Mac Mini (late 2012) and 5:1 surround sound with direct HDMI. How do I do it?

[johjames912]

Hi, I have a Mac Mini (late 2012) which I use as a media centre. When linked directly with a premium HDMI to my OLED TV which then connects via HDMI ARC to a Sony STRDN-1080 receiver the surround sound from files played on the Mac Mini works perfectly. Unfortunately when I connect the Mac Mini directly to the receiver, then the files only play in stereo an the receiver isn't detected by the Mac Mini when I look in System Preferences Audio. Using Audio Midi, the speakers all work when tested. Any ideas what I need to do to get the Mac Mini to recognise the receiver and to allow the receiver to play the files when connected to it directly please? Thanks.

 

[sdp77]

Hi, I have a Mac Mini (late 2012) which I use as a media centre. When linked directly with a premium HDMI to my OLED TV which then connects via HDMI ARC to a Sony STRDN-1080 receiver the surround sound from files played on the Mac Mini works perfectly. Unfortunately when I connect the Mac Mini directly to the receiver, then the files only play in stereo an the receiver isn't detected by the Mac Mini when I look in System Preferences Audio. Using Audio Midi, the speakers all work when tested. Any ideas what I need to do to get the Mac Mini to recognise the receiver and to allow the receiver to play the files when connected to it directly please? Thanks.

I have the same issue. I have my Mac mini connected to a Marantz receiver and, ever since I installed Catalina, the files only play stereo whereas, before Catalina, the receiver would show Multi In + Surround. I am hoping for a software update to bring back surround playback to the HDMI connection.
if you find a solution, please post it.
Btw, until yesterday I used a 2012 Mac mini as well. Yesterday I replaced it with a brand new Mac mini. Sound playback the same.

 

[Fishrrman]

There are low-cost "HDMI audio extractors" that can do this -- "split off" the HDMI sound from the video.

Look here:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hdmi+audio+extractor&crid=2HZRLCNTW34ER&sprefix=hdmi+audio,aps,144&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_10

This should enable you to extract the audio signal and route it to your receiver directly.

 

[Fishrrman]

(post deleted -- wrong topic!)