External DAC with Connect

Am I likely to hear the "wider, more detailed, deeper, etc." sound the reviewers write about.

Doubtful. Any difference is most likely due to higher signal voltage from the DAC as compared to that from the Connect, leading to higher sound levels at the same amp volume level.

Audition before buying is recommended. When comparing, be sure that sound levels from each option are matched, even slight differences will have you think that louder is better, which is the normal human reaction.

If the DAC still sounds better to you, buy it by all means.

Doubtful. Any difference is most likely due to higher signal voltage from the DAC as compared to that from the Connect, leading to higher sound levels at the same amp volume level.

Audition before buying is recommended. When comparing, be sure that sound levels from each option are matched, even slight differences will have you think that louder is better, which is the normal human reaction.

If the DAC still sounds better to you, buy it by all means.


Kumar, Many thanks for your reply here. I am going to purchase a connect this coming weekend and was wondering the same question. Thanks you've answered my question. Really also like your input on the forum!

Cheers,
Baz.

Thanks you've answered my question.

Baz, happy to help, all part of the pay it forward thing:).

The Connect has a very decent DAC built into it - money saved from not getting another DAC can be used to getting better speakers where the extra spend can be heard. Or another Sonos box in another room for more home coverage. Or on a decent bottle of wine, that will also allow the music to flow...

Thanks for the quick reply Kumar, I am going to have to start listening to some up-to-date systems, my old KEF's and receiver just aren't doing it for me any more.

I am going to have to start listening to some up-to-date systems, my old KEF's and receiver just aren't doing it for me any more.

There really hasn't been any progress in solid state electronic amplification over the last twenty years that can be heard, so as long as the amp is in working condition there isn't much point in changing. Speakers is the place where you will see the biggest benefit in sound quality improvement, along with attention to room acoustic improvements if called for. Just make sure that any new speakers you like can be driven by the power output available from the amp.

kk 🙂

I use the connect mostly for streaming internet radio of various bps, as well as itunes within my house.

My experience with external DACs has been mixed. When I used the highly regarded Rega DAC, I really could not hear a difference. I think that DAC is likely best with high resolution sources.

When I now occasionally use my oppo 105 coax inputs, there is a very significant difference. Surprisingly so. Even so, I rarely use it, because its kind of a pain to have turn the oppo on, and select the right input. If there was a cheap, dedicated DAC that I could be sure would sound as good as the oppo, I would use it for the connect.

My system consists of the oppo105, the sonos connect, a brio R integrated amp, and PSB T2 speakers.

When I used the highly regarded Rega DAC, I really could not hear a difference. I think that DAC is likely best with high resolution sources.


High resolution sources by themselves do nothing for SQ, so it would be illogical to expect the DAC to do anything to change that.

...
When I now occasionally use my oppo 105 coax inputs, there is a very significant difference. Surprisingly so. ...

My system consists of the oppo105, the sonos connect, a brio R integrated amp, and PSB T2 speakers.

Can you describe the difference you hear? Since I started this thread three weeks ago, I've heeded Kumar's advice and gone on a speaker hunt. Finally decided on the PSB T2's, and an integrated amp (with DAC) sufficient to drive them (NAD C375DAC). When it arrives I'm going to replace my old system and NOT attempt any comparisons. (Of course I may be tempted to consider the Wyred4sound upgrade, but not for a long time...)

Thanks Kumar, you converted my $300 DAC purchase into a $5,000 upgrade!

Thanks Kumar, you converted my $300 DAC purchase into a $5,000 upgrade!

In the past, I would have advised you to spend some of the money on buying more music, but there is so much free music, via good enough quality bitstreams on the internet, that makes that advice obsolete. I stopped adding to my CD collection almost as soon as Sonos started at home, and now listen to internet radio more than I listen to my ripped to NAS CDs. And the 192k and higher streams deliver sound quality equal to CDs played via a good spec CD player.

PS: Your new system sounds interesting - I am familiar with the old NAD 370, a fine amp. I would be interested to know if you find any difference between the analog and digital outputs of the Connect into the DAC equipped model, if you ever get around to comparing.