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Apple TV Set Up

I would appreciate some advice on my digital streaming issues. 

My system consist of Vandersteen Treo CT, Mimas with DAC, and the older AppleTV Streamer (model A1469). The AppleTV is connected via Ethernet cables. I digitally stream with Tidal from a MacBook Pro via Wifi. The download/upload speed  for my MacBook is about 230/11 Mbps.

The AppleTV has the latest software update. 

Question 1
Every-time I wish to play, I open my MacBookPro, open the "System Preferences", then "Sound", then choose "Apple TV".
Is there a shorter path or can I set up my MacBook differently?

Question 2
My MacBook sometimes looses connection (AppleTV gets disconnected). I then have to manually connect "AppleTV" again. Why does this happen?

thank you all in advance!
kunasan1
sofaman
24 posts
 
I've been a dedicated Apple user since the '80s, and as much as it hurts me to say it, they're just not an audio company. 

There's no point in paying for Tidal only to degrade the signal downstream, as others have said. 

I'm still 'new' to this hobby and come here for advice, nearly always, not to give it. But when I ditched a 'beginner' tool like my Emotiva XDA-2 connected to an earlier AppleTV, and replaced it with a used Lumin D1, the change was massive. I control the Lumin with an iOS tool, but the signal stays ethernet into Lumin, RCA to amp. 

Best of luck. 
cheeg's avatar
cheeg
247 posts
 
If you don't have the sound icon in your menu bar, I'd add that; it's a faster way to send the sound to your Apple TV.  Open System Preferences/ Sound, and check the box at the bottom of the dialog (it says it's just for volume, but it also lets you choose Apple TV as your audio source)
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,002 posts
 
+1 on dumping ATV, its junk, especially the older stuff.
I used it for years and it was a never ending headache.  Take the recommendations here and get a dedicated streaming device.
Had a friend going through same issues with ATV and I finally got him off of it and he is much happier person.
ebanksms
92 posts
 
Have you considered Roon to manage your streaming requirements?  Paired with a dedicated streamer it might fit your needs. It can be managed from numerous OS' including iOS, MacOS, Android and Windows.  Roon ready streamers come in all shapes sizes and price points starting with Raspberry Pi options under $100.   The Bluesound suggested above is another viable option.
dain
60 posts
 
ATV to me is an amazing steamer. I have the newest model which does require you to buy a splitter box to get optical out and be able to connect a monitor for the visual part. Then use Apple Music or tidal or whatever directly. No computer needed. If you don’t want the visual part, all apple devices control Apple TV’s really well. Even my watch controls the stereo. Very slick if you like the freedom to play whatever strikes your fancy. The UI is very user friendly. If you use the visual part then the remote will do it all. 
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