Apple Hi Res Music on Home Theater Systems

Question

Level 1

4 points

Apple Hi Res Music on Home Theater Systems

How can I play Apple Music hi res audio through my Home Theater system (Denon X6700H AVR, Triangle Borea 8 FLR speakers, Apple TV 4K media streamer, Buckeye NCx500 FLR aux amp)?

The Denon internal DAC processes up to 96 kHz (and accepts up to 192kHz) via digital inputs. However, HEOS is limited to 48 kHz streaming. 3rd party streamer/DACs can output up to 192 kHz, but Apple’s closed proprietary world mostly locks them out ( does Airplay even stream high res?). Apple doesn’t help itself as the TV-4K tops out at 48kHz audio (industry standard for movie streaming).

The only answer seems to be connecting an iPad to the Denon via a Lightning-to-HDMI attachment (crude). Or, abandoning Apple Music for Q-Buzz/Tidal/Amazon via third party streamer (eg. Wiim Pro via SPDIF). Apple Music has the better catalog, but what’s the point if it’s unreachable?

Also, the Denon AVR 6700 does not sport a USB audio port.

Has anyone had better luck?

Posted on May 30, 2023 9:24 AM

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Answer 1

MojoAnt

Level 1

12 points

Jun 9, 2023 3:59 PM in response to HSDesMoine

To play 24-bit, 192kHz Apple Music through your Denon AVR, you have two choices. The first being an external DAC with RCA outputs connected to an analog input. The second option which utilizes the AVR’s internal DAC is a protocol converter such as the Topping D10 or the Douk Audio U2 which output S/PDIF in optical or coaxial digital. There are challenges in getting sufficient power from an iPad or iPhone to the USB VBUS powered device. I use a USB hub with external power between an iPad and the audio converter. A digital protocol converter with its own external power may work better for you.

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