DAC with EQ and room correction

[deftone.one]

Hello everyone,

I am searching for a device to replace an old DAC that broke down. BUT in addition to just being a DAC, the device should also have (P)EQ and room correction functionality (because I live in a rental apt where I can't change the decor/furniture/layout/etc., meaning that I can’t acoustically treat the room either).

My signal chain currently looks like this:

Apple TV 4K (3rd gen) --> HDMI Audio Extractor [it splits the signal into two: the video signal goes directly to my TV via HDMI, while the audio signal continues as follows:] --> Digital Audio Splitter [it splits the audio signal into 2 optical lines: one goes directly into an Audio Pro Allroom Air One (for watching TV casually), the other line continues as follows:] --> DAC [Arcam rDac that broke down] --> Naim Nait 5i --> Dynaudio Excite X32 floorstanders.

I mostly listen to Apple Music and Spotify (both in lossless quality) and occasionally watch YouTube.

• I'm using Apple TV as my source device because I like that I can control it from my listening position with a remote on a big TV screen, without having to use apps on an iPhone, etc. I like the interface and it supports lossless streaming. That's why I am not sure that I would somehow benefit from a dedicated streamer in this set up, unless I'm missing something.
• I am using an HDMI Audio Extractor because current gen Apple TV doesn’t have an optical out anymore. I could route the signal via my TV instead, but this way I can avoid converting the incoming signal to 16-bit/48kHz. Not that I would notice the effect of the conversion anyway, but if I can keep the signal intact then why not. : )

Do you see any obvious issues with this AppleTV-based set up, or should I just get a new device to replace the broken DAC and leave everything else as is?

In case of the latter, given that I am also looking for EQ and room correction functionality, seems like the choice boils down to a streamer with built-in DAC/EQ/room correction (e.g., Wiim Pro Plus or Wiim Ultra) or a miniDSP (e.g., miniDSP Flex)? But perhaps you guys have better ideas.

Thanks!

 

[Saponetto]

Hello.

About Wiim products, Pro+ and Ultra are both worth of consideration.
Being an Apple user, be careful about the Ultra that -does not- implement Airplay II.
Pro+ does it well, instead.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

All WiiM products include Room-Fit (PEQ) and can act as a transparent digital transport. IIRC, the AirPlay support varies among models (I don't use it).

 

[Keith_W]

RME ADI-2. It has 5 PEQ's and exceptional performance - Amir review.