Apple TV + TV: best way to get decent sound?

[Funky Beetroot]

I want to set up a system where:

1. I stream music from i-tunes on computer to my stereo
2. I stream i-tunes movies from itunes on computer to my TV
3. the tv audio output is through the stereo, not through the TV's speakers
4. (possibly - I also attach dvd player to the whole set up and it also plays audio through the stereo - this is less important)

I was thinking that I could do this with the following:

(a) an apple TV

(b) a T-amp, probably an Audioengine N22

(c) passive speakers, either Audioengine P4 or Bose 161 book shelf:

(d) my existing TV.

Here are my questions:

1. will this work?

2. do I need a DAC? (If yes - can I just buy a T-amp with a DAC)?

3. Can I hook it up so that the apple TV can play music via the stereo without turning on the TV, but also play movies through the TV and have movie sound go through the stereo?

4. should I just buy a cheapish AV receiver + speakers + apple TV? If so - any suggestions on the AV receiver front?

 

[lsiberian]

I'm not following you? Couldn't you run your sound via a receiver to real speakers? You'd be amazed at how much better a solid pair of real speakers sounds than the TV or Bose speakers. If you get a solid receiver you can build up your system over time.

 

[BMXTRIX]

The new AppleTV (black box) does not have any analog connections on it, so you will need something that will act as a DAC. I strongly suggest an A/V receiver to do this for you and a decent set of speakers to get things going.

Depending on the model of your TV, you may run audio straight from the AppleTV to your TV over HDMI or use the Toslink connection if you want. Then you can use a speaker bar or similar for audio.

But, I would stick with an A/V receiver and some decent speakers to get things going nicely with the best audio possible.

 

[jonnythan]

Apple TV to TV via HDMI.

Use your TV's audio out ports to go to the T-amp.

That's assuming you already have one. Otherwise just get an inexpensive receiver. Check AC4l for a cheap Denon, Onkyo, or Marantz.