Yes it's sounds good enough, no distortion or so. I doubt it has something to do with the optical cable considering the really cheap price of that converter, and unfortunately I don't have another one.The first thing I'd try is simply using the Samsung TV for sound. Does it sound good (I mean good for a TV, not compared to your speakers)? Dialogue is clear, that kind of thing.
.
Yes, probably this DAC is a junk. Although we're talking about Samsung TV so I'm not sure if it's the same case.Looking at the price of that thing, I'm going to say that DAC is probably terrible. I've used the optical out on my LG TV for ages and it sounds perfectly fine. But you should really test it with something else first to make sure where the issue lies.
I'm hesitant to recommend another DAC converter without first testing that optical cable. However, if you do get another converter, I'd strongly recommend you get it from somewhere that has a 30 day no questions asked return policy. I know the unit you bought was cheap, but it should have worked since there are so many good reviews on it (could be defective). You might want to try this one, but its still a cheapie.Can you possibly think of a decent DAC that would maximize my speakers potential (Microlab Solo 7c)?
I've used a Fiio D3 optical to rca converter for a while and was very satisfied with it. Excellent sound, super easy to use. Paid $50 for it or something. TV => optical out => Fiio D3 => RCA out => stereo amp => passive speakers.
Here is a link to this cheap crap converter:
https://a.aliexpress.com/_v3i9KL
I think this is your problem:
Try a real DAC - maybe a cheap Topping, Geshelli or JDS.
Let's assume, for a moment, that the audio sent to the optical output is fundamentally the same audio that gets delivered to the TV's two internal speakers. In other words, that there is no extra folding-down or other processing performed en route to the internal speakers compared to the optical output. NB if anyone feels this assumption is erroneous, please speak up!I have a hard time believing that all people with two channel-systems accept this rather thin and hollow sound through their TV setup
Ok so I played that sound test, but I'm not sure what I suppose to look in to? Overall the sound quality is still "flat".I would be inclined to try playing something like this to ensure that the TV is making a reasonable job of presenting content (that might be in heaven only knows what format) in the 2.0 state that will be required.
Forgive me, but the primary mission is to answer this question: is the content being presented to the DAC what it is expected to be?Try a real DAC
Forgive me, but the primary mission is to answer this question: is the content being presented to the DAC what it is expected to be?
Only then is it worth delving into the subtleties of sound quality.
First, did you download this file and play it locally (i.e. not via YouTube's web player that is likely to mess up the very area you need to check)? You need to ensure that the left, right and center audio reproduces at roughly the same volume. Don't worry for now if you can't hear the surround left and right or the subwoofer stuff, the deep bass.Ok so I played that sound test, but I'm not sure what I suppose to look in to?
But if that was the problem wouldn't me switching from the Fiio D3 to the Marantz PM6007 have solved it? The Marantz have been praised for its DAC but regarding this issue it is the same result as with the Fiio D3.
OK indeed. Having proved that the correct audio is coming out of your optical port, it is now a case of finding out why the quality is not what you expect. With this aim in view, I would find a digital source rather more consistent than a TV*; get some suitable demonstration material to assess which components are to blame and eliminate each element in the chain in a logical and consistent manner, entirely by ear. Forget about “specifications”.Everything sounds right, except for when the sub plays alone, I'm not hearing anything, but I guess it's ok?
Forgive me, but the primary mission is to answer this question: is the content being presented to the DAC what it is expected to be?
Only then is it worth delving into the subtleties of sound quality.