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Apple TV Streaming Sound Quality vs Streamer?

I am looking for the weak link to improve sound quality.   Seems logical it is the Apple TV as a source.  Would a moderate streamer inside of $1500 make much of a difference when streaming Tidal and the like?  

Current Equipment:
Speaker: Dali Euphonia MS-4
AMP: Modwright KWA 150 SE
Preamp/ DAC: Peachtree Grand Integrated
Source: Tidal / Apple TV
puffbojie
keithr
1,306 posts
 
I replaced my ATV with a dedicated Innuos server over ethernet- this was as large a difference as a preamplifier change. YMMV.


audioengr
3,282 posts
 

"Any suggestions for a cheap "low jitter" solution?"

You could try the iFi SPDIF iPurifier for $150 on Amazon.  Not as good as the Synchro-Mesh reclocker, but you can always return it for refund.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

junzhang10
252 posts
 
ATV for video streaming is sufficient good. But for HDMI to DAC, not that good. Too bad ATV4 eliminate the optic out.
leemaze
330 posts
 
@kahlenz  Could you list the DACs you've had success with pairing with the Airport Express?

I've tried a couple different DACs (Marantz PM6005, Arcam irDAC) but had to move them after they would not maintain a 'lock' on the signal.  The only one that's worked for me is the FiiO D3.

Thanks!
hphu
9 posts
 
Hello and thank you for all your feedback on this topic. :).
In keeping it simple, does anyone has any recommendation on a simple cable that can be purchased to hook up the ATV4 via HDMI out to my Canary KD2000  Dac, preferably USB as it supports all music files, as well as  DSD64 and 128....
If USB is not an option, AES/XLR or Coax works just as well. I think....
Thanks 
HP

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