cheapsoundguy
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- Dec 13, 2021
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I wanted to share my system setup with everyone and provide a brief review of the component parts of the system.
First, my goals in building the system: 1) Sound quality / room correction 2) reasonable ease of use for my wife and kids 3) ability to extract HDMI audio from my Apple TV for both TV and Apple Music, 4) ability to support high-res bit perfect streaming for both Apple Music and Amazon Music / Tidal.
Apple TV 4K: Excellent 4K streamer, also supports Apple Music (non-high res). Also integrates with Siri and a voice activated physical remote. Perfect for the kids to just say "Play Baby Shark" or whatever.
BlueSound Node: This pulls the HDMI signal from the TV and converts it to an SPDIF signal for the MiniDSP. It also fully integrates with Amazon Music, Tidal, etc. (But not Apple Music).
MiniDSP SHD: This is connected before the DAC and provides frequency/room correction for my speakers. I use this to switch from USB (iPad for high res Apple Music) to SPDIF (TV/BlueSound Node).
SMSL M400: Excellent "top of the chart" AKM 4499 DAC. Not much needs to be said. The remote buttons feel a little mushy. I may replace the remote with something better. I effectively use this as the "preamp" to control volume. It is directly connected to my amp.
Benchmark AHB2: Excellent "top of the chart" amp. It eliminated the hiss from my speakers. I believe it has more bass control and less fatiguing treble compared to my previous amp as well. No proof, but I like it.
tc electronic Clarity M: This is just a fun little "eye candy" toy. It is basically a 7" graphical display that grabs the 2nd SPDIF signal from the MiniDSP and outputs a graphical metering view.
Teac turntable: Fun toy, connected via a passive analog switcher. Entire signal path is analog from the turntable to the amp.
Radial SAT2: Passive volume control for the turntable.
Overall I love it. I leave the input on the MiniDSP on SPDIF, which allows the BlueSound Node to automatically switch from music to HDMI/TV automatically. My family just has to turn on the Apple TV and it's all automatic for them, music, TV, movies etc.
When I want bit perfect, I just walk up to the system, switch the MiniDSP to USB, and use the iPad wired with whatever streaming source I want.
The other benefit of the Apple ecosystem is that I can use a WIRELESS iPad to stream to the Airplay 2 on the Apple TV (or the BlueSound Node) as well as other systems in my house (such as a smaller system attached to a Roku also with AirPlay 2). It can stream to multiple Airplay 2 receivers at once for parties (main system, dining room system, back yard).
Love it! And so does my family!
First, my goals in building the system: 1) Sound quality / room correction 2) reasonable ease of use for my wife and kids 3) ability to extract HDMI audio from my Apple TV for both TV and Apple Music, 4) ability to support high-res bit perfect streaming for both Apple Music and Amazon Music / Tidal.
Apple TV 4K: Excellent 4K streamer, also supports Apple Music (non-high res). Also integrates with Siri and a voice activated physical remote. Perfect for the kids to just say "Play Baby Shark" or whatever.
BlueSound Node: This pulls the HDMI signal from the TV and converts it to an SPDIF signal for the MiniDSP. It also fully integrates with Amazon Music, Tidal, etc. (But not Apple Music).
MiniDSP SHD: This is connected before the DAC and provides frequency/room correction for my speakers. I use this to switch from USB (iPad for high res Apple Music) to SPDIF (TV/BlueSound Node).
SMSL M400: Excellent "top of the chart" AKM 4499 DAC. Not much needs to be said. The remote buttons feel a little mushy. I may replace the remote with something better. I effectively use this as the "preamp" to control volume. It is directly connected to my amp.
Benchmark AHB2: Excellent "top of the chart" amp. It eliminated the hiss from my speakers. I believe it has more bass control and less fatiguing treble compared to my previous amp as well. No proof, but I like it.
tc electronic Clarity M: This is just a fun little "eye candy" toy. It is basically a 7" graphical display that grabs the 2nd SPDIF signal from the MiniDSP and outputs a graphical metering view.
Teac turntable: Fun toy, connected via a passive analog switcher. Entire signal path is analog from the turntable to the amp.
Radial SAT2: Passive volume control for the turntable.
Overall I love it. I leave the input on the MiniDSP on SPDIF, which allows the BlueSound Node to automatically switch from music to HDMI/TV automatically. My family just has to turn on the Apple TV and it's all automatic for them, music, TV, movies etc.
When I want bit perfect, I just walk up to the system, switch the MiniDSP to USB, and use the iPad wired with whatever streaming source I want.
The other benefit of the Apple ecosystem is that I can use a WIRELESS iPad to stream to the Airplay 2 on the Apple TV (or the BlueSound Node) as well as other systems in my house (such as a smaller system attached to a Roku also with AirPlay 2). It can stream to multiple Airplay 2 receivers at once for parties (main system, dining room system, back yard).
Love it! And so does my family!
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