- Aug 1, 2019
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The Sonos Connect is on its way out and this Port is its replacement. There's just one problem...
Sonos Port : Read more
Sonos Port : Read more
So the Port is an OK piece of kit in your opinion - better than the mediocre review WHF have given it?Wait, so the sound quality issues with the Port aren't primarily down to the DAC or analogue circuitry but with it's ability to handle ones and zeroes in the digital domain? Doesn't this turn all science and audiophile orthodoxy on its head? I shouldn't surprised I suppose, this from the magazine that can "see" differences in HDMI cables.
I've upgraded a Connect to a Port just to take advantage of the trade in deal and looking ahead to future Sonos support for "high res" audio. Sound quality wise the two were very similar. The Port doesn't get hot, the analogue output is surprisingly good against the Musical Fidelity MX DAC I have connected to it, and via this DAC the sound quality is superb, teeming with detail with a wide sound stage. Of course the Sonos OS remains excellent.
Ludicrous to recommend a Sonos Amp over the Port to integrate Sonos into an existing hifi. Presumably this is the new 4* reviewed Sonos Amp with the same digital circuitry as the Port, which contains an amplification stage that you wouldn't use as you'd be integrating with an existing setup, and you'd be paying £200 extra for?
Sigh....
Yes it's good. If you already have sonos in your house and want what this device offers, ignore this review (which is the first time in many, many years reading this magazine I've ever been prompted to say this).So the Port is an OK piece of kit in your opinion - better than the mediocre review WHF have given it?
You really need to read this review again instead of mischaracterizing it to defend something you have paid for.Wait, so the sound quality issues with the Port aren't primarily down to the DAC or analogue circuitry but with it's ability to handle ones and zeroes in the digital domain? Doesn't this turn all science and audiophile orthodoxy on its head? I shouldn't surprised I suppose, this from the magazine that can "see" differences in HDMI cables.
I've upgraded a Connect to a Port just to take advantage of the trade in deal and looking ahead to future Sonos support for "high res" audio. Sound quality wise the two were very similar. The Port doesn't get hot, the analogue output is surprisingly good against the Musical Fidelity MX DAC I have connected to it, and via this DAC the sound quality is superb, teeming with detail with a wide sound stage. Of course the Sonos OS remains excellent.
Ludicrous to recommend a Sonos Amp over the Port to integrate Sonos into an existing hifi. Presumably this is the new 4* reviewed Sonos Amp with the same digital circuitry as the Port, which contains an amplification stage that you wouldn't use as you'd be integrating with an existing setup, and you'd be paying £200 extra for?
Sigh....
"If you are set on incorporating your hi-fi system in a Sonos multi-room set-up, we’d recommend spending a little more on the four-star Sonos Amp. While it isn’t perfect, it is more accomplished, whether or not you ever make use of its added features. "You really need to read this review again instead of mischaracterizing it to defend something you have paid for.
For one they did not say what you claim they said about the Amp.
The Connected very poor and dated sound quality so saying the Port is as good isn't saying much.
$450 for the Port is also an idiotic price for what it is.
Agree - what's the point of buying an Amp to plug into an amp?"If you are set on incorporating your hi-fi system in a Sonos multi-room set-up, we’d recommend spending a little more on the four-star Sonos Amp. While it isn’t perfect, it is more accomplished, whether or not you ever make use of its added features. "
How have I mischaracterized this quotation? If you want to add to your Sonos network and keep your current hifi they have recommended spending an extra £200 for what is the same device with an amplication stage that you wouldn't use.
There are many things that can affect sound quality besides just the DAC. Power supply, circuitry isolation etc. If any of these come short jitter, among other things, will come into play and affect those digits.Wait, so the sound quality issues with the Port aren't primarily down to the DAC or analogue circuitry but with it's ability to handle ones and zeroes in the digital domain? Doesn't this turn all science and audiophile orthodoxy on its head? I shouldn't surprised I suppose, this from the magazine that can "see" differences in HDMI cables.
I've upgraded a Connect to a Port just to take advantage of the trade in deal and looking ahead to future Sonos support for "high res" audio. Sound quality wise the two were very similar. The Port doesn't get hot, the analogue output is surprisingly good against the Musical Fidelity MX DAC I have connected to it, and via this DAC the sound quality is superb, teeming with detail with a wide sound stage. Of course the Sonos OS remains excellent.
Ludicrous to recommend a Sonos Amp over the Port to integrate Sonos into an existing hifi. Presumably this is the new 4* reviewed Sonos Amp with the same digital circuitry as the Port, which contains an amplification stage that you wouldn't use as you'd be integrating with an existing setup, and you'd be paying £200 extra for?
Sigh....
So you are saying that the stream of 1s and 0s that come out of the digital output of this box are somehow inferior?There are many things that can affect sound quality besides just the DAC. Power supply, circuitry isolation etc. If any of these come short jitter, among other things, will come into play and affect those digits.
So nothing WHF has stated turns knowledge on its head. BTW, many have stated that adding a DAC to the previous Connect could also only do so much for the sound.
You can add "subtlety" to that list of ambiguous words as well. What Hi-Fi reviews are basically just a load of waffle. Meaningless. I take ALL hi-fi reviews with a pinch of salt nowadays, but you definitely need a bigger pinch with WHF. I find Hi-Fi Choice reviews give a better idea of how a product actually sounds.I’ve always thought ‘timing’ is one of the more nebulous and ambiguous words used by whathifi reviews. Even when I’ve tried to get my head round it, I’ve never understood it to mean that a 4/4 beat is ‘out of time’, as this review suggests. How would that even be technically possible?
If one has an existing DAC fine, but if you have to add the cost of one on top of the Port, then you need a serious rethink as then you’re playing with the big boys at around 800 quid total.HiFi Choice have reviewed a Limetree Bridge transport. From their opening paragraph on sound quality:
"As with any streaming transport, the performance of the Limetree Bridge is largely defined by the components it is connected to"
So plug a Sonos Port into a decent DAC and stop worrying that the Port is affecting the sound quality in any noticeable way.
Well - you would think that an exact digital copy would sound the same as another exact digital copy, however there is such a thing as "jitter"! Now I didn't believe it until I heard it myself - different digital sources really do sound different (mind blown)!So you are saying that the stream of 1s and 0s that come out of the digital output of this box are somehow inferior?
How does that work then?
So,: I'm still interested in the Port [and Sonos - I've mostly forgiven them...Thanks for that BH.
I have a Connect going into an Arcam SA20 using the DAC in the Arcam. I would like to move to a Port for the upgrade to Amazon SuperDuper HD streaming, but am a bit hesitant. Any thoughts on the difference between 16-bit/44.1 kHz via connect and the "better" quality streaming options.