I use both an older AEX and an Apple TV. Both have optical outs. I'm currently sending the optical signal to either a Schiit Modi mutibit or an early model DACMagic. I use an iPad for control of Roon or TIDAL. Recent model Mac running Roon Core.
TIDAL works fairly well, drop outs where the sound stops for a few seconds up to about 20 seconds occasionally (once an hour or so). When I use Roon, it is much worse: more frequent drop outs and sometimes does not reconnect; sometimes I need to re-choose my output device from the iPad. Very discouraging, as I think Roon is great, but at present only using it from the core computer optical out to Audioengine A2s (using a AE D1) one my desk. Not complaining, but I would really like to use Roon on the better systems (I can't string cables across the floor, so it will need to be wireless).
I spent WEEKS researching this, swapping cables, swapping DACS, reconfiguring the computers, updating firmware, buying different model AEXs, etc. The only thing that seemed to work was going analog out from the AEX or Apple TV. But it doesn't sound as good.
My hunch it has something to do with how the computers handle the output through the AEX/Apple TV, and how each DAC responds to the digital stream in its own fashion. I have no way of telling if the digital signal is "losing lock" or whatever (I am not an engineer). All I know is that any configuration sending wireless digital signal to any of my outboard DACS results in occasional drops in the signal. I finally figured I spent so much time fretting about this that I will upgrade to a Bluesound Node or Sonore Micro Rendu (or something like that). If the device doesn't work, it goes back.
I'm in no hurry, and am waiting to see how this wireless and streaming stuff sorts out before I buy anything. I'm not terribly interested in anything above CD quality (another whole conversation; I will spare you), but if I could get the AEX or Apple TV to stop dropping out I would be ecstatic!
DAC>Odyssey Candela>Odyssey Khatego (KISMET)>Harbeth P3esr.
TIDAL works fairly well, drop outs where the sound stops for a few seconds up to about 20 seconds occasionally (once an hour or so). When I use Roon, it is much worse: more frequent drop outs and sometimes does not reconnect; sometimes I need to re-choose my output device from the iPad. Very discouraging, as I think Roon is great, but at present only using it from the core computer optical out to Audioengine A2s (using a AE D1) one my desk. Not complaining, but I would really like to use Roon on the better systems (I can't string cables across the floor, so it will need to be wireless).
I spent WEEKS researching this, swapping cables, swapping DACS, reconfiguring the computers, updating firmware, buying different model AEXs, etc. The only thing that seemed to work was going analog out from the AEX or Apple TV. But it doesn't sound as good.
My hunch it has something to do with how the computers handle the output through the AEX/Apple TV, and how each DAC responds to the digital stream in its own fashion. I have no way of telling if the digital signal is "losing lock" or whatever (I am not an engineer). All I know is that any configuration sending wireless digital signal to any of my outboard DACS results in occasional drops in the signal. I finally figured I spent so much time fretting about this that I will upgrade to a Bluesound Node or Sonore Micro Rendu (or something like that). If the device doesn't work, it goes back.
I'm in no hurry, and am waiting to see how this wireless and streaming stuff sorts out before I buy anything. I'm not terribly interested in anything above CD quality (another whole conversation; I will spare you), but if I could get the AEX or Apple TV to stop dropping out I would be ecstatic!
DAC>Odyssey Candela>Odyssey Khatego (KISMET)>Harbeth P3esr.