For casual listening I use my old AppleTV Gen 3 to receive music via AirPlay. The Gen 3 has Toslink output. I consider redbook and up to 24/48 to be adequate for my casual listening. For more critical listening I use my iPad as a digital transport (right terminology?) with my Apple Music subscription. Unlike MacOS devices, iPhones and iPads dynamically switch output resolution to that of the source material. Other music services are more favored by audiophiles, but I really like the way things work with the integration of Apple Music and iTunes Match. All of the CDs that I own have been ripped and uploaded to Apple Music in iCloud. When I play/stream any of my uploads, if a higher than red book version is in the Apple library I’m prompted to choose whether I want hi-res or my original upload. Once I’ve finished overhauling my analog gear I’ll consider whether to upgrade my digital front-end.
Hi Res from iPhone vs AppleTV sound
Not well versed in digital music.
I’m retiring my iPhone 7+ and thought I’d get a camera connection kit and usb cable and run the phone as a high res playback direct to my DAC.
it’s running into a Schiit Modeus.
My AppleTV doesn’t do hi res, but the signal goes via HDMI to my tv which passes the audio to Optical out and into the optical input on the Modeus.
I was A/B’ing then and the hi res via usb is noticeably thinner whereas the ATV. Is full.
Maybe there’s more to it?