Help with external DAC

[Tanker]

Hello all. I am trying to understand the need for an external DAC. I am using a Sonos Connect and was told that a higher quality DAC would improve the sound quality. What I don't understand is if the Sonos already converted the file to analog how can another DAC do it again and do it better. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Hello all. I am trying to understand the need for an external DAC. I am using a Sonos Connect and was told that a higher quality DAC would improve the sound quality. What I don't understand is if the Sonos already converted the file to analog how can another DAC do it again and do it better. Thanks in advance for your help.

Welcome.

What is this amp connected to?
It is a music server as well?

Sound quality is improved by better speakers and by better room acoustics if needed.

 

[lovinthehd]

You're connecting the Connect to what to play content? Is it an analog connection now? Can you stream it to another unit you have with a built in dac? Really helps to know all the gear involved and maybe what your source of music is for suggestions...

 

[Tanker]

Welcome.

What is this amp connected to?
It is a music server as well?

Sound quality is improved by better speakers and by better room acoustics if needed.

Thanks for the reply. My Sonos connect is connected to my old denon 1802. I use this to play tunes on my deck. I guess I just don't see the need for and don't understand how an external DAC would make the already converted file sound any better. Just trying to understand.

 

[Tanker]

You're connecting the Connect to what to play content? Is it an analog connection now? Can you stream it to another unit you have with a built in dac? Really helps to know all the gear involved and maybe what your source of music is for suggestions...

Denon 1802 avr receiver. Just can't understand that if the file is converted coming out of the Sonos Connect how could I benefit from another DAC

 

[lovinthehd]

Denon 1802 avr receiver. Just can't understand that if the file is converted coming out of the Sonos Connect how could I benefit from another DAC

Does the music originate within the Sonos? Not familiar with Sonos stuff in general so pardon my asking. Or does music come from a cd player or a phone or ?

How do you connect the Sonos to the Denon? Are you using a digital connection from the Sonos (wireless to output the Sonos digitally or hard wired optical or digital coax or hdmi connection) to utilize the dac in the Denon? Or are you using an analog (two rca cables likely) connection to the Denon so that you're using the dac in the Sonos?

 

[Tanker]

Does the music originate within the Sonos? Not familiar with Sonos stuff in general so pardon my asking. Or does music come from a cd player or a phone or ?

How do you connect the Sonos to the Denon? Are you using a digital connection from the Sonos (wireless to output the Sonos digitally or hard wired optical or digital coax or hdmi connection) to utilize the dac in the Denon? Or are you using an analog (two rca cables likely) connection to the Denon so that you're using the dac in the Sonos?

Sonos is wi if music streaming service pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify... it is connected to my denon using digital optical cable. I'm assuming and verified that the Sonos unit does in fact have a Dac built in. This is where I don't understand how another Dac would help. Does one DAC override the other? Thanks again

 

[lovinthehd]

Sonos is wi if music streaming service pandora, SiriusXM, Spotify... it is connected to my denon using digital optical cable. I'm assuming and verified that the Sonos unit does in fact have a Dac built in. This is where I don't understand how another Dac would help. Does one DAC override the other? Thanks again

No, if you connect your Sonos to the Denon with an optical cable, you're using the dac in the Denon (unless your Sonos first converts to analog then back to digital to send to the Denon but I doubt it ). I don't think another dac will help at all, the one in your Denon is fine. If you want improved sound you need to look at your room acoustics and the speakers themselves....that's where the sound quality is better manipulated, not the electronics...dacs have been fairly invisible audibly (but some may have better specs) for some time now.

 

[Tanker]

No, if you connect your Sonos to the Denon with an optical cable, you're using the dac in the Denon (unless your Sonos first converts to analog then back to digital to send to the Denon but I doubt it ). I don't think another dac will help at all, the one in your Denon is fine. If you want improved sound you need to look at your room acoustics and the speakers themselves....that's where the sound quality is better manipulated, not the electronics...dacs have been fairly invisible audibly (but some may have better specs) for some time now.

That makes sense. Thank you.

 

[mtrycrafts]

In the case you describe, the best possible way is how you are connecting that Sonos to the Denon, via a digital connection, in your case optical. You would absolutely not benefit from an external dac as that would convert the digital to analog then that to the amp. Analog path is too long.

Since you are playing this out doors, I doubt you will benefit from better speakers and certainly not better room acoustics.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

http://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/dac-do-you-need-an-external-digital-to-analog-converter

 

[Bucknekked]

http://www.audioholics.com/frequent-questions/dac-do-you-need-an-external-digital-to-analog-converter

good article. saves a lot of typing of sentences that start with "no, you don't need......."