I’m running a “conventional old school” analog stereo receiver. I use the toslink out of my TV to an external DAC. That works very reliably for me.

A "smart" TV makes for a fun audio source. I can stay up all night watching concert videos on KZfaq through my stereo system! While a good-sounding DAC will definitely help, the TV's sound quality will limit how good music will ultimately sound. In this scenario, I would recommend a Blusound Node. It can be used as a DAC to improve the sound coming from TV apps via an HDMI eARC input. But then you can also use any of the Node's numerous built-in streaming apps including Tidal, Qobuz, and Apple Music via Airplay. This will sound much better through a resolving Hi-Fi system. If you are using a soundbar, just continue to use the TV and enjoy!

There's no denying that the movie/TV show + receiver experience is great bang for your buck. But for music and podcasts and listening, I'd go with the DAC everytime

A word about Receivers. I haven't had one in my system since 1996 - but you know what - you gotta love them - they are awesome.

Love this guy!!! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Consumer DACs are pretty minimal. I replaced a Denon receiver with a Sprout100, and they "measure" similarly..., and the soundstage, clarity, and musicality (as Paul would say) was eye popping different on the Sprout. It really pays to get equipment from people that know what they are doing.

Using the TV as a streaming source certainly has appeal from a user interface point of view but the operating systems can impose limitations on the digital signal that’s output from the TV. John Darko just did a video where he’s been testing his use of his Samsung smart TV to output the stream from various music apps into an external DAC and seeing the sample rates the DAC receives from his TV.

2 channel audio is the way to go for tv and streaming via a separate streamer. I found that a great 2 channel system blows away a regular 5.1 system for TV movies and music. My weak link for music was definitely the AVR. Definitely. Once I got over that realization, it has been smooth sailing.

Regarding DACs. A few years ago, I had no idea that a DAC could make such a recognizable difference in the music/sound experience. A few years ago, I saw Paul do a PS Audio video on DACs and I sent his company an email asking for some clarification. James from PS Audio responded promptly and convinced me to go ahead and purchase a DAC to use between my PC and receiver. After doing so, the difference is very impressive, if not down right magnificent. I purchased DAC #1, Modi 3 (unbalanced) from Schitt Audio (that's their real name) for $99. It has an optical input, as well as USB and COAX. I needed a second DAC for other equipment and got a Toppings D10s (unbalanced) for $109. This DAC does not have an optical input though. They both have made a world of difference in the purity of the sound, and despite my being a "non-believer" before the purchases, I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome. And I thank my buddy James at PS Audio for his expert advice!

When using the optical Toslink the DAC in the Denon will be handeling the decoding, but it's maximum resolution is limited to the maximum resolution of the DAC in the smart-tv. Modern chips that do 4k tv usually also can decode 192khz/24bit so sufficient for streaming. If your Denon supports it then it is all OK. Sound quality wise a dedicated DAC between TV and Denon with analogue output to the Denon would likely be better, but you would have to invest in a good dac for it to be significant. At that point it would be advisable to also bring your Amp and speakers in line with the quality level of the DAC and to think about a dedicated streamer. When you do no High res, I would change nothing.

Thanks everyone for your advice on connecting a dac. Much appreciated. And yes Paul, you have it correct, NASA is here in Huntsville.

I guess one question is how good the signal chain is in the TV to begin with, not that making it worse is better, but it might be quick to reach the point of diminishing return.

Generalizing: That's what gets Paul in trouble !!! :)

I live in Huntsville, AL. It's neat to have a question from here. My nickname is "Chris" to many, but it wasn't me who asked the question. :)

This is a great question

I Rock a Modius on my Denon AVR, only doing stereo anyway, pure direct, bi amp/bi wire, sounds dope.

I'm just using a DAC because my amp doesn't have a digital input. Unfortunately the Schiit modi I have (circa 2020) doesn't like my Samsung (2020) TV. Online i see others with similar issues with samsung TVs . I need to get a replacement DAC that is compatible and could even be just "good enough" since it is TV audio source, as long as it actually works. (Note my current Schiit DAC works fine with other devices) Any suggestions?

Hi Paul, interesting Topic!,.. I in my audio systems dont recommend audiophile DACs...the reason? oh well all other minicomputers (smartphones,tablets,smarttvs etc) have up to date HD Dacs, I only check the 3.5mm jack Analog quality audio ,..signal noise distortion dynamic-range etc...thats how i select which minicomputer-audio-source to use with my audio-systems...the best HD Dacs in minicomputers (smartthings) I find come from Chinese Brands like OPPO and LENOVO...

Even if he uses an outboard DAC, won't that analog signal enter the Denon and then be subject to an even worse analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion using the Denon's DAC anyway? There's probably a "direct" mode, but won't that bypass bass management, etc.? If so, he should be warned of this limitation (can't use his subwoofer, etc.).

Hi there, greetings from Brazil! I am using a smart tv LG Oled Evo C2 as a streaming source conected throught a toslink cable to a Onkyo receiver that has a 192/24 builtin DAC, but no matter what music quality i play on the TV, amazon music, tidal, spotify all of them set to its high resolution possible, i only get 48khrz on my receiver. That makes me believe that the TV DAC is limmiting the rest of the system. Am i doing something wrong? Is there anyway to get high res audio out if this gear? I may be wrong, but considering this cenario i dont really believe that buying a external DAC to be conected between the TV and the Receiver would change anything, am i right?

I love my receiver, for surround sound movies and background music. But for great sound I like separates.

I recommend that when he buys a good DAC, he also buys a good audio analyzer to measure the improvement in frequency response as it is impossible to notice the difference with the naked ear.

If you're not sure, just try noname hdmi arc audio extractor or something like that. You will know how good is your tv compared to a cheap, random dac 😀

My samsung smart tv compared to my computer, for whatever reason the TV is 10-20% less in volume, both connected via optical, makes me really consider getting a DAC.

I am confused. The digital audio signal from the TV is pass through to the AVR and decoded in the AVR. In other words the AVR has the DAC that does the decoding.

Do new TVs even have DACS anymore!?!? Last time I checked some dont even have optical out anymore!

Optical output on TVs create a lot of jitter. You may want to invest in a DAC with DPLL (digital phase locked loop), otherwise you may hear constant dropouts. I ran into this issue using optical out on LG and Samsung TVs, adjusting DPLL on my DAC completely fixed it.

Another helpful video. A question: I’ve been trying to get the Amazon Music HD app on a Sony Bravia TV to output in 24/192 but no luck. Any thoughts?

I am doing the same ! Working great.

My sony za2100 receiver has amazing surround sound but ok 2 channel stereo audio for music

Yes a $120.00 brand name receiver is good enough for casual audio listening. Most if not all modern receivers today are probably not repairable. The Circuit boards components are made and soldered in by robot’s. That is why computer mother boards are replaced not repaired. The more stuff that is stuffed into stuff the more likely of a failure somewhere. There is an old saying. “ Keep it simple stupid” Stupid stuff last longer.

John Darko recently did a couple videos addressing this very topic.

Paul's tombstone...here in lies at rest... 'generalising again'..we all do it Paul 👍

why use tv for output? a tv only needs image input, the rest of your gear does audio output.

OMG!!! He has a ShamSung TV... !!! Use the ARC or E-Arc for Good Audio on a decent A/V Receiver ... It works !!!

🙋‍♂️ JUST an FYI … I am happy to say from personal experience…. Within the last couple years I replaced my TV with a TCL TV and I replaced the standard HDMI with a ZESKIT 8K UHD 4K 120 HDMI 🤩😎 for $21.00 into my new YAMAHA 3080 receiver ( yea a receiver)😁 …also using your PS AUDIO PERFECT WAVE AC-3 power cable and it is NOTICEABLY BETTER WITH YOUR CABLE AND THE ZESKIT AS WELL 🤗…this might be helpful to some who ( LIKE ME ) whose budget doesn’t allow for the SUPERIOR QUALITY OF YOUR EQUIPMENT…which I hope to get to see and hear 👂 … but you don’t have to take my word for it JOHN DARKO did a wonderful video on this with another brand of TV 🤗👍😍😍😍

I have the flagship Denon AVR, and it's DAC is pretty meh. Bypassing the Denon DAC will surely make a big improvement using even a modest DAC. The problem is that the signal coming out of the TV is probably crap. Screens create so much noise that it really can't be effectively shielded with out spending a lot of money on a feature that few TV buyers want.

Oh .. !!! I wonder if Android TV supports an external DAC via USB .. have not tried it out ... !!!

external dac for a denon is the HELL of diminidhing returns and bottleneck . don't do this . let alone the price of your speakers and the proper set up.

Yeah..just spend a few grand on a dac...why not? After all, it's only money...

Another word, I feel, for, "Just good enough, barely adequate," is: Perfunctory. Slap - dash. Are WE Perfunctory people? NO!