and then regulated via the amplifier. But the again, who would play the dts tracks in the kitchen anyway.

Best regards,
Jens

But the again, who would play the dts tracks in the kitchen anyway.

who WOULDN'T is my question. 😉

The following mods are available....

Cullen Curcuits...Basically a hardware upsampler board mod. Turns a ZP90's output to 24/96 or

Empirical Audio. Jitter reduction mod. Used with their pacecar. Keeps it a 44.1 hz.

I have one of each.:)

Yes, but neither allows you to play any files with higher resolution than Redbook on a Sonos system

Just downloaded some 24-bit stuff from Bowers & Wilkins and 😞 and no go on my new speakers. I have two ZPs and I would to like to listen to HiRes music everywhere now that I have B&W speakers everywhere (well except the patio).