Sonos Connect 1 + DAC as pre amp?

[ben5575]

I've accumulated a Sonos Connect (gen 1) that'll work with the rest of my gen 1 sonos kit and stream Spotify/Tidal, the latter at 16/44

I also have an Arcam rDAC.

Can I go: Connect --> optical/coax --> rDAC --> rca --> stereo power amp (cyrus smart power for example)

And have a system that I can control from the sonos/spotify/tidal apps?

I'm thinking yes, but wanted to double check...

[tonyg58]

You don't need the rDAC, just plug your Connect in to the power amp after setting your Connect to variable output (it's in the menu somewhere, I haven't set one up in ages so don't remember where).

[C n C]

ben5575 said:

I've accumulated a Sonos Connect (gen 1) that'll work with the rest of my gen 1 sonos kit and stream Spotify/Tidal, the latter at 16/44

I also have an Arcam rDAC.

Can I go: Connect --> optical/coax --> rDAC --> rca --> stereo power amp (cyrus smart power for example)

And have a system that I can control from the sonos/spotify/tidal apps?

I'm thinking yes, but wanted to double check...

Yes, and although the post in immediate reply to your question was that you can go from the Connect to your amp (which is true), taking the digital out from the Connect and running it through your rDAC will likely give you improved sound as the Arcam rDAC will be a better DAC than the DAC built into the Connect.

I'm currently using 4 x Connect (gen1). 2 in less critical rooms using the RCA out from the Connect direct into an amp, and in 2 other rooms, the digital out feeds a separate DAC before the amp (one an Audiolab M-DAC, and the other an Eastern Electric Minimax DAC).

In terms of the optical/coax, I understand that it is thought preferable to use coax for the digital link. That's what I'm doing and very happy with it.

I set the amp to a suitable max volume I will likely need, then use the Sonos S1 app on the phone to control the Sonos for volume/playback of FLACs from a NAS, and also Spotify.

[ben5575]

Perfect. Thanks for the help guys

[Harry Flashman]

I thi k using an outboard DAC is a good idea. My main hifi shows up the deficiencies in my old Sonos Connect.

I have actually gone to a Nad C658 as a streamimg/DAC/preamp solution, but they aren't cheap. Should probably have tried a DAC with the Connect, but got a bit overexcited, and didn't need the Sonos functionality for the main system anyway.