mav52 Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 I kind of agree with Chris here ... there was a product which "replicates exactly what Sonos does..... with the same brilliant ease of use, plug and play and functionality, same music services , purchased exactly the same way, with the same excellent support: all at the same costs BUT added up to 24/192 *and* DSD....??" (well 24/96 and no DSD) ... it was the Squeezebox and Logitech killed it, presumably because people didn't buy it. The two products closest to your ideals (as we've discussed before) appear to be the Auralic Vega and SotM MiniServer / Sonore Orbiter. Self build / DIY you could add the Community Squeeze OS project (software complete but the hardware bits are still being finalised iirc) and a PC with J.River or Foobar. Eloise Doesn't the Lumin Network Player handle what Wapp wants. The Lumin player supports the DSF (DSD), DIFF (DSD), FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC (in M4A container) file formats as well as gapless playback and you can send both PCM and DSD (DoP) out via S/PDIF. The HDMI output allows DSD bitstreaming to a compatible DAC but at a $7000 price. And Lumin recommends MinimServer LUMIN - Specification The Truth Is Out There Link to comment
Mark Manner Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 ....The two products closest to your ideals (as we've discussed before) appear to be the Auralic Vega and SotM MiniServer ... To add a note about this, I am using the Sonore Rendu and SOtM Miniserver and an Auralic Vega now. I am trying various combinations, feeding the Vega from the Rendu via S/PDIF and from the Miniserver via USB, with data to the Rendu and Miniserver via my LAN (data on Synology 713+, dediated PC running W8.1). (Also feeding the Vega direct from the PC via usb, but I know that isn't what the op wanted to do here). I am using JRiver, and have been testing HQPlayer as well. All work well and seem to be a pretty good solution, minimizing the pc's impact on the system. I am not sure I mind have separate units perform these functions. I know it isn't exactly the same issue, but most of us don't use a receiver anymore either. Link to comment
jcbenten Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Going back to the original "rant"...it seems there are two ways to go about it. If you are looking at a streamer, it should act almost as an NAS. File type does not matter...just transfer. Then it becomes the DACs job to interpret the file. Or second if the DAC can stream, and it is multi-format, then it pulls from the storage and it deciphers the file. From reading the multiple threads over the last year that this DAC would be $$$. Personally I want a streamer that transfers the file regardless of the type and it sends it to the appropriate DAC. Perhaps the LOKI for DSD and something else for PCM. I do not see what is so difficult but then I am chemical guy and not electronic. IMO it is due to expertise within a company. SONOS will not do hi-rez because it cannot reliably perform due to the level of expertise within the company. Linn does not do SACD because it is uncomfortable with the format and lacks the expertise to do it "right". Or perhaps Linn believes PCM is better. Of course I could be completely ignorant and it comes down to a simple business decision. Sonos: "If we supply Hi-Rez capability what is the incremental earnings we could expect (vs. the cost)?" . It could simply be that Sonos thinks that those who want Hi-Rez will figure it out on their own. I would like a Squeezebox Touch that is more reliable (I have to reboot everything every now and then) and will transfer any file format. Then it becomes incumbent on me to supply the appropriate DAC. QNAP TS453Pro w/QLMS->Netgear Switch->Netgear RAX43 Router->Ethernet (50 ft)->Netgear switch->SBTouch ->SABAJ A10d->Linn Majik-IL (preamp)->Linn 2250->Linn Keilidh; Control Points: iPeng (iPad Air & iPhone); Also: Rega P3-24 w/ DV 10x5; OPPO 103; PC Playback: Foobar2000 & JRiver; Portable: iPhone 12 ProMax & Radio Paradise or NAS streaming; Sony NWZ ZX2 w/ PHA-3; SMSL IQ, Fiio Q5, iFi Nano iDSD BL; Garage: Edifier S1000DB Active Speakers Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 Oh I'm listening ... I can't help you but I listen... <<hugs>> I think the problem for Sonos is that if high res introduced any issues, then the vaunted ease of use immediately goes out the water. They value the simple "plug and play" over offering High Resolution. I imagine its similar to the reasoning Apple use behind not implementing auto rate switching in iTunes. Eloise ..100% agree with that! New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 Rather than mess with DLNA/uPNP/miminserver/NAS...and such difficulties, what technical limitations exist for a USB2.0 device to be given an IP address. There are plenty of devices that can be attached either with an ac or Ethernet network supporting USB 2.0. The setup would be the host machine has Jriver, setup to different zones for multiple rooms example. Each zone has an IP address of the final device where the local client, Jremote, can select any zone it likes. The USB feeds a local DAC, and away it goes. It means running Jriver on a dedicated machine, and that software can play anything. Simple...? Depends on your expertise. If your desire is not to use a computer, then then wait is needed. The Auralic Aries sounds promising with DSD and only a files server required that is accessible. It is most unlikely that Sonos/Linn will ever offer DSD, or hirez transmissions. More codecs mean more computation, in a proprietary closed system, that spells a lot of R&D. There is commercially made software that cost less than an software's engineer's time to make a coffee already in existence. Oh that's right you want multi channel. Wait longer or complain louder. Did you read about Todd Rundgren trying to setup multi channel at his concerts? Very frustrating, he gave up after a valiant effort. I generally agree with that.. New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 The question is, why aren't more manufacturers implementing similar functionalities on their devices? The market is completely dominated by USB DACs, with new units coming to market every week or so (see M2Tech's Young DSD, Grace Design's m920, etc.) [ATTACH=CONFIG]11615[/ATTACH] Are audiophiles really not interested in streamers? Most seem to have no idea of the possibilities... Yes, Why aren't there more streamers? Given the move to streaming music services, that is a *very* good question.. New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 Doesn't the Lumin Network Player handle what Wapp wants. The Lumin player supports the DSF (DSD), DIFF (DSD), FLAC, Apple Lossless (ALAC), WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC (in M4A container) file formats as well as gapless playback and you can send both PCM and DSD (DoP) out via S/PDIF. The HDMI output allows DSD bitstreaming to a compatible DAC but at a $7000 price. And Lumin recommends MinimServer LUMIN - Specification Well yes. It does. Kind of.. but at 10 x 7K for a multiroom setup? And I'd venture to say the "generalised"uPnP operation of 10 Lumin's would *not* give you the same plug and play simplicity of Sonos. I could be wrong, but I know nobody with 10 Lumin's who has tried this out. I have seen a 4-6 room setup of Linn..(which uses the same generalised uPnP multiroom control as Lumin), and it is *not* as good/simple as Sonos. Period. New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 To add a note about this, I am using the Sonore Rendu and SOtM Miniserver and an Auralic Vega now. I am trying various combinations, feeding the Vega from the Rendu via S/PDIF and from the Miniserver via USB, with data to the Rendu and Miniserver via my LAN (data on Synology 713+, dediated PC running W8.1). (Also feeding the Vega direct from the PC via usb, but I know that isn't what the op wanted to do here). I am using JRiver, and have been testing HQPlayer as well. All work well and seem to be a pretty good solution, minimizing the pc's impact on the system. I am not sure I mind have separate units perform these functions. I know it isn't exactly the same issue, but most of us don't use a receiver anymore either. Yes. Imagine doing this with 10 "zones"... New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 Going back to the original "rant"...it seems there are two ways to go about it. If you are looking at a streamer, it should act almost as an NAS. File type does not matter...just transfer. Then it becomes the DACs job to interpret the file. Or second if the DAC can stream, and it is multi-format, then it pulls from the storage and it deciphers the file. From reading the multiple threads over the last year that this DAC would be $$$. Personally I want a streamer that transfers the file regardless of the type and it sends it to the appropriate DAC. Perhaps the LOKI for DSD and something else for PCM. I do not see what is so difficult but then I am chemical guy and not electronic. IMO it is due to expertise within a company. SONOS will not do hi-rez because it cannot reliably perform due to the level of expertise within the company. Linn does not do SACD because it is uncomfortable with the format and lacks the expertise to do it "right". Or perhaps Linn believes PCM is better. Of course I could be completely ignorant and it comes down to a simple business decision. Sonos: "If we supply Hi-Rez capability what is the incremental earnings we could expect (vs. the cost)?" . It could simply be that Sonos thinks that those who want Hi-Rez will figure it out on their own. I would like a Squeezebox Touch that is more reliable (I have to reboot everything every now and then) and will transfer any file format. Then it becomes incumbent on me to supply the appropriate DAC. 100% agree with this as well. New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Well yes. I does. Kind of.. but at 10 x 7K for a multiroom setup? And I'd venture to say the "generalised"uPnP operation of 10 Lumin's would *not* give you the same plug and play simplicity of Sonos. I could be wrong, but I know nobody with 10 Lumin's who has tried this out. I have seen a 4-6 room setup of Linn..(which uses the same generalised uPnP multiroom control as Lumin), and it is *not* as good/simple as Sonos. Period. If I recall correctly LUMIN don't implement SongCast which is needed for multi-room: at least for playing the same music in multiple rooms at once. But you're right; even with Linn the multi-room control/experience is nothing like Sonos (or Squeezebox) offers. Eloise Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 ^ Yep. Precisely. What a shame Squeezebox wasn't developed and supported further.. I know there is the ongoing squeeze community and products make use of squeezplayer (like the Sonore as you have pointed out)..but this is not a "market ready" 100% supported platform now IMHO.. I mean that is another one of the great strengths of Sonos.. New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 This is exactly what I'm talking about.. I quote "There is no need for DSD" Linn's CEO's view of DSD | Naim Audio Forums Who else is fed up with industry respresentatives with attitudes like this? He should stop talking down to us and putting *his* bias on the issue... It's none of his darn business what file format consumers might like to have their music.. New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
Miska Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 I quote "There is no need for DSD" Linn's CEO's view of DSD | Naim Audio Forums Who else is fed up with industry respresentatives with attitudes like this? He should stop talking down to us and putting *his* bias on the issue... This is just industry politics. And the industry is full of politics... Unfortunately you have to choose the party you vote, or start your own one. Signalyst - Developer of HQPlayer Pulse & Fidelity - Software Defined Amplifiers Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 ^haha Sure.. I agree with that comment! Anybody got a lazy couple hundred million? New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
Cycleman Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 I think the problem for Sonos is that if high res introduced any issues, then the vaunted ease of use immediately goes out the water. They value the simple "plug and play" over offering High Resolution. I imagine its similar to the reasoning Apple use behind not implementing auto rate switching in iTunes. Right, but Apple makes iTunes open enough so that others -- Audirvana and Amarra and Pure Music, to pick three -- can implement that auto rate-switching and make it easy for their customers. Is Sonos open enough? Are there ways other companies can make add-ons to the Sonos system? You know, Mr. & Ms. Company, you don't need to do it all yourself. Just let others help. Dave, who went from the Squeezebox Touch to his Mac Mini setups but never really considered Sonos because it seemed overpriced for what it offered relative to the Touch ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Music is love, made audible. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Link to comment
Cycleman Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 I would like a Squeezebox Touch that is more reliable (I have to reboot everything every now and then)... I have to reboot my Apple TV now and then. I have to reboot my Roku now and then. I have to reboot my dedicated music server Mac Minis now and then. I have to reboot my work computer iMac now and then. You know, any of us at the leading edge of streaming media have to futz around with it now and then. To expect a box that always works without fussing…well, that's a lot of years to come because a no-fuss box in any technology generally means the feature set is pretty much set and they (the manufacturers, that particular industry) are not adding much to it anymore. Dave, who understands why many people wouldn't accept the reboot and other extra work he sometimes and only sometimes needs to put into his music systems to make them work and he's okay with that ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Music is love, made audible. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 ^ Awesome comments Dave. I'm 100% with ya man.. Yep even the so called "wonderful" just plug n play Sonos needs regular rebooting every now and then.. New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
mav52 Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 Anybody got a lazy couple hundred million? Sure it's call Kickstarter The Truth Is Out There Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 haha Sure.. Somebodies already done it (Olive).. But they neglected one important format LOL! New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 ^ Now would would have led them to that flaw in the make up during the model build..?.. To fuss around with which SSD or what disc to put in the player.. or how many digital outs.. or colour etc etc.. Yet not go to the fundamentals of *why* and *what* people would want to play.. That is, sit down right at the start and ensure from the outset the no. one priority.. That it is a true universal player...) Amazing isn't it? New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
Allan F Posted March 31, 2014 Share Posted March 31, 2014 This is exactly what I'm talking about.. I quote "There is no need for DSD" Linn's CEO's view of DSD | Naim Audio Forums Who else is fed up with industry respresentatives with attitudes like this? He should stop talking down to us and putting *his* bias on the issue... It's none of his darn business what file format consumers might like to have their music.. This reminds me of comments during a DSD seminar at last year's RMAF in Denver. In reply to a question, John Siau of Benchmark remarked that DSD is a difficult format to work with for recording. Andreas Koch, of Playback Designs, immediately responded to the effect of, "Just because something is difficult, that is not a reason not to do it if that's what the customer wants". "Relax, it's only hi-fi. There's never been a hi-fi emergency." - Roy Hall "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." - William Bruce Cameron Link to comment
wappinghigh Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share Posted March 31, 2014 ^ Yep. It's called industry bias And it's the fundamental point of my thread New simplified setup: STEREO- Primary listening Area: Cullen Circuits Mod ZP90> Benchmark DAC1>RotelRKB250 Power amp>KEF Q Series. Secondary listening areas: 1/ QNAP 119P II(running MinimServer)>UPnP>Linn Majik DSI>Linn Majik 140's. 2/ (Source awaiting)>Invicta DAC>RotelRKB2100 Power amp>Rega's. Tertiary multiroom areas: Same QNAP>SMB>Sonos>Various. MULTICHANNEL- MacMini>A+(Standalone mode)>Exasound e28 >5.1 analog out>Yamaha Avantage Receiver>Pre-outs>Linn Chakra power amps>Linn Katan front and sides. Linn Trikan Centre. Velodyne SPL1000 Ultra Link to comment
Paul R Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Oh I'm listening ... I can't help you but I listen... <<hugs>> I think the problem for Sonos is that if high res introduced any issues, then the vaunted ease of use immediately goes out the water. They value the simple "plug and play" over offering High Resolution. I imagine its similar to the reasoning Apple use behind not implementing auto rate switching in iTunes. Eloise I think the problem with Sono's is that they are money tight right now for some reason, and don't want to invest in R&D. They are trying to maximize profit from the existing gear, which is already perhaps a little overpriced. -Paul Anyone who considers protocol unimportant has never dealt with a cat DAC. Robert A. Heinlein Link to comment
realhifi Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I think the problem with Sono's is that they are money tight right now for some reason, and don't want to invest in R&D. They are trying to maximize profit from the existing gear, which is already perhaps a little overpriced. -Paul They are working on marketing and expansion of existing product pipelines which is a costly endevour. EVery one of their products we incorporate into a clients system or introduce as part of a new whole house system is praised and loved by our customers. Is it perfect, no. It is however a huge leap forward for 98% of the folks we deal with. When they can easily pull up multiple iTunes accounts, FLAC libraries, NAS drives and combine them to one easy to navigate library PLUS have the ability to stream so many services, radio stations, your iPad, etc. Really it is a bargain for their devices and I am guessing that at a MINIMUM, 98% of our clients are not thinking of a higher res format or file res than cd quality. I personally still think a Mac Mini is the preferred method for music playback to a dac but can see the convenience of the SONOS approach as an attractive alternative. David Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I think the problem with Sono's is that they are money tight right now for some reason, and don't want to invest in R&D. They are trying to maximize profit from the existing gear, which is already perhaps a little overpriced. From what I see Sonos are just heading in the opposite direction.... They (and their customers) are more interested in incorporating streaming services - their new Android and iOS App even searches across services so if (for example) you want to listen to Led Zeppelin you get to see everything local as well as what Spotify, Mog have and Pandora have listed (hopefully without duplicates as far as possible). Eloise Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
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