Apple TV Streaming Sound Quality vs Streamer?

Kahlenz: I agree with your assessment.  Both, the AEX and ATV, can sound excellent when using a nice DAC processor.  I also enjoy and prefer spinning vinyl sometimes.  It’s a great time to be a music listener!

You have a wonderful system, I bet your Harbeth speakers sounds amazing.  They are one of my favorites.

I tried the Apple TV for the first time for music streaming from Tidal in my bedroom system and I think my Chromecast Audio ($35) is a better option as a budget streamer. I think it sounds a little better through the same DAC, is more compact, is cheaper, and is just a bit easier to select on the phone/tablet. Of course its audio only. It does need a mini-optical to optical cable which may not be as useful in other systems.

Ditch the Apple TV for Tidal and use an older Mac mini. HDMI out to the TV for the video, USB DAC of your choice. Set the correct output device via the MIDI settings. I'd keep the ATV for the video content just route the TVs digital output to a proper DAC. Could even use the same DAC you have for Tidal if it has switchable inputs.  

***buy an old Mac mini off ebay or wherever. You do not need a new one. I have a 2012 model with a busted ethernet card so I know you can easily stream MQA masters via wi-fi.