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HDMI eARC Converter or DAC

ImpiousImpious
in Related

Building speakers for my daughter and now I need to figure out how to power them. I ordered the Dayton APA102BT today from PE.

They have a new fangled TV which lacks any analog outputs. It has an HDMI with eARC and optical output.

So I'm in need of either an HDMI eARC converter or a DAC with remote. I'd prefer the HDMI converter as I believe they could use the TV remote to control volume. Anyone have suggestions for either?

Price is a concern. They're not audiophiles and will mainly be using this with TV, so I'm looking for the most cost effective route. I know I could just get a receiver but those start at $350 from what I could find and I'd like to keep it less expensive than that if I could.

Comments

  • DrewsBrewsDrewsBrews
    edited January 12

    I might have suggested the DTA-PRO as it is an all in one DAC amp with optical, bluetooth and remote. Currently on sale for ~$99

    But ARC is likely easier to deal with day to day.

  • Steve_LeeSteve_Lee

    What is the model and brand of the TV in question, Impious?

    It would be beneficial to determine if the supplied TV remote actually controls the TOSlink/HDMI-out volume levels before proceeding in any direction as this could be as simple/cheap as a TOSlink>RCA convertor or not.

  • WolfWolf
    edited January 12

    Typically, the optical-outs do not have varying volume and rely on the external DAC or receiver.
    I've not delved into eARC tech at all, but find that prices go up when HDMI is involved. An HDMI extractor could work since all that is wanted is the audio signal, and the DAC is integrated to included single ended left and right RCA outputs. I did not find one with a preamp in a quick search, however there was one that had a volume knob and no remote.

    InDIYana Event Website

  • ImpiousImpious

    @Steve_Lee said:
    What is the model and brand of the TV in question, Impious?

    It would be beneficial to determine if the supplied TV remote actually controls the TOSlink/HDMI-out volume levels before proceeding in any direction as this could be as simple/cheap as a TOSlink>RCA convertor or not.

    Samsung UN85CU7000dxza
    I'm not aware of any TVs that will control the volume on the optical out.

    With HDMI eARC I believe the TV can still control volume if the TV has CEC.

    Steve_Lee
  • ImpiousImpious

    @DrewsBrews said:
    I might have suggested the DTA-PRO as it is an all in one DAC amp with optical, bluetooth and remote. Currently on sale for ~$99

    But ARC is likely easier to deal with day to day.

    I looked at the DTA Pro but with only 40wpc (supplied PS) or 50wpc if I upgraded the PS, it was still a little less powerful than I was desiring.

  • ImpiousImpious
    edited January 12

    @Wolf said:
    Typically, the optical-outs do not have varying volume and rely on the external DAC or receiver.
    I've not delved into eARC tech at all, but find that prices go up when HDMI is involved. An HDMI extractor could work since all that is wanted is the audio signal, and the DAC is integrated to included single ended left and right RCA outputs. I did not find one with a preamp in a quick search, however there was one that had a volume knob and no remote.

    Wilxisum Audio Extractor/Adapter https://a.co/d/imKZ2te

    I was looking at this one. I believe as long as the TV has CEC, the volume should still work.

    I was hoping someone had experience with a HDMI extractor so I knew what was decent quality.

  • WolfWolf

    https://fosiaudio.com/products/fosi-audio-zd3-fully-balanced-desktop-dac?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA7Y28BhAnEiwAAdOJUECAYW7JKZqmXTJXWI6ZyujJYqm-62Ja_Ycevjonq3AsDrPhNcK0FhoC_1sQAvD_BwE

    This may do what you want.

    InDIYana Event Website

  • Tom_STom_S

    If the TV does allow volume via HDMI, the SMSL PS100 should do the trick for only $30. Not sure if it comes with a USB wall wart, but if they don't already have a spare, those are cheap enough.

  • Jakes_dadJakes_dad

    We have a Samsung TV, but we use an Amazon Fire TV stick for streaming. The Fire TV stick is able to control a soundbar and under the list of soundbars it can control is SMSL. We use an SMSL Q5 Pro hooked up via optical and it works flawlessly being controlled by the Fire stick remote. Might be worth a check and see which soundbars they can control with their existing setup.

  • silverDsilverD

    I like my Wiim amp. One device to do it all. They are often factory refurbished for a little over 200.

    Ed_Perkins
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