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Looking for input/suggestions to improve current setup

108.206.173.244

Clay_wells@hotmail.com

Hi all - I am looking for suggestions on what I might do to improve the sound quality of my current setup.

Setup is simple and consists of a pair of AudioEngine A5+ powered speakers connected to SONOS Connect. Music library sits on my iMac. I also have a SONOS Play 5 and a SONOS Bridge. I'm really looking to get the most out of the A5+, which are great little speakers by the way. Not so concerned with the Play 5.

I have begun converting my library (or parts of it) to FLAC. My music collection predates the SONOS and the A5+ so most of my music is compressed and lossy. I have re-imported a couple albums in as FLAC. Have not done any side-by-side comparisons but what I've heard at least sounds as good as the lossy stuff. How much improvement should I expect FLAC to make?

Next I was considering an external DAC, like one of the ones that AudioEngine offers. Someone told me I could connect the DAC to the SONOS Connect and should hear some improvement. Any thoughts here? Suggestions as to other brands?

Suggestions or thoughts on other ways to tweak this setup? I assume this is an appropriate forum for which to post this, but if there is a better one, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!

-CW

Follow Ups:

Lossless music, playback software and maybe DAC - G Squared 13:24:20 01/24/16 (8)
In that order
- RE: Lossless music, playback software and maybe DAC - Clay_wells@hotmail.com 13:55:01 01/24/16 (7)
  So sounds like the FLAC route is worthwhile. What do you recommend as far as playback? I use SONOS currently. Would be nice not to lose the multi-room functionality. Any suggestions?
  
  Edits: 01/24/16
  - RE: Lossless music, playback software and maybe DAC - E-Stat 14:09:54 01/25/16 (4)
    I use SONOS currently. Would be nice not to lose the multi-room functionality. Any suggestions?
    
    Like the Logitech Squeezebox Touch unit I use, the Sonos connect contains its own DAC but also has digital outputs to feed an external DAC. I use that capability and drive an Audio Research DAC for improved sound quality.
    
    You would need one for each Sonos unit, but perhaps you might only implement one for the "best system". Otherwise, you wouldn't lose any of the shared network access capability.
    
    I agree with updating the content to lossless first.
    - External DAC for SONOS - Clay_wells@hotmail.com 14:26:36 01/25/16 (3)
      So I assume the external DAC would be connected to the Sonos Connect if I were wanting to enhance the sound and output of my A5+, right, since I presently use the Connect to get music to the A5+?
      
      Thanks.
      - Sure - E-Stat 14:39:51 01/25/16 (2)
        
        In Reply to: RE: External DAC for SONOS posted by Clay_wells@hotmail.com on January 25, 2016 at 14:26:36
        
        The Digital to Analog Converter takes the direct digital stream and provides the conversion to an analog signal suitable for a preamp or sensitive power amp. While the Sonos (and my Touch) are great little streamers for the money, the internal DAC found in them is nothing to write home about.
        
        Instead of using the analog outputs, you connect a single coaxial or optical cable from the appropriate digital output (at left in pic) to the external DAC. From the DAC, you will find the left and right analog outputs.
        
        RE: Sure - Clay_wells@hotmail.com 15:01:44 01/25/16 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Sure posted by E-Stat on January 25, 2016 at 14:39:51
        
        Ahh thank you. Very helpful!
        
        RE: Sure - Clay_wells@hotmail.com 11:41:21 01/27/16 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Sure posted by Clay_wells@hotmail.com on January 25, 2016 at 15:01:44
        
        Thanks to each of you for the feedback. I have begun converting a portion of my library to lossless format. Using dbpoweramp for that as recommended by E-Stat. No discernible difference in sound quality just yet at least not just casual listening. I think next I am going to check out a decent DAC. According to the reviews I've read, the Schiit BiFrost seems like one that might fit my needs. I am going to check out this forum for opinions on it as well.
        
        Thanks for the info and suggestions.
  - RE: Lossless music, playback software and maybe DAC - Roseval 11:23:13 01/25/16 (1)
    Nothing wrong with Audio Engine. Their popularity is well deserved.
    But it is possible to improve on them.
    I belong to those who think that speakers are the most dominant factor.
    Have a look at some studio monitors by Genelec, Adams or more domesticated Dynaudio XEO or Dynaudio Exite
    
    The Well Tempered Computer
    - Thanks! - Clay_wells@hotmail.com 14:20:03 01/25/16 (0)
      Thanks for the suggestions and the link. Looks like lots of good info there.

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