Apple TV 4K - Apple Music Lossless Audio connection questions

[strik]

I've read that currently, you need an Apple TV 4K to output the lower level of Apple Lossless quality (24-bit/48 kHz) from the Apple TV Apple Music app. (And that the Apple TV HD that I currently have does not support this).

My question is... I currently have a Yamaha Stereo receiver (Yamaha R-N602). It has no HDMI input. I have my Apple TV HD plugged into my TV's (Toshiba 55L421U) HDMI input port , and then the audio going out via the optical audio port to my Yamaha receiver.

If I upgrade my Apple TV HD to an Apple TV 4K in the same configuration above, will I enjoy the benefits of Lossless, or do I need to plug in the Apple TV directly into a receiver with HDMI in?

 

[Audit13]

You will not get lossless 5.1 or Atmos but you may get stereo 48/24 over optical.

 

[strik]

You will not get lossless 5.1 or Atmos but you may get stereo 48/24 over optical.

Yeah.... it's the "may get" I'm trying to figure out. I know the difference will only be slight, if anything, but I can AirPlay higher res audio files to the Yamaha receiver and have had Tidal, and to my ears, I can hear an ever so slight difference. (I know I know... those are those who say you can't. Don't worry bout it ).

My Yamaha receiver can play Tidal right from the receiver, or I can AirPlay to it, but would love to be able to play right from Apple TV Apple Music app and know that it's working.

Would appreciate if anyone had any other thoughts.

 

[Audit13]

Can your TV pass stereo 48/24 over optical? If not, you'll need to bypass the optical connection.

If you want 5.1 lossless and/or Atmos, you'll definitely need a new receiver.

 

[strik]

Can your TV pass stereo 48/24 over optical? If not, you'll need to bypass the optical connection.

Unfortunately, I can't find this information and am not familiar with what exactly is going on with the audio when it goes from HDMI to Optical in the TV.

Not looking for Atmos or 5.1.... just a stereo guy.

 

[Audit13]

Can your TV playback hi-res, stereo, music files from a usb drive through optical?

 

[HDFan]

Digital Optical Connections and Audio Formats​

The types of digital audio signals that can be travel via a digital optical connection include two-channel stereo PCM, Dolby Digital/Dolby Digital EX, DTS Digital Surround, and DTS ES surround sound formats.

When the digital optical connection was developed, it was made to accommodate the digital audio standards at the time (mainly 2-channel CD playback). Thus, digital audio signals such as 5.1/7.1 multi-channel PCM, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, and Auro 3D Audio cannot be transferred via digital optical connections. These types of audio signal formats require the use of HDMI connections.

What is a Digital Optical Connection?

Digital optical connections use fiber optics to transfer audio signals from a source to a compatible AV receiver or processor.

www.lifewire.com

 

[strik]

Thanks for that clarification on Digital Optical. I just have a 2-channel stereo setup, but I'm not sure Apple Music with its file format will work over Optical as I don't think its PCM. It all gets a little confusing.

 

[JasonHB]

Thanks for that clarification on Digital Optical. I just have a 2-channel stereo setup, but I'm not sure Apple Music with its file format will work over Optical as I don't think its PCM. It all gets a little confusing.

Your best option is to use your iPhone or iPad with a connection into a USB DAC, something like the AudioQuest DragonFly range and then connect that to your 2 channel system.

That sounds excellent, but does only do up to 24/96.

Depending on your budget, you can go for a better quality DAC which will support up to 24/192 assuming you are running iOS 14.6 or higher

Jason

 

[priitv8]

Depending on your budget, you can go for a better quality DAC which will support up to 24/192 assuming you are running iOS 14.6 or higher

HELM Bolt does up to 24/384 and still does not carry exorbitant "audiophile" price tag.

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MOBILE AUDIO SALE - Save $50 Today Enter code at checkout: BOLTSALE50 The HELM BOLT - Mobile Studio Quality USB DAC/AMP with MQA Raising the Bar in Your Audio Quality. Now Accessible on Your SmartPhone. Plug & Play on Your Favorite Mobile Device for Incredible Studio Quality Audio THX Certified...

helmaudio.com

 

[JasonHB]

HELM Bolt does up to 24/384 and still does not carry exorbitant "audiophile" price tag.

HELM BOLT DAC/AMP - MQA Certified

MOBILE AUDIO SALE - Save $50 Today Enter code at checkout: BOLTSALE50 The HELM BOLT - Mobile Studio Quality USB DAC/AMP with MQA Raising the Bar in Your Audio Quality. Now Accessible on Your SmartPhone. Plug & Play on Your Favorite Mobile Device for Incredible Studio Quality Audio THX Certified...

helmaudio.com

So what? Doesn’t mean it’s any good