ARC vs optical, do I need new hardware (MiniDSP flex, Wiim Pro, projector) in a 2.1 setup?

[Geertidow]

Dear fellow forum members,

I'm moving within a few months to a new house. My wife and I decided on buying a short throw beamer and replace our old projector.
The new projector has both optical out and hdmi arc out (Epson LS800)
A few questions which you can hopefully answer:

1. Will optical audio out (SPDIF) allow for volume control through the projector?
2. Is there any other benefit of HDMI ARC over SPDIF given that we only use a 2.1 setup?
3. Could we stream music to the projector without it showing an image (I assume the projector will always turn on whenever you stream tidal, spotify or deezer).

Since I don't have HDMI in on my minidsp flex (balanced) I need to figure out a setup which my wife understands and does not lead to blowing up our ears or speakers.

Thanks for any insight.

 

[staticV3]

1. Will optical audio out (SPDIF) allow for volume control through the projector?

Depends on the projector.
Whether Optical out locks the volume is usually not listed in the user manual, so you'd have to just try and see.

2. Is there any other benefit of HDMI ARC over SPDIF given that we only use a 2.1 setup?

Other than CEC control, there is no benefit.

3. Could we stream music to the projector without it showing an image (I assume the projector will always turn on whenever you stream tidal, spotify or deezer).

Unlikely, but again: depends on the projector model. If it's not listed in the user manual, assume that the projector can't do it.

Since I don't have HDMI in on my minidsp flex (balanced) I need to figure out a setup which my wife understands and does not lead to blowing up our ears or speakers.

Thanks for any insight.

A WiiM Amp/Amp Pro/Ultra will give you ARC input and the ability to stream music without turning on the projector.

These switch inputs automatically, so are very user friendly.

 

[Geertidow]

Depends on the projector.
Whether Optical out locks the volume is usually not listed in the user manual, so you'd have to just try and see.


Other than CEC control, there is no benefit.


Unlikely, but again: depends on the projector model. If it's not listed in the user manual, assume that the projector can't do it.


A WiiM Amp/Amp Pro/Ultra will give you ARC input and the ability to stream music without turning on the projector.

These switch inputs automatically, so are very user friendly.

Thanks for your response. I'll start with the system I have and see how my family is able to use it.