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Era 100 Speakers with DAC

  • August 13, 2025
  • 4 replies
  • 94 views

I plan to buy a pair of Era 100 speakers. I use Apple Music. I would like to connect my iPad via the Schitt Modi 3 DAC to the line in using the Sonos line in adapter. Will this set up offer better sound quality when playing hi-res Apple Music than using Airplay 2 over wifi. 

Best answer by jgatie

No.  The source will entail a DAC to ADC conversion from the DAC to the Line-In, and all “quality” from playing the so called hi-res audio will be down sampled to 24/44.  The highest quality will be reached by playing Apple Music directly from the Sonos app.  That will entail no conversion and will stream at the highest quality Sonos can handle.

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4 replies

jgatie
  • 28214 replies
  • Answer
  • August 13, 2025

No.  The source will entail a DAC to ADC conversion from the DAC to the Line-In, and all “quality” from playing the so called hi-res audio will be down sampled to 24/44.  The highest quality will be reached by playing Apple Music directly from the Sonos app.  That will entail no conversion and will stream at the highest quality Sonos can handle.


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • 2 replies
  • August 13, 2025

Thanks for your response. To confirm the best quality that the Era 100 can handle is 24/48 via airplay 2, Sonos app and line in.


jgatie
  • 28214 replies
  • August 13, 2025

Thanks for your response. To confirm the best quality that the Era 100 can handle is 24/48 via airplay 2, Sonos app and line in.

 

I’m not sure what Airplay 2 uses.  But yes, the top resolution for music on Sonos is 24/48.  Which makes sense, because all a higher sample rate gives is the ability to capture frequencies above the threshold of human hearing,.  In general, the idea that a greater sampling frequency gives better sound is audiophile snake oil.  However there are some benefits to the remastering that is sometimes done to produce a high definition version.  


  • Author
  • Contributor I
  • 2 replies
  • August 13, 2025

Thanks. I have the DAC and iPad which I play with my old amp and it sounds really great. Wanted to retire that configuration and replace with Era 100. I bought a Sonos line in adapter thinking that airplay 2 quality will not be 24/48. Looks like I wasted some money, unless I can return it to Sonos and successfully get a refund