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Flaws in this chain?

New to streaming and such. Is there a serious weak link in this chain?:

MacBook Pro with Tidal (hi res)------wireless to-----Apple TV-----toslink to-----Schiit Modi 2 Uber-----RCA cable to----Line stage.

I know that the Schiit is no great shakes in terms of a DAC but is there any other serious limitation in the chain? Thanks.

George
n80
wtf's avatar
wtf
306 posts
 
@n80 .. there's nothing at all wrong with your system, but if you want an increase in fidelity you have options. First you should be aware that the ATV re-samples all audio to 16/48 then sends the signal on to your DAC. So, if you want to listen to some high res (MQA) via Tidal the first unfold is done by the Tidal software, then the ATV will re-sample your high res back down to 16/48. That is a lot of unnecessary manipulation of the signal and your sound quality will take a hit. I think the benefits of Tidal HiFi is kind of wasted on the ATV. A streamer like the Bluesound Node 2i is terrific if you want to spend $500. If not, you could always go the Chromecast Audio route for a cheap ($35) streaming alternative to the ATV. The CA uses a combo 3mm/mini-toslink optical port so all you'll need is an adapter or a new cable (mini-toslink optical - standard toslink optical). Lifatec makes a good one btw. Best of luck.
n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
Thanks wtf. It really sounds like ATV is dismal on all counts for this process and I appreciate all the advice I’ve gotten in this thread. Fortunately the only money I’ve spent so far is for the mid-grade Toslink cable.

With all this info in mind it is time to step back and reassess.

At this point I will not renew my Tidal HiFi account since as you mention it would be pointless.

For now I will continue to use this set-up to research music (find what I like and then purchase CD/vinyl) via Apple Music and Amazon ( I’m using the trial periods).

Once I decide to take the plunge into hi-res streaming I’ll re-visit my hardware needs.

Thanks again.

Edit: What are the downsides to the Chromecast?
n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
Okay, just now spent some time researching music via iTunes via ATV. SQ stinks. Even I can hear it. The only way I can describe it is muddy.

So it isn’t even all that great for previewing music. Doing the same thing without ATV (MacBook to DAC via USB) sounds much better...even iTunes.

Will look into Chromecast. Nothing to lose really.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

I guess my point is why spend even $150 to correct (purify, decrapify) the signal from a $100 Apple TV? Seems like I should save my money until I can come up with a better wireless solution....whatever that would be and however much that would cost.

You will end up playing for $1000 de-jitter for your $1000 device or $150 for your $100 device.  They all need it.

Okay, just now spent some time researching music via iTunes via ATV. SQ stinks. Even I can hear it. The only way I can describe it is muddy.

No surprise.  iTunes stinks and the jitter from the 24/48 ATV is high.  What you need to understand is that it's okay to have a cheap digital source like ATV or Sonos, as long as you put the money into reducing the jitter from it.  It's only is only providing the data.  It's the de-jitter device that makes the sound quality great.  I can use a really cheap old transport for playing CD's, but adding the Synchro-Mesh and  good digital coax cable makes it a world class source.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

n80 OP
1,227 posts
 
Thanks. That helps me understand what I'm up against.

But here's a question....why don't device makers, at least high end device makers, include some method for decreasing jitter in the device itself?

And as for the Chromecast. Still 'jittery' but less so than the ATV?
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