The Bryston BDA-3 has 4 HDMI in and one output.
Streaming from a TV
I am setting up a nice system in an audio/video room. I am trying to think thru how I'm going to play movies and music thru a TV with a nice DAC. I will probable stream music through a streamer when I am listening to music but I would like to take advantage of my nice equipment when watching movies. Is there any streamers that I can run the toslink from my TV thru that will clean the signal and maybe change the input to the DAC like a DDC. I know I can run straight to a DAC if it has Toslink but it won't sound as good. How good would the Denafrips Gaia be if I just streamed from a laptop and ran the TV and laptop thru it? Would I need this if I get a really high end DAC? II know there are plenty of people doing this same thing so let me know what you are doing in your setup.
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I currently do this. I have the TV coming in to the DAC via optical and on old W4S modified SONOS ZP90 coming into the DAC via coax. The SONOS is a ROON endpoint. You just have to configure your AV unit with the correct inputs to handle it all. Nice to have a DAC that has various digital ins. AV config is a PIA. One thing I have noticed is when the TV is going through the DAC is I have to turn up the volume more on the AV unit but once I do that is sounds much better.
Edit: My AV set up is simple 3.1. I dont use any of the new fancy formats. |
@mahler123 I do have HDMI and eARK. |
I strongly urge you to try Toslink straight to your DAC - if it supports it. Tousling is used in TVs for good reason - it keeps the RF noise of a TV out from both the digital store, and more importantly -- the ground. I have done it for years and you may be amazed how good much live music is on, say Youtube but also other services. |
@mapman Thank you for the info on eARK. I haven't seen any eARK inputs on streamers or DAC's. I already have a SMc Audio preamp so I need a streamer only or a DAC. |
fastfreight, @glennewdick I see little advantage of converting Toslink to HDMI, unless you are missing the Toslink digital input. Am I missing something? Happy Holidays All!
I was refering to go from HDMI out of your TV converted to optical for your DAC. I think i missread your post sorry. |
Great Summary @mapman ! Certainly eARC over HDMI can carry the higher resolutions and formats, and can be very smart and clever when hooking components. But I have had issues with incompatibility on some TV's. For my simple video watching, Toslink direct from TV to DAC or Streamer works great for killer 2 channel with imaging that bests many center channel set ups; and it is bomb proof. @glennewdick I see little advantage of converting Toslink to HDMI, unless you are missing the Toslink digital input. Am I missing something? Happy Holidays All! |
Differences between toslink and hdmi e/arc: When comparing eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and Toslink (also known as optical audio), there are several key differences and advantages to consider. Here’s a breakdown of how they stack up against each other: ### Audio Quality ### Bandwidth and Speed ### Connectivity and Setup ### Compatibility ### Conclusion --- |
For the record, worth noting most newer TVs and many streamers (like sound bars) support hdmi e/arc. That’s probably the latest and greatest interface to use between TV and sound system. I run it from my Samsung Smart TV to a Cambridge Evo 150 for example. More: eARC, or Enhanced Audio Return Channel, is a feature introduced with the HDMI 2.1 specification that significantly improves the audio capabilities of HDMI connections. Here are the key points about eARC: 1. **High-Quality Audio Transmission**: eARC allows for the transmission of high-resolution audio signals without compression, ensuring that the original audio quality is preserved when sent from a TV to an audio receiver or soundbar [[1]](https://www.samsung.com/latin_en/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/)[[3]](https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/). 2. **Support for Advanced Audio Formats**: It supports a wide range of high-bitrate audio formats, including uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound, as well as advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This capability enables a more immersive audio experience, akin to that found in movie theaters [[2]](https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/enhancedaudioreturnchannel). 3. **Simplified Connectivity**: eARC simplifies the connection process between devices. It allows audio from various sources (like cable, satellite, or streaming services) to be sent to an audio receiver or soundbar through a single HDMI cable, reducing cable clutter and complexity [[2]](https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/enhancedaudioreturnchannel). 4. **Improved Bandwidth and Speed**: One of the main advantages of eARC over the previous Audio Return Channel (ARC) is its increased bandwidth and speed, which are essential for handling high-quality audio formats [[3]](https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/). 5. **Ease of Setup**: Setting up eARC on compatible devices, such as Samsung Smart TVs, typically involves connecting the HDMI cable to the appropriate ports and adjusting settings in the TV's menu to enable eARC mode [[3]](https://www.samsung.com/levant/support/tv-audio-video/what-is-earc-and-how-to-set-on-samsung-smart-tv/). In summary, eARC enhances the audio experience by allowing for high-quality, uncompressed audio transmission, supporting advanced audio formats, and simplifying device connectivity. --- |
IFI I-Purifier. Use that exact same setup on my system with toslink coming out of tv. Cheap and makes a huge difference. All you need for a situation like that IMO. you use a Toslink to mini toslink and that end plugs into the side of the I Purifier. The Ipurifier plugs into the Coax input of whatever DAC you are using. Way more solid less digital sound. Even streaming YouTube videos sounds passable. |