Different ways to listen Hi-Res Audio via Apple devices?
Hi!
So I've finally got myself "home cinema" setup: Sony STR-DH750 AV-receiver and some not so bad speakers.
I've bought few albums on HDtracks and I want to enjoy them in their full quality.
Right now I'm using MacBook Pro for this and connecting it via HDMI directly to receiver. Works perfectly—Mac outputs audio via HDMI in its full 24 bit/192 kHz glory. But it's not convenient—I don't like cables and I don't like idea of unplugging my laptop from its dock and bringing it to the TV. So, is there is another way to listen hi-res music? These questions appeared.
1. With what sample rate and bit depth Mac transmits audio to TV when using AirPlay Mirroring? Can somebody look this up in "Audio MIDI setup", please? And is there is a difference between 3rd gen and 4th gen TV in this term?
1.1. Same question, but for usual AirPlay (when you're not mirroring, but using iTunes and choosing AirPlay speaker). What sample rate and bit depth it will produce?
2. As I remember, AirPort Express has optical output. Can I use it for Mac sound output? How stable that works? I already have an AirPort Extreme; should I connect Mac directly to Express to use AirPlay? And yet again, how exactly does it output sound (maximum sample rate and bit depth)?
3. Apple makes Lightning Digital AV adapter (and 30 pin Digital AV adapter). I could get an old iPod touch or iPad and use it for storing and playing music (and maybe for Xbox SmartGlass, too). Same question about sound.
4. Apart from HDMI connections, receiver also supports listening from iPhone via USB and also has Bluetooth with aptX. USB is an option, too? Could I get 24/96 using this?
Either way, I know it all sounds a little wicked, but if somebody could give me some ideas—that would be nice. So, if there is somebody here with good AV setups, how do you listen to music?
MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4)
