Skip to main content
PenskeFile
Contributor III
December 30, 2011

Would I benefit from a dedicated DAC?

  • December 30, 2011
  • 74 replies
  • 44166 views
In my living room, I have a ZP90 connected to an older Sony A/V receiver (STR-DE597) that I bought on Craigslist. Earlier this year I added a pair of Polk TSi400 with a Polk subwoofer that I use for Sonos and my television.

As I've been learning more about digital audio, I keep seeing references to dedicated DAC units as something that will really boost sound quality.

My question is: with the components that I already have, would a DAC like the Peachtree DAC-iT make a difference? My concern is that since my other components are not very high-end, the better sound quality of the DAC would not really come through.

Since this unit is about $500, would that be better spent on some other component, like a new A/V receiver?

And a related question: how would the DAC be wired? Does the output from the Sonos go to the DAC and then the output from the DAC go to the receiver?
    This topic has been closed for further comments. You can use the search bar to find a similar topic, or create a new one by clicking Create Topic at the top of the page.

    74 replies

    Kumar
    December 31, 2011

    As I've been learning more about digital audio, I keep seeing references to dedicated DAC units as something that will really boost sound quality.



    After some years of living with an expensive one, I believe that in most if not all cases, an external DAC is snake oil. If you make sure that volume levels are the same, it will be difficult to pick up any difference in an ABX comparison, with/without the DAC in the system.
    The zp90 has a good built in DAC, and I would put the money saved on an external DAC to better use.
    PS: and yes, it would be wired just as you say. A digital cable to connect the Sonos to the DAC, via the digital out on the Sonos. And analog cable to connect the DAC outputs to the receiver.
    Jonis
    Contributor I
    December 31, 2011
    I would agree with Kumar. With today's electronics, paying more doesn't always get you more. Speakers are where the improvements can be heard along with acoustic room treatments.
    buzz
    buzz
    Grand Maestro
    January 1, 2012
    PenskeFile,

    Unless you are on a complete system upgrade path, I don't think that investing in an external DAC would be good use of funds. If you are on the upgrade path, add the DAC last. And, listen before you buy.
      codiedog
      Contributor I
      January 3, 2012
      A good DAC can make a huge difference in sound quality coming from any digital source (Sonos, PC, cd player, etc).

      But, like the poster above mentioned, I think at this point you would better off investing the money elsewhere for other upgrades first.
      NickA
      Trending Lyricist I
      January 4, 2012
      Probably not.

      I have been playing with my sonos connect played into the analogue inputs of my huge NAIM 122x/150x amp and big Neat Motive 1 speakers.

      The Sonos connect ought to be way inferior to the naim kit, but actually the difference between a FLAC file played from a NAS via the sonos and the same file converted to wav, burnt to a CD and played on my £1500 Naim CD player (which has quite a fancy dac) .. was not huge. For complex classical music, the CD was definitely better but for some simple acoustic Jazz I couldn't honestly tell the difference.

      In summary the sonos DAC seems to be pretty good and I really doubt it's the weakest link in your system. Buy better amp and speakers first.
      PenskeFileAuthor
      Contributor III
      January 5, 2012
      Thanks all! points well taken. Our washer just died and the money will need to be re-directed in that direction to keep peace in the house. It wouldnt go over too well to introduce a new stereo component while crimping her budget...
      davey400
      Contributor III
      January 5, 2012
      Just by a pair of Play:3's for your kitchen, and do the washing by hand, while enjoying the music! ;)

      Good luck explaining this @home.... 😛
      bradbort
      Enthusiast II
      January 27, 2012
      If you have a good amp and speakers, a decent DAC (I use a rega), can make a noticeable difference. If not, don't bother. Spend the money on better speakers/amp 🙂
      Peter Bomberg
      Contributor III
      February 24, 2012
      Hard to say, but the comments are correct first speakers, then pre amp then power amp and only after that a DAC.

      I have 2 setups one with a nice DAC Wyred4Sound DAC-2 using the I2S interface then connected to a Classe integrated amp driving Proac speakers and one with the stock unit via a toss-link connection to a NAD receiver driving the same model Proacs.

      And yes you can tell a difference but is it big and is it the DAC on it's own, in semi blind tests very few people can tell which unit is connected for a lot of music, it is easier to tell with some and with some it is a big difference but lets face it if you are using any lossy format then it's not worth buying a DAC at all (I know I am going to be flamed but that is my experience).

      Ok enough rambling, if you have a really nice set up (and listening environment) I would get the DAC without any hesitation otherwise use the money elsewhere.

      Peter
      Musikliebhaber
      Contributor I
      February 26, 2012
      I have just made my own experience:

      Professional Studio equipment (Monitor, Amp) : "best of best" .
      But a Rega Planet CDP since years.
      (Did not want to buy new because I planned already to switch to a NAS/Sonos Solution, finally did it.

      Buyed a RipNAS and Sonos system.

      Ripped my thousends of Cds and....

      was shocked about a much more detailed performance - shurely due to the "old" Rega-CDP !

      So - I am pretty shure: the Sonos is NOT the weakest part of most of the chains used by Sonos-Owners.

      Investment to do for best benefit/cost relation in HiFi:

      1) neutrally reproducing Speakers
      2) ROOM ACCOUSTICS!!!

      you can nearly ignore the rest regarding Cost/benefit.

      Some hundreds of USD/Euro invested in room accoustics and consultiing a professional to measure and do some propositions for better damping will rapidly and radically better your sound.

      It´s that easy.

      cheers
      D.
      Show more replies
      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement