Do you know where I can find an AMP like this one?

[highfigh]

Yeah, heard of this unit before. No HDMI video output for an interface on a smart TV screen.
I do not like the interface with phones, tablets, and laptops. I am looking for a network audio player/streamer that streams SiriusXM, Spotify, Deezer, YouTube in high grade, high resolution 2 channel audio, with an HDMI video output that allows the user to interface with their remote to the smart TV screen.

If you have a smart TV, you can stream YouTube with that, then pass the audio to the MusicCast via optical, which is what I do.

Using any remote with a device like this isn't nearly as functional as the app- the link below has a video showing this and if you skip around, you'll see.

 

[Eppie]

Doesn't the Invidia Sheild outpt 2 channel audio form ( YouTube SiriusXM Spotify, Deezer) at the same bit rate/ resolution as the ROKU? Am I mistaken?

If you are going to use the HDMI out, then you want the audio to be passed through at its original resolution. I believe the Shield does that and Roku likely does as well. It will basically come down to which supported apps are required and which interface you prefer. Apps can vary because the Shield is Android based and the Roku uses Roku OS (Linux based). @Trebdp83 is very knowledgeable about what formats are supported by various devices and how connecting them can affect options available.

So for your amp you need to consider how you want things connected. 2-channel amps with both HDMI in and an HDMI monitor out are very hard to find. You will have very limited options. Most people will simple choose a 7 channel AVR and just use 2 amp channels in stereo mode because it is a cheaper option. If you get an AVR with pre-amp outputs, you can use the AVR is a pre-amp only and connect the pre-amp out to a more powerful amp if needed.

The other option is to connect your sources to the TV instead and run the audio to the amp. If the amp has a monitor out and supports ARC/eARC (and the TV supports ARC), you can feed audio back via HDMI. Another option is to use the optical out on the TV and connect to the optical in on the amp or an AVR. I believe that would convert the signal to PCM or Dolby Digital. You would only need an amp with optical input like a class-D Topping or Aiyama amp. That's an economical solution.

Another option is a powered steaming device, so a streamer and amp in one unit. You don't have to spend the $3k your dealer quoted. The Bluesound Powernode is $1200 Cdn and has 80W per channel, subwoofer output and an HDMI eARC port to connect to the TV. You would need to research whether all of your streaming services are supported and whether you like the BlueOS interface (which many report favourably on) but with eARC you can also stream via the Roku through the TV to the Bluesound.

 

[Trebdp83]

Don't drag me into this mess! I'd like to help out here but will need more information about this system. What is the model number of the Onkyo receiver, Roku streamer and Sony TV? Will this second set of speakers and amp be in the same room?

 

[TLS Guy]

Don't drag me into this mess! I'd like to help out here but will need more information about this system. What is the model number of the Onkyo receiver, Roku streamer and Sony TV? Will this second set of speakers and amp be in the same room?

You are absolutely right, this bloke is on some sort of DSM spectrum, not sure which but psych was not my specialty. I had a boss once who claimed nuts could be put into one of two categories, "the happily mad and the unhappily mad". Further he said that us medics only needed to concern ourselves with the unhappily mad. So I suspect this chap is in the happily mad category, so we can leave him be.

 

[isolar8001]

Don't drag me into this mess! I'd like to help out here but will need more information about this system. What is the model number of the Onkyo receiver, Roku streamer and Sony TV? Will this second set of speakers and amp be in the same room?

Agreed....I gave him a few suggestions and boy am I sorry I did.
He wants high quality sound with junk source material.
And as you say, we have no idea what his current equipment is other than the DAC he doesn't need.
Im done.

 

[Trebdp83]

I understand wanting good sound from a system. I also understand stressing over displayed numbers and letting them color my opinion of what I actually hear. Some chase dragons they simply will never be able to catch.

All of that said, I have experimented with a few different streaming services, streaming devices, receivers and TVs to exhaustion. If @JCanada can give us more information concerning all of the components of the system, I can try to help out.

 

[lovinthehd]

I like to collect/accumulate audio gear. Guilty. I like the look, I enjoy switching back and forth. Again, guilty on that as well. A while back, I viewed and listened a set-up with multiple sources, multiple speakers, multiple amps, and I said : "...thats the set-up for me...." I have been "spending" on this set-up ever since.

You don't seem to know much about the subject, tho. Getting geeky with excessive gear is only so interesting, but good luck.

 

[lovinthehd]

Just a thought, the most interesting gear to play around with are different speakers, not electronics.

 

[Alex2507]

psych was not my specialty

You've been on AH long enough to hold at least an honorary title.

Like me, posting when I ought to be leaving for f^%&ing work.

Now you've made me late!

 

[JCanada]

You don't seem to know much about the subject, tho. Getting geeky with excessive gear is only so interesting, but good luck.

Yeah, maybe I am guilty once again on having a lack of knowledge on the subject.
That's why I came to this forum, so the "Anointed Ones Who Possess Audio Gear Knowledge" can give me an education.
Thanks again.

 

[JCanada]

I understand wanting good sound from a system. I also understand stressing over displayed numbers and letting them color my opinion of what I actually hear. Some chase dragons they simply will never be able to catch.

All of that said, I have experimented with a few different streaming services, streaming devices, receivers and TVs to exhaustion. If @JCanada can give us more information concerning all of the components of the system, I can try to help out.

I currently run a ROKU connected Onkyo 7 channel AVR. I stream music services through the ROKU, and listen to 2 channel through the Onkyo. I am looking to add a separate music player/streamer, a separate 2 channel amp, separate set of speakers. Both systems still connected to my smart TV. With the requiste of having the music player/streamer provide a HDMI video out so I can interface with the streamer remote on the smart TV screen. That is my current set-up, that is my target additional set-up.

 

[JCanada]

If you are going to use the HDMI out, then you want the audio to be passed through at its original resolution. I believe the Shield does that and Roku likely does as well. It will basically come down to which supported apps are required and which interface you prefer. Apps can vary because the Shield is Android based and the Roku uses Roku OS (Linux based). @Trebdp83 is very knowledgeable about what formats are supported by various devices and how connecting them can affect options available.

So for your amp you need to consider how you want things connected. 2-channel amps with both HDMI in and an HDMI monitor out are very hard to find. You will have very limited options. Most people will simple choose a 7 channel AVR and just use 2 amp channels in stereo mode because it is a cheaper option. If you get an AVR with pre-amp outputs, you can use the AVR is a pre-amp only and connect the pre-amp out to a more powerful amp if needed.

The other option is to connect your sources to the TV instead and run the audio to the amp. If the amp has a monitor out and supports ARC/eARC (and the TV supports ARC), you can feed audio back via HDMI. Another option is to use the optical out on the TV and connect to the optical in on the amp or an AVR. I believe that would convert the signal to PCM or Dolby Digital. You would only need an amp with optical input like a class-D Topping or Aiyama amp. That's an economical solution.

Another option is a powered steaming device, so a streamer and amp in one unit. You don't have to spend the $3k your dealer quoted. The Bluesound Powernode is $1200 Cdn and has 80W per channel, subwoofer output and an HDMI eARC port to connect to the TV. You would need to research whether all of your streaming services are supported and whether you like the BlueOS interface (which many report favourably on) but with eARC you can also stream via the Roku through the TV to the Bluesound.

Good suggestions. Question on the Invidia Sheild. Does it offer a higher quality sound than the ROKU? Higher bit rate etc.?
Regarding the AVR. I am looking to add a separate music streamer/player, a separate 2 channel amp with a separate set of speakers.
I have been getting some feedback telling me that the ROKU streams music app audio at a lower bit rate that other streamers.
One feature I cannot go without is a the on- TV screen interface when listening to music apps like Spotify SiriusXM Deezee and YuoTube. I cannot use my phone/tablet laptop, or the actual tiny screen on these music streamers.

 

[JCanada]

If you have a smart TV, you can stream YouTube with that, then pass the audio to the MusicCast via optical, which is what I do.

Using any remote with a device like this isn't nearly as functional as the app- the link below has a video showing this and if you skip around, you'll see.

The issue with thos unit is the interface. If you connect it via optical to TV, It has no feature to interface with a remote to the smart TV screen. You must use the Yamaha app on a phone, tablet or laptop.

 

[JCanada]

Just a thought, the most interesting gear to play around with are different speakers, not electronics.

I 100% agree on that. My aim is another set of speakers.

 

[JCanada]

Agreed....I gave him a few suggestions and boy am I sorry I did.
He wants high quality sound with junk source material.
And as you say, we have no idea what his current equipment is other than the DAC he doesn't need.
Im done.

Yes, both systems, (2 systems, 2, two, sets of speakers), will be in the same room. One single TV. Fine. i will FORGET the DAC.

I currently run a ROKU connected Onkyo 7 channel AVR. I stream music services through the ROKU, and listen to 2 channel through the Onkyo. I am looking to add a separate music player/streamer, a separate 2 channel amp, separate set of speakers. Both systems still connected to my smart TV. With the requiste of having the music player/streamer provide a HDMI video out so I can interface with the streamer remote on the smart TV screen. That is my current set-up, that is my target additional set-up.

By the way, why do you need model #'s?

 

[JCanada]

You are absolutely right, this bloke is on some sort of DSM spectrum, not sure which but psych was not my specialty. I had a boss once who claimed nuts could be put into one of two categories, "the happily mad and the unhappily mad". Further he said that us medics only needed to concern ourselves with the unhappily mad. So I suspect this chap is in the happily mad category, so we can leave him be.

Thank you doctor for the free mental health analysis. Now, kindly, point your powers of deduction towards yourself and maybe start the healing process.

"DSM spectrum. GOOD ONE pal.....

 

[Trebdp83]

Still would like to help but need the model numbers of each piece of equipment. It isn’t enough to say Onkyo 7 channel receiver and Roku. How about that TV and subwoofer?

 

[highfigh]

So I suspect this chap is in the happily mad category, so we can leave him be.

If you want, I can send contact info for someone who called me about repairing the woofers in his B&W 802 speakers- the original ones. He said he was using a Parasound JC5 power amp and he listens at high SPL, which goes along with my comment to him about power killing woofers. He also volunteered the name of the dealer who sent a tech out to check them and it's someone I know, so contacting him was one of the first things I did this morning. I suspected the owner of the speakers is a wingnut and my friend verified that for me.
[

 

[highfigh]

QUOTE="JCanada, post: 1672997, member: 83102"]
The issue with thos unit is the interface. If you connect it via optical to TV, It has no feature to interface with a remote to the smart TV screen. You must use the Yamaha app on a phone, tablet or laptop.
[/QUOTE]

That's because most streaming devices that are best for music won't be connected to a TV. The ones made for videos will, so they have the interface. The audio streamers like the MUsucCast aren't made for surround sound, so it's natural that they won't have a video output.

BTW- you seem to be looking at the optical in the direction where the Yamaha is sending something to the TV- it's not, the signal is going TO the Yamaha FROM the TV. Smart TVs should be thought of as a source for audio when their apps are being used.

 

[JCanada]

QUOTE="JCanada, post: 1672997, member: 83102"]
The issue with thos unit is the interface. If you connect it via optical to TV, It has no feature to interface with a remote to the smart TV screen. You must use the Yamaha app on a phone, tablet or laptop.

That's because most streaming devices that are best for music won't be connected to a TV. The ones made for videos will, so they have the interface. The audio streamers like the MUsucCast aren't made for surround sound, so it's natural that they won't have a video output.

BTW- you seem to be looking at the optical in the direction where the Yamaha is sending something to the TV- it's not, the signal is going TO the Yamaha FROM the TV. Smart TVs should be thought of as a source for audio when their apps are being used.
[/QUOTE]

I have used the TV's optical out before. I have heard that if you are streaming a music app with high resolution/high quality audio, the optical cable will limit the bit rate/resolution/quality etc...That's why I am searching for a streamer/player that can output a higher quality audio signal. Higher than what my ROKU or Chromecast can output. I am also assuming that the Nvidia Shield outputs the same quality of audio as the ROKU, Chromecast.
Maybe the optical cable of my existing set-up out is enough. Not sure. Higher bit rate/digital outputs ould be "audio Tom-Foolery."