Recommendation: DAC to connect active speakers to TV

[studioguy]

Dear colleagues,

Since my search for a dedicated recommendations thread was unsuccessful, I'm hoping here is a good place. If I missed something, please excuse me.

I am using a pair of active Neumann KH120 speakers with my TV and for now I have them connected with a random DAC from Amazon. I'm using the optical output from the TV since it does not have any analog ones. This works quite well, although I can not change the volume on the TV remote anymore. Hence why I am searching for a replacement that also supportd HDMI arc, since from what I've gathered this is the only way to do what I want, which is to hear my TV AND control it. I would also like to keep bluetooth functionality if possible.

Google pointed me to a review of the Acrylic BP50, which seems to do just what I want but according to a review from here noise and audio performance is subpar.

Can someone recommend a DAC with support for HDMI ARC and bluetooth to me that does not cost as much as a new TV? Since my speakers are active and I use my phone, TV or PC for playback I really only need something to connect my TV to my speakers.

Thank you for your time!

studioguy

 

[staticV3]

Hi @studioguy! Welcome to ASR.

HDMI ARC input does not automatically mean that volume control via the TV remote will work.

For that you need HDMI ARC and HDMI-CEC support.

SMSL has two good DACs with ARC in and XLR out: DO100 Pro and DO200 Pro.

However, you'd have to confirm with customers (or SMSL Support) that volume control via CEC is also supported.

Here's a thread on these where you could ask:

SMSL DO100 PRO - HDMI ARC DAC

https://www.smsl-audio.com/portal/product/detail/id/866.html Rotary knob, balanced, largish 7 segment display, decent specs. It is as if Topping and SMSL are toying with us, one has PEQ, one has HDMI ARC. V

www.audiosciencereview.com

SMSL also has a cheap DAC with confirmed CEC support, but performance is poor and it only has RCA out:

SMSL PS100 *$30.00* DAC (some limitations apply)

May or may not help: On your Sony TV, check if you have an option under Settings -> Channels & Inputs -> External Inputs -> Bravia Sync Settings -> Device Auto Power off Well, it turns out you've solved my issue! I followed your advice and the DAC stays on irrespective of the TV. It looks like...

www.audiosciencereview.com

All of them have Bluetooth.

 

[Chrisnew]

Matrix Audio mini-i 4 Streamer Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Matrix Audio mini-i 4 streamer, balanced DAC and preamplifier. It was sent to me by Shenzehenaudio and costs US $649. I am neutral on the look of the unit. The only button for power is on top. The front panel is touch sensitive in different...

www.audiosciencereview.com

New Matrix Audio mini-i 4 and mini-i Pro 4 Streamers.

@amirm already has one in the pipeline lined up for testing. :) Waiting for it to decide on buying a Mini i 4 standard version with the optional remote. Thanks a lot.

www.audiosciencereview.com

Used the matrix with my buchardt with great results. It's one of the few dac with xlr and hdmi arc. Those were my criteria as well when upgrading

 

[ChenHui]

It's such a coincidence that I stumbled upon your post. I was just questioning whether HDMI ARC is necessary for a DAC. It seems that there are indeed people who need this interface. From what I know, SMSL is preparing to release a DL100 that can meet your needs.

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...ls-new-products-dl100-dac.54119/#post-1964100

 

[studioguy]

Hi, thanks for the replies!

@staticV3: Thanks for the info, HDMI-CEC is exactly what I need then. The SMSL DO100 Pro looks good but is a little bit pricey considering the only difference it would bring to my setup right now would be volume control. PS100 is in the right area price wise, the question is: how bad does it perform.

@Chrisnew: Thanks for your input aswell. The matrix streamer looks sick but I'm not willing to put that amount of money into a converter these days.

@ChenHui: I don't understand why it is such a niche thing considering nearly everyone has a smart TV nowadays and most of them come without analog outputs. I guess everyone buys crappy soundbars or crazy expensive receivers. Since I already have good speakers I only need the connection part. The DL100 looks interesting, I'm curious what the price will be. I don't think a good converter has to cost that much nowadays, when a two-channel consumer grade audio interface for recording music is less than 100€.

 

[JeremyFife]

PS100 https://audiosciencereview.com/foru...ps100-30-00-dac-some-limitations-apply.47033/

 

[staticV3]

Thanks for the info, HDMI-CEC is exactly what I need then. The SMSL DO100 Pro looks good but is a little bit pricey considering the only difference it would bring to my setup right now would be volume control. PS100 is in the right area price wise, the question is: how bad does it perform.

I've linked to some measurements of the PS100 in post #2.

 

[studioguy]

I've linked to some measurements of the PS100 in post #2.

Yes I looked through the thread. I'm more familiar with headphone and speaker measurements so I don't have too much to compare with. Currently I'm using a no-name product and it sounds fine so I can't really decide if it's actually as bad as people describe it or similar to what I'm using now. Second issue, I just checked and it seems like nobody is shipping the PS100 to me :-(

 

[staticV3]

Second issue, I just checked and it seems like nobody is shipping the PS100 to me :-(

Where are you? (the country)

 

[popej]

Can't you set variable output level on TV? Should be possible, if TV outputs PCM over optical. Not the best solution, but usable.

 

[staticV3]

Can't you set variable output level on TV? Should be possible, if TV outputs PCM over optical. Not the best solution, but usable.

Many TVs (including mine) lock volume to 100% when audio output is set to Toslink.

 

[studioguy]

Where are you? (the country)

Austria/Europe

@popej: I wouldn't know how...

 

[staticV3]

Austria/Europe

There are two European retailers (Audiophonics, SoundImports), and a bunch of Chinese retailers (Linsoul, AliExpress, Aoshida, HiFiGO), all of which will ship the PS100 to you.

 

[studioguy]

There are two European retailers (Audiophonics, SoundImports), and a bunch of Chinese retailers (Linsoul, AliExpress, Aoshida, HiFiGO), all of which will ship the PS100 to you.

Amazing, thank you! Ordered from Audiophonics. Hopefully it will deliver!

 

[SMSL-Mandy]

SMSL DL100 CS43131*4 BT5.1 MQA-CD Audio DAC

DL100 Audio DAC & Headphone Amplifier Features Four-chip decoding for superior sound: Capable of directly sampling 32bit/768kHz PCM digital audio and supporting DSD256 native DSD playback without conversion. Independent headphone amplification circuitry: Self-developed circuit for excellent...

hifi-express.com

can consider the new DL100 discount code: mandycode

 

[KaeliKoo]

SMSL DL100 CS43131*4 BT5.1 MQA-CD Audio DAC

DL100 Audio DAC & Headphone Amplifier Features Four-chip decoding for superior sound: Capable of directly sampling 32bit/768kHz PCM digital audio and supporting DSD256 native DSD playback without conversion. Independent headphone amplification circuitry: Self-developed circuit for excellent...

hifi-express.com

can consider the new DL100 discount code: mandycode

Two complete unit failures in Amazon reviews of DL100 - 1 at 4 months & 1 at 2 weeks. Hmmm....

 

[Zek]

Two complete unit failures in Amazon reviews of DL100 - 1 at 4 months & 1 at 2 weeks. Hmmm....

Are you sure of the validity of those writings - it seems to me that DL100 was not on the market 4 months ago.

 

[KaeliKoo]

Are you sure of the validity of those writings - it seems to me that DL100 was not on the market 4 months ago.

When it says "Verified Purchase" on the review that's good enough for me. Feb is 4 months ago...

 

[Zek]

Feb is 4 months ago...

According to this post, the DL100 appeared in early June.

SMSL's new products DL100 DAC

I received a promotional email from SMSL. According to the email, they will introduce a new decoder with HDMI (ARC) input at the end of May. I don't quite understand the significance of this interface for a decoder. Is it meaningful? Would anyone connect a DAC to a TV?

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[KaeliKoo]

My mistake, it was DL200 with those failures - my mea culpa. Also a bit relieved as I like the specs on the Dl100 thanks!