DAC for TV audio output?

[dean_martin]

I've been fascinated with what you digital guys are able to do, but I haven't taken the time to get a handle on it myself. Now, I've encountered a problem, more of an annoyance, that I'd like to figure out but I may need some advice.

Since purchasing a new smart tv, we've only been able to listen through the tv's speakers while watching netflix. The tv does not have an analog audio output but it does have an optical output. For numerous reasons, I've gone with stereo and a sub for tv and movies for several years. Now I'm considering an av receiver so that we're not limited to thr tv's speakers when we use the smart features. Then it occurred to me that a stand alone DAC might give me the option of using my existing integrated amp. It's all about choices for me. I'd rather decide what to do than have my decision dictated by an inanimate objet.

I might go with an av receiver, but is a stand alone DAC a valid option?

[Feanor]

If your TV has optical digital (S/PDIF) output you could conceivably use a DAC -- but it might not be practical.

First, if you're using passive (non-powered) speakers, you will still need a receiver or amp of some kind downstream of the DAC to power those speakers. If you are using active (self-powered) speakers, then the DAC could probably feed them directly, BUT you would need some way to control the volume; more likely your TV's optical output is fixed level, not controlled by the TV's volume setting.

[dean_martin]

If your TV has optical digital (S/PDIF) output you could conceivably use a DAC -- but it might not be practical.

First, if you're using passive (non-powered) speakers, you will still need a receiver or amp of some kind downstream of the DAC to power those speakers. If you are using active (self-powered) speakers, then the DAC could probably feed them directly, BUT you would need some way to control the volume; more likely your TV's optical output is fixed level, not controlled by the TV's volume setting.

I'm using an NAD integrated amp, a pair of NHT speakers and a Velodyne sub for audio from video sources (Blu-ray and dvd and my DISH box).

I could use the Blu-ray player for watching netflix, but the wife already has the tv set up for watching netflix and is used to its interface. She wants to listen through the stereo speakers instead of the tv's speakers. I don't blame her. I was thinking I could get a dac and use the optical output from the tv to the dac then analog output from the dac to one of the amp's inputs.

I think I could get more gear if I get a DAC first, then get an av receiver later. Then, I could move the DAC to my main two-channel tube-based system. The more gear, the merrier!

[Feanor]

I'm using an NAD integrated amp, a pair of NHT speakers and a Velodyne sub for audio from video sources (Blu-ray and dvd and my DISH box).

I could use the Blu-ray player for watching netflix, but the wife already has the tv set up for watching netflix and is used to its interface. She wants to listen through the stereo speakers instead of the tv's speakers. I don't blame her. I was thinking I could get a dac and use the optical output from the tv to the dac then analog output from the dac to one of the amp's inputs.

I think I could get more gear if I get a DAC first, then get an av receiver later. Then, I could move the DAC to my main two-channel tube-based system. The more gear, the merrier!

For sure, the DAC can feed the NAD integrated -- that's your solution.

I can suggest a cheap but in very good DAC, IMO. I've been using it for several months using S/PDIF inputs, both coax and optical. It's available from various eBay sellers for about $100 delivered.

SMSL SD-1955+, see HERE for example.

[noddin0ff]

For sure, the DAC can feed the NAD integrated -- that's your solution.

I can suggest a cheap but in very good DAC, IMO. I've been using it for several months using S/PDIF inputs, both coax and optical. It's available from various eBay sellers for about $100 delivered.

SMSL SD-1955+, see HERE for example.

Would the DAC decode Dolby Pro or DD ? Not sure what percentage of Netflix streaming is just stereo, probably most of it still. What about broadcast TV though? I could see a simple AV receiver being useful just so one doesn't have to have multiple paths depending on the signal type.

[Feanor]

Would the DAC decode Dolby Pro or DD ? Not sure what percentage of Netflix streaming is just stereo, probably most of it still. What about broadcast TV though? I could see a simple AV receiver being useful just so one doesn't have to have multiple paths depending on the signal type.

Good question. The SMSL DAC itself is stereo onlyHowever Dean ought to check his TV settings for the optical output; perhaps stereo needs to specifically selected. probably the TV's built-in is stereo only too, so likely a net improvement can be achieved going TV optical =>DAC =>NAD amp.