eARC when using Roku

FWIW, I found switching back and forth between streaming Roku and broadcast over the air TV much easier with the Roku directly into the TV then to my Oppo 205, than when the Roku went directly through my Oppo 205 then to the TV.

Ok so you are running video/audio from Roku to the TV then running the audio back from the tv to the opposite 205, is that a processor/receiver?  If that rout is correct are you using eARC and if so do notice any advantage on two channel, Tidal etc, playback?  What I am trying to determine is the advantage to EARC other than its bidirectional ability.  I am trying to maximize two channel playback of uncompressed audio files,PCM, using streaming sites such as Tidal and Amazon..  As far as video the processor that I have the Lyngdorf 60 2.1 does not process video it just allows it to pass through without diminishing the signal.

Thanks.

The Oppo 205 is a multifunction player, digital line stage and DAC. It too allows for pass through. Though the internal video processing is probably better than most. Though capable of multichannel, I only use it’s dedicated 2 channel output currently to my audio only line stage, as I still have analog source as well. The Roku goes directly into the TV, the audio then goes through the TV’s ARC HDMI (optical is another option) output into one of the Oppo 205’s preferred HDMI inputs (optical is another option, but that input is being used for a D-VHS player's digital audio output). I’m not yet using a dedicated audio streamer. When I do, it will go to the Oppo 205 through a different input.

Ok I understand your set up. Do you notice an improvement in audio using the audio return channel back to the Oppo vs direct connect Roku via HDMI to the Oppo?  Is that Enhanced Audio Return or ARC. Do you set the digital output on the Roku for two channel uncompressed files?  In your opinion would I have anything to gain in two channel playback If I direct connect the Roku to the TV and use the eARC to push the audio signal to the Lyngdorf.  The only reason I ask is because all the cash I put out for this system which functions as stereo and home theater function. 

Thank you

I originally had the Roku going into the Oppo 205 then into the TV, I then changed as outlined previously.  I really didn't notice a change in sound quality. I think this has more to do with the audio signal sent through the Roku. Most of the audio seems to be almost mono. I think they want to keep the attention on the screen. Concert casts can offer some more soundstage, but is not comparable to say a CD. Again, I suspect this isn't due the technical capabilities, but rather to what signal is being delivered. I currently use ARC. Yes, I do set the Roku for two channel uncompressed files. By directly connecting the Roku to the TV you might get a purer more direct with less chance of other electronic noise video signal. Putting the Roku directly into the TV has reduced the number audio dropouts that occur. Though this happened so rarely that it's hardly worth mentioning. For me(!) putting the Roku directly into the TV has had one distinct advantage.  Sometimes, on Sunday mornings I'll watch broadcasts of soccer games that have foreign to me language commentary. With the Roku directly into the TV I can mute the TV audio, and simultaneously listen to music of my choice through the Oppo 205. The Lyngdorf offers so many other features that I don't think I would feel short changed.