Why do most Stereo Preamps not have HDMI input for Audio?

[rimmi2002]

Hi,

I have seen / read many audiophiles prefer using a 2.1 / 2.2 system with high-end speakers without a center channel for music and HT use. I was looking into that and saw that most stereo preamps do not take HDMI input (like an AVR, which takes HDMI inputs from attached devices like Apple TV, and processes the video separately and audio separately for amp or preouts).

So I wanted to ask how people do their setups for HT use with such systems? Are they using ARC via Toslink from their TV or projector?

I just thought HDMI has much more bandwidth than Toslink cables, so for movies having an HDMI input for audio would be nice (even though a stereo setup will not play Atmos/DTS-MA or any 5.1 soundtrack as 5.1, but I figured at least that way the preamp gets the best audio quality to process for movies). Or does that not matter?

 

[respice finem]

Probably licensing fees are a factor, and, many manufacturers might think, customers wanting HDMI will also want multichannel, so they will buy either an "Atmos enabled" soundbar setup, or a "real" HT. Not wrong, really.

That said, HDMI at least in every DAC/preamp/HPA combo would be nice to have IMHO. Even if I have no use for it today, I might have it later.

 

[bargainguy]

The bandwidth on HDMI is to capture uncompressed video. The audio files - compressed or uncompressed - are tiny in comparison.

I really doubt you'd hear a difference in audio between HDMI and optical. But hey, give it a try and let us know.

 

[respice finem]

It's not for sound quality (which I never stated), but for convenience, simply. The original HDMI concept was "one cable for all".
And, if implemented consequently, it can be (HDMI passthrough, Ethernet etc.), for audio and video.

HDMI - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[bargainguy]

@respice finem - of course you mentioned sound quality:

"..but I figured at least that way the preamp gets the best audio quality to process for movies..."

Not sure where you were going with that one.

 

[respice finem]

The bandwidth on HDMI is to capture uncompressed video. The audio files - compressed or uncompressed - are tiny in comparison.

I really doubt you'd hear a difference in audio between HDMI and optical. But hey, give it a try and let us know.

Wrong glasses? I'm not @rimmi2002

 

[bargainguy]

You're right, my bad. Mea culpa.

 

[respice finem]

Ego te absolvo

 

[Barrelhouse Solly]

Hi,

I have seen / read many audiophiles prefer using a 2.1 / 2.2 system with high-end speakers without a center channel for music and HT use. I was looking into that and saw that most stereo preamps do not take HDMI input (like an AVR, which takes HDMI inputs from attached devices like Apple TV, and processes the video separately and audio separately for amp or preouts).

So I wanted to ask how people do their setups for HT use with such systems? Are they using ARC via Toslink from their TV or projector?

I just thought HDMI has much more bandwidth than Toslink cables, so for movies having an HDMI input for audio would be nice (even though a stereo setup will not play Atmos/DTS-MA or any 5.1 soundtrack as 5.1, but I figured at least that way the preamp gets the best audio quality to process for movies). Or does that not matter?

As long as there's a pass through output for video. I'd be perfectly happy with a 2.1 setup with my TV.

 

[OldHvyMec]

AI Overview


Yes, the McIntosh C53 has an audio-only HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) input, which allows you to connect it to a compatible TV to send your TV's audio to the C53 for playback through your home stereo system. However, this is not a standard HDMI input for passing video or non-TV audio sources; it's specifically for audio from a TV's ARC output.

I thought my Mcintosh C53 had HDMI. I just didn't want to hunt up the ops manual or get behind the thing. That C53 does everything, including reading my mind. Considering I still have my C20 from over 50 years ago. I'd be using that C20 a lot more if it had a remote, though. Wonderful how it works and sounds after it was freshened up by Samra.


Regards

 

[Matt_Holland]

Having worked for a small manufacturer, implementing HDMI into your product(s) can be too expensive to justify a suitable ROI. It’s also a nightmare from a customer support POV if the implementation is not good.

 

[rimmi2002]

Thanks everyone for your input. So from what I hear passing audio through ARC via TOSLink will be similar in audio quality vs HDMI source for a 2.1 system.

My sources are ~20 ft away from my projector. If I do end up going this route, then a better way to go would be to just buy a HDMI switch to substitute for my AVR's ability connect multiple devices.

Setup would be:
1) All sources go to HDMI switch inputs
2) HDMI OUT goes to projector
3) Toslink Connector from HDMI switch goes to Preamp

Does that sound right?

 

[respice finem]

If you have an AVR, why not plug all devices into it?
If your concern is cable length (for the projector), you may buy a "HDMI optical" cable.
These go up to 100 m.

 

[MRC01]

If you really need to split the digital audio from an HDMI input and make it available as SPDIF, you can get something like this for about $20.

Amazon.com: VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM : Electronics

Buy VPFET HDMI Audio Extractor 4K HDMI to Optical 3.5mm AUX Audio Adapter Splitter Converter Support HDCP Digital DTS 5.1 PCM: Digital-Analog Converters - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

In my system I also need to convert HDMI video to VGA or RGB component for my 20 year old plasma screen, so I have a single box that does this, as well as splitting the audio and making it available as SPDIF.

 

[Robin L]

Thanks everyone for your input. So from what I hear passing audio through ARC via TOSLink will be similar in audio quality vs HDMI source for a 2.1 system.

My sources are ~20 ft away from my projector. If I do end up going this route, then a better way to go would be to just buy a HDMI switch to substitute for my AVR's ability connect multiple devices.

Setup would be:
1) All sources go to HDMI switch inputs
2) HDMI OUT goes to projector
3) Toslink Connector from HDMI switch goes to Preamp

Does that sound right?

I've got a Sony Blu-Ray player—BDP-BX57—and a few Blu-Ray audio discs. My 2.1 audio system includes a Topping E30 DAC. It doesn't have an HDMI input, necessary to play back the Blu-Ray audio discs. So, I got an adaptor recommended here at ASR. It appears to downsample hi-rez recordings, but sounds fine:

'Amazon Basics 4K HDMI Extractor Review'

Nov 25, 2022

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Amazon Basics 4K HDMI extractor. Member kindly purchased and drop shipped it to me. It normally costs $22.89 but was on sale for just $5!!!

The case is the standard metal one for these kinds of adapters. Power is provided with a supplied USB-A to barrel (9 volt) connector. I powered it using the hub in my computer monitor. As you see a nice switch forces the digital output to be either stereo or 5.1.

Pass-through HDMI connector is naturally provided as well as Toslink, Coax and analog stereo 3.5mm outputs...

• amirm
• Replies: 227
• Forum: DACs, Streamers, Servers, Players, Audio Interface

• 

 

[rimmi2002]

If you have an AVR, why not plug all devices into it?
If your concern is cable length (for the projector), you may buy a "HDMI optical" cable.
These go up to 100 m.

That is what I have setup now with a AVR (onkyo NR7100). If I go the route of a stereo preamp / amplifier for a 2.1 setup, I was wondering how to make it work with all my devices similar to AVR, since most of these stereo preamps don't have HDMI in's / outs.

From what I hear (I will test it out myself before spending on preamp/amp combo) the AVR DAC are not that as good as good preamps DACs for stereo setup.

 

[Robin L]

That is what I have setup now with a AVR (onkyo NR7100). If I go the route of a stereo preamp / amplifier for a 2.1 setup, I was wondering how to make it work with all my devices similar to AVR, since most of these stereo preamps don't have HDMI in's / outs.

From what I hear (I will test it out myself before spending on preamp/amp combo) the AVR DAC are not that as good as good preamps DACs for stereo setup.

The DACs in AVRs are probably good enough, considering the limits of human hearing. Otherwise, you have the option of getting an outboard DAC with an HDMI input or do what I did, a good performing but cheap DAC with a HDMI adaptor. If all your sources are digital, you can bypass the preamp altogether.

 

[respice finem]

From what I hear (I will test it out myself before spending on preamp/amp combo) the AVR DAC are not that as good as good preamps DACs for stereo setup.

Ah, OK...