Skip to main content
dvghorpade
Contributor I
August 13, 2025
Answered

Era 100 Speakers with DAC

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. 

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.
jgatie
jgatieAnswer
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.

View in thread

4 replies

jgatie
jgatieAnswer
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.

    dvghorpadeAuthor
    Contributor I
    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
    jgatie
    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.  

      dvghorpadeAuthor
      Contributor I
      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

      Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement