DAC recommendation for Three Genelec 8340a Speakers Using Digital AES/EBU

[ttman]

I'm looking for a DAC recommendation to run three Genelec 8340A speakers. I prefer to use these speakers digitally through AES. My use case involves movies and music, connecting the DAC via HDMI eARC.

It might sound silly, but since Genelec subs are quite expensive, can I use an SVS subwoofer with the three Genelec speakers, or would it be better to buy another Genelec speaker?

 

[voodooless]

No DAC needed, because the speaker has plenty of them, and you already mentioned you want to connect them digitally.

What is your source? For a PC, you can use a USB to AES converter, or even just coax SPDIf to XLR cable would work, giving you more options. For a TV, you’ll need optical to AES or coax (plus said cable).

The sub changes all this a bit, because that requires an analog output, and crossovers. Mixing that with digital is trickier. I guess one of the WiiM devices could do this, some also offer HDMI input. You’ll still need a converter or cable to connect the speakers, though.

 

[ttman]

The source is an LG TV. Can you provide the device model number I need to purchase, and, if possible, a connection guide from the TV to the speakers or any other suggested devices?

 

[voodooless]

Can you provide the device model number I need to purchase

You don’t need to buy anything. Also, don’t just take binding advice from random strangers on the internet at face value... take it as a nice idea, not as an obligation to buy stuff. Do your own research. We might not oversee any and all of your requirements. Doing your own due diligence is essential.

My advice in this case would be:

TV to WiiM Ultra via HDMI
WiiM Ultra via coaxial digital output to XLR cable to speaker
WiiM Ultra analog sub out to subwoofer

Other members might have even better ideas…

 

[staticV3]

So you want a DDC (not DAC) with ARC input, AES/EBU output, Surround sound decode, and downmix capabilities.

Those are very rare.

Here are some devices worth looking into:

-Arvus H2-4D
-Nuprime-X H16-AVP
-Nuprime-X H16-AES

And if you're ok with compromising on Analog output rather than AES/EBU:

-Blustream SW42DA
-Blustream SW42DA-V2
-Turtle AV Downtown
-an AV Processor: https://geizhals.de/?cat=hifipre&xf=9909_Dolby Atmos&pagesize=100&sort=p&promode=true

@voodooless' suggestion, the WiiM Ultra, is limited to 2.1, but you could expand that to 3.1 by buying an additional WiiM Pro: https://faq.wiimhome.com/en/support...ing-up-a-wiim-dolby-5-1-surround-sound-system

WiiM Cons:
-Only Dolby Digital (no Atmos, DTS, ...)
-Network sync between WiiM Ultra and WiiM Pro might make lip sync challenging

 

[voodooless]

Here are some devices worth looking into:

-Arvus H2-4D
-Nuprime-X H16-AVP
-Nuprime-X H16-AES

And if you're ok with compromising on Analog output rather than AES/EBU:

-Blustream SW42DA
-Blustream SW42DA-V2
-Turtle AV Downtown
-an AV Processor: https://geizhals.de/?cat=hifipre&xf=9909_Dolby Atmos&pagesize=100&sort=p&promode=true

Given the budget constraints on the Genelec sub, I didn’t dare come with any of these devices so it would be good to know your budget.

Arguably, any of these would be better than the WiiM if you ever plan on going beyond 2.1.

Also, some of these devices offer Dante digital out, not normal AES. They would need additional hardware to make it work or indeed just use analog, in which case, your options are wide open.