Mac/iOS/Apple TV wireless speaker setup

[tnsmart]

I am planing to buy a third generation Apple TV and this set of speakers. I would like to be able to play both music from my Mac and iOS devices wirelessly to the speakers, and to be able to stream video wirelessly to my TV (connected to the Apple TV) with the audio outputting to the speakers, and am trying to figure out the best way to do this.

It seems to me that I should be able to use airplay to stream both the music and video to the Apple TV and use this converter to convert the audio for use by the speakers.

My questions:
Does this seem like the best solution?
If I use the solution I've suggested, will the converter maintain all 5.1 audio channels? Will I have any way of controlling the output volume other than adjusting it directly on the speaker set using the knob?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[waw74]

that convertor is only stereo, so no 5.1.

and it probably does not support dolby digital, so you would have to set the aTV to output stereo. Otherwise you either wind up with no sound, or a loud static sound, since the box has no dolby decoder.

and no, with the aTV (and most other dolby sources) the only way to control the volume is with the knob on the amp or the remote for the amp.


you're better off going with something with optical or HDMI in.
make sure that what you're buying has an amp and Dolby decoder in it. a "speaker system" is most likely just speakers

a couple of quick optiions i see are

this one which has a DVD player built in
or
this one which costs a little more, but has blu-ray, and more power.

look for a "home theater system" with optical in

 

[jdag]

I am not trying to be a snob, and I have no idea of your budget, room size, or expectations. But...

1) Any setup with multiple speakers is NOT really surround sound, you are only going to get the same output from 5 speakers.

2) The "home theater in a box" solutions should...well...stay in the box. They are not good at all. Save your money for something of better value.

3) You might want to read through this threads:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1759122/

To me, the sound is equally as important as the picture to viewing enjoyment. I would suggest you really plan out the purchase to assure you are pleased with the results.

I'd be happy to help further.

 

[Alrescha]

Any input is greatly appreciated.

I went with the (no longer manufactured) Logitech Z-5500 package. Unlike your choice it has optical digital input, built-in decoders for Dolby Digital and DTS, and a remote control. It sounds fantastic for what it is, and it was also more expensive...

I am not suggesting that you go try to buy one, but it is the sort of thing you may want to check out.

I use a D to A converter in another application, I bought a FiiO unit (Amazon B009346RSS) based on reputation, and have been pleased with the sound quality. I recommend it if you decide to go with a stereo-only solution.

A.

 

[tnsmart]

Thanks for all of the input, it's quite helpful. My budget is around $120 for the whole setup and it doesn't seem to me that there is anything out there in that range with an optical input and 5/6 speakers. Though it would be nice, true surround sound isn't of a huge concern for me. But I do want to have sound from all of the corners of my room when playing music, so it looks like the best solution is to go with the Z506 speakers that I posted along with the Digital to Analog converter that Alrescha posted.

Thanks again. Any additional input is welcome.