![]() Then I tested the Sonos Port using the same procedure. I wanted to use my local file baseline, then a few streaming service baselines. Through the Sonos apps and the Sonos Connect, I streamed my known HDCD releases first from my local ripped CD copy, then through Qobuz, then through Tidal, and finally through Amazon Music HD. I used the Sonos applications on iOS and macOS for playback during this test. I set a baseline by playing my own local copy of the albums and make sure the HDCD indicator illuminates. For example, Reference Recordings only releases CDs that are HDCD encoded. Many of these albums were only released as HDCD encoded CDs/files. I have a list of roughly ten known HDCD albums (although I could use more if needed). With respect to source files, here's what I do. Given the Sonos units only support 16 bit / 44.1 kHz audio, I only tested this resolution. changes this least significant bit and won't enable the HDCD indicator to illuminate. Any alteration, DSP, volume leveling, etc. The HDCD flag is on the 16 bit for CD files and the 24th bit for high resolution files. When an unaltered HDCD file is played, the HDCD indicator on the DAC is illuminated. I use a Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series 3 that identifies and decodes HDCD on all sample rates. Once the units were setup, I use the following testing methodology to determine that the Port wasn't outputting bit perfect audio. ![]() This shouldn't be an issue because the settings are the same no matter which app sets them and the audio being sent to the units doesn't route through the iOS app or desktop apps. ![]() Keep in mind that the Sonos S1 app is used to configure the Connect and the new Sonos app is used to configure the Port. I looked through all the other settings and made sure there wasn't enabled anything that could change the sound. When this is set, the EQ can't be adjusted. Fixing the output level just sets the volume to 100% and prevents the Sonos from reducing bits to reduce the volume of the music. Even though the terminology suggests this line out is the analog output, it also effects the digital output, as seen in my testing. Both units were set "Fixed" Line-Out Level. To test this, I setup both the Connect and the Port identically. The Port on the other hand, can't output audio without some type of signal processing taking place inside the unit. The Connect works as it should and outputs bit perfect audio without an issue. The Sonos Connect and the Sonos Port both have settings that are supposed to enable digital audio to traverse through the units without any digital signal processing. If this isn't a concern for you, no worries. or about playing a local library of ripped CDs without unknown signal processing taking place, then you should care about bit perfect because without it you have no idea what's happening to your audio. If you care about high quality, getting the lossless streaming you're paying for from Qobuz, Tidal, Amazon Music, etc. The music sent into the component is the exact same music that comes out of the component. What is bit perfect and why should I care? In the simplest terms, bit perfect means that the audio hasn't been changed. Connecting the Sonos Port to an outboard DAC can elevate the audio performance to another level because the internal DAC is somewhat limited. The reasons for this are that Sonos has the most content (think the regular services, but also Pandora and SiriusXM) and the products work very well. Many audiophiles I know do this as well as tons of custom installers around the globe have connected these Sonos components to outboard digital to analog converters. These Sonos components with digital outputs have always been terrific for those of use seeking high quality audio because we connect the digital output to the DAC of our choice and send the signal on to our refined audio systems. I have both components in my listening room, connected to the same system for testing. The Sonos Connect was the previous generation of said component, and the Sonos Port is the current version. Sonos is mostly known for its speakers, but the company has also always offered a component with built-in digital to analog conversion and a digital audio output. Before digging in further, let's take a step back and define some terms and explain some additional details. However, for people who care about sound quality, this is a big deal because the music sent though the Sonos Port has been digitally processed before anyone gets to hear it. What's the big deal? For many Sonos users this is a non-issue because they are streaming from very lossy services such as Apple Music or Pandora. As the title says, the Sonos Port isn't bit perfect.
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