Mateored -
I have an HDMI connected to my TV and use the optical out to my DAC (2 channel, not an AVR). There's a Dolby Digital output selection under one of the settings, and I have it set to off. I'm assuming having it set to on would be some sort of surround format? At off I get stereo digital output.
Sorry of that sounds confusing. |
Kbark -
Thanks for your response. Does this mean that you can only use the ATV for 2-channel for all purposes? i.e., is there a way to have sound for movies go to the AVR via HDMI, while music travels over optical to the DAC?
Still confused.
M |
I just got an Apple TV ver 2, and connected it to my PS Audio III DAC, feeding a Pass Aleph P pre-amp, Krell FPB 200 into Martin Logan ReQuests. My testing so far shows no difference in sound quality, as long as I import my CD's as wave files. There is a difference in spacial quailities between Apple Lossless, and wave files.
The convienence is incredible, and I just got a 1 TB drive to import my 900+ CD's into iTunes.
Brave Apple! |
Interesting, Edavis. I've tried WAV and Apple Lossless on several CDs and didn't hear a difference on my ATV gen 1. Not doubting what you're hearing, just stating what I've heard (or haven't heard) on my system. |
Everyone's ears and systems are different, Kbarkamian. That's why I reported what I did. The difference is suttle, but I could hear it. Electrostatic speakers are quite revealing, and they will provide their opinion on all your components and the quality of the music sources too.
You can fit quite a few CD's on a 1TB drive, so I put them on as wave files. My system has very high resolution, and I still have good ears.
Just reporting my findings...... |
Size wise, is Wav any bigger/smaller than Apple lossless?? |
I think WAV is 60% larger than Apple Lossless. Don't hold me to that exact number.
Edavis-
Thanks for not taking my findings as an attack. I've seen too many people get worked up over stuff like that. All we can do is report our own findings. Speaking of which...
I re-ripped several tracks as WAV and Apple Lossless, and 320 Kbps mp3 just to keep things interesting. mp3 was flat, undynamic, and congested, as expected.
I couldn't hear any difference between WAV and Apple Lossless. My system consists of a Bryston B60 integrated, Audio Physic Yara Evolution bookshelves, Apple TV gen 1, and 2 DACs - Theta Cobalt and the new Rega DAC. None of this stuff is the last word in anything, but it's very revealing and honest. The Theta DAC is very detailed and is great at imaging and soundstaging vs the Rega DAC. The Rega DAC beats it in pretty much every other way though. I'm 34 with what I'm told is pretty good hearing.
I'm not saying if I don't hear a difference, no one does. I hate it when people have that mentality. Just reporting my recent re-evaluation and results. |
I enjoy getting other people's opinions and learning from their experiences. I have an old set of Martin Logan Requests, Krell FPB 200, Pass Aleph P, and have been using a Krell KAV300 CD player wit Nordost interconnects. I grew tired of searching for CD's in my collection (800+, modest by many standards). I put a PS Audio Digital Link III to upgrade my D/A.
I just purchased an Apple TV 2, and routed the optical output to the PS Audio DL III. I am very impressed by the sound quality I'm getting, and am 400 CD's into ripping my collection. With an iPad to control media access, it has revolutionized my musical experience. I've added a 2nd Apple TV 2 in the basement, using the D/A converter in my Integra 9.8. Again, great sound and access to my music collection. |
Couldn't agree more, Edavis. I have the previous gen ATV and use my iPhone to control it. Ripping and synching my CDs wasn't fun, but I'm so glad I took the time to do so. My collection is about half of yours, so I still have a ways to go. I bought the previous ATV so I wouldn't have to stream my music/need the computer on to access my library. I won't go back to a CDP again, that's for sure.
Can't figure out why poeple are so reluctant to go this route. Just because you rip everything doesn't mean you have to get rid of your CDs. I keep them as a back up, and because I want to have the liner stuff around. I keep them in an easily accesable box in the basement if the mood should strike me.
I'd love to get an iPad, but I can't justify the price. If I didn't have the iPhone, it would be easier to though. |
Happybob
Sorry for the late response......
My new ATV is running through a Naim DAC and Naim amp and preamp.
It is not only light years ahead of the first generation ATV but it rivals some high end streamers I also have connected.
The other surprising aspect of the new ATV is the quality of the wireless connection. It is the only device in my house that I have I connected using wireless.... So far it has been flawless.
Jeff |
Jeff -
I asked before, but you may have lost it in the thread -
Are you comparing streamed music in the gen 1 vs gen 2, or did you have the music stored on the gen 1's internal hard drive? I've noticed that music sounds a bit better stored vs streamed on my gen 1. Haven't bought the gen 2, only heard it in the Apple store, which isn't really hearing it at all.
Can you elaborate on the differences between the two?
Great DAC, btw. I'm a huge fan of the Naim stuff. Can't figure out why its hit or miss with the Naim forum guys. |
I always found the ATV1, whether streaming or directly from the hard drive to be a little clunky. As a streamer it would drive me nuts, either not updating the data on my computer or losing it altogether and forcing a reboot of both. The hard drive was noisy and imo not a whole lot better as streaming.
The ATV2 is a whole new experience.... Instant updates on all computer databases and I have never had to reboot either since I first installed it in my system. The SQ in markedly improved. The whole device is just slick. I bought all 3 of my grown daughters one for Christmas and they love it and use it all the time.
I love Naim kit as well, it has reignited my passion for stereo. I also love the Naim forum..... Not sure I understand it or its culture but its a wild (and expensive) ride
Jeff |
