Apple TV Streaming Sound Quality vs Streamer?

I have no experience with the DAC in the Oppo but I’ve found streaming Tidal through Chromecast Audio ($35) had better sound quality as compared to the AppleTV. My comparison was running both through a Schiit Modi Multibit ($250). I used the optical connection in both cases. I also tried the same comparison with my Bluesound Node2 from my other system and Node2 was better than the Chromecast Audio but not by an order of magnitude. However, the user interface and the access to options from the Node2 are significantly better and much more robust. You may want to try the optical port since HDMI connection to got audio content is less ideal than coax/optical.

I replaced my ATV with a dedicated Innuos server over ethernet- this was as large a difference as a preamplifier change. YMMV.

ATV for video streaming is sufficient good. But for HDMI to DAC, not that good. Too bad ATV4 eliminate the optic out.

@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!