Alright y'all, your boy is growing up and venturing into the unknown :wtu:. After 14 years of living with roommates, and pushing 10 years (!) living with the band in some form or another, Michelle and I are spreading our wings and FINALLY getting our own place this spring. We're not buying yet.... but this is the first time I've ever ever even entertained ideas of a space to call my own.
In general - I'm looking for ideas to streamline my entire entertainment realm. Get my laptop hooked up to my tv... which is linked to the appleTV.... which can airplay to my blah blah blah and basically make me have to do nothing except sit back and enjoy.
I know this is rudimentary stuff - but it's nothing I've implemented before. What's the easiest way to connect computer>TV? I'm an apple guy so...airplay via AppleTV? Does audio transfer the same way? ... for instance, can I use my TV setup/speakers to stream audio from my computer with no sound degradation?
What's the deal with these music streamer devices? I'm not even sure what those do....and how about these Logitech connect-everything devices? Who's Siri? Who's Alexa? Who's hotter? And who will help me better?
Help me!
You're gonna need a couch, pots and pans, a plunger, and some other stuff
If your music is in iTunes, just navigate to the Computers icon on your AppleTV (Top row, Far right) and have your laptop open and running the Music app, navigate your library from there.
(https://9to5mac.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2015/03/apple-tv-home-screen.jpg)
The audio is encoded and decoded to stream it over your wifi network but there's no "degradation" per se, if you're playing lossless files it's unclear whether they're still lossless on the other end but it's not noticeable.
I personally wouldn't fuck with a smart remote, I think all the consumer level solutions are pretty clunky.
MT as I am hoping to do the same in my basement.
Apply TV plus soundbar should be good for a while.
I use my smartTV & PS4 for my media streaming but pretty much the same.
If I want to watch webcasts or free NBA games that don't have a PS4/SmartTV app, I just plug my laptop in with HDMI.
What you really should be asking is "what does Michelle want" because that's going to be where you end up
Quote from: birdman on February 05, 2020, 06:24:14 PM
What you really should be asking is "what does Michelle want" because that's going to be where you end up
Truer words have not been said in this thread.
Spoken like a man of 20+ years marriage.
Quote from: birdman on February 05, 2020, 06:24:14 PM
What you really should be asking is "what does Michelle want" because that's going to be where you end up
This is very true.
What does she want and can she/is she willing to operate your solution?
Also, don't sleep on that plunger.
Thanks for the rec Matt - thanks for nothing the rest of y'all :police: :evil:
Other questions....
Computers - When do laptops die? My 2012 MacBook Pro performs fine but I fear issues.....looking to upgrade this year.....are desktops even a thing anymore or is a laptop + monitor the way to go for home use? I don't need anything insanely powerful, just some light home audio recording, which, even my current laptop has worked for...
TV's - I want a new one but have no clue regarding anything. I've been perfectly entertained by my 2010 Samsung something or other for 9 years so even the lowest end 4K smartTV is gonna blow my mind. Any advice?
Speakers - this may deserve it's own thread cuz it's the aspect I care about the most... but... I want some bad ass speakers for music. I'd ideally use them for my TV as well... but I'm not interested in surround sound stuff... just some killer stereo speakers.
Any other ideas to streamline an entertainment area welcome!
Desktops are definitely a thing, Mac Minis are great.
Can't really go wrong with TVs, if you buy a cheaper brand buy the warranty.
I ditched my surround setup for a 2.1 setup recently and I'm pleased with the decision.
I moved my Aperion Audio bookshelf speakers off of the AV cabinet and onto stands, pretty happy with the result.
I'd recommend passive speakers + amp, rather than active/powered speakers.
Check our local kijiji / craigslist, there's usually some nice hifi stuff on there.
Did somebody say speakers?
Did someone say computers?
Are you stuck on Mac? Or are you open to other Windows solutions too?
Did someone say plungers?
pm sent.
Quote from: Hicks on February 07, 2020, 07:05:54 PM
Did somebody say speakers?
Do you still have inventory from your Aperion Audio days? :)
Still really happy with my bookshelf pair. I flipped a set of Summer Tour 2010 merit badges to buy those from you.
Quote from: mattstick on February 07, 2020, 11:46:30 PM
Quote from: Hicks on February 07, 2020, 07:05:54 PM
Did somebody say speakers?
Do you still have inventory from your Aperion Audio days? :)
Still really happy with my bookshelf pair. I flipped a set of Summer Tour 2010 merit badges to buy those from you.
It's dwindling, but yes, I do.
Scott - hit up Hicks for some Aperions.
Quote from: mattstick on February 08, 2020, 12:34:49 AM
Scott - hit up Hicks for some Aperions.
This.
Still very happy with mine.
Just so I can put in my $0.02
Media Desktop PC>HDMI>4K TV - TV audio is bypassed straight to my 2 channel receiver. The computer is setup for video streaming from my server, since the audio is not as high quality in this chain, this is not how I stream my music. Personally I'm not super crazy into surround sound so I'm not trying to spend the money so my video has bit-perfect audio output.
Google Chromecast Audio>Toslink (fiber optic)>DAC>Receiver - I have an app on my phone and computer to stream FLAC/Lossless from my server or Google Play Music (the service I use). The audio quality on the chromecast audio is actually surprisingly good it supports up to bit-perfect 24/96 lossless recordings. So don't sleep on this as an easy way to stream your music. They don't produce the device anymore, but you can find them new on ebay for like 25-30.
Last inputs I have available are USB>DAC>Receiver, or Aux>receiver.
My old way of streaming video was using a Raspberry Pi with Kodi>HDMI>TV. This is a similar setup to a modified Amazon Firestick. Simple, has apps for most all video/audio streaming services, low maintenance, and cheap as fuck. And since I live close I could help by setting it up and installing the software. I would not recommend this for audio, though.
Currently building a new DAC for my system, so hopefully it'll help with some clarity.
I understood some of that.
Is there a reason to get a receiver over just a dedicated speaker amp if I'm really only playing music from a single source (my computer)? Also... how important is the separate DAC component? I have an audio interface for recording - would that suffice as a DAC/preamp? It's got to at least be better sounding than the headphone jack of my MacBook....
Also - yes, I'm pretty set on sticking with Apple. Still unsure if I want to get the new MacBook Pro and just dock it at home and grab a separate monitor..... or go with a desktop. The iMacs and Mac Minis seem pretty powerful and are both cheaper than the laptop. But... I kinda need a laptop either way for traveling so....
I've hit up Hicks about speakers. Who's my plunger guy?
Also, any recommendations for Hard drives (do I want SSD?) and/or thunderbolt 3 docking stations...
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 12:57:49 PM
Also, any recommendations for Hard drives (do I want SSD?) and/or thunderbolt 3 docking stations...
SSDs are recording some real high failures rates. I'd keep using externals which are fucking dirt cheap right until cloud rental costs are down.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 12:54:27 PM
Is there a reason to get a receiver over just a dedicated speaker amp if I'm really only playing music from a single source (my computer)? Also... how important is the separate DAC component? I have an audio interface for recording - would that suffice as a DAC/preamp? It's got to at least be better sounding than the headphone jack of my MacBook....
If you're only ever using one source, then no. But again, similar to a dedicated DAC, it has the possibility of making your overall sound much better depending on the quality of your power amp.
As far as the DAC goes, I'm not familiar enough with recording equipment to know if their DA is the same circuit as the AD. So I can't speak for what you have. And it's not necessary, but it's definitely going to be leaps and bounds better than your computer's DAC. But if you do some research and find that what you have has a good DAC circuit, it should be fine. I will honesty give it to Apple, though, they tend to use very high end DACs in their devices. And some Macs headphone jack doubles as a Toslink output (fiber optic) which you can get lossless Digital output to a better converter. But the headphone amp is what kills the quality.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 12:54:27 PM
Also - yes, I'm pretty set on sticking with Apple. Still unsure if I want to get the new MacBook Pro and just dock it at home and grab a separate monitor..... or go with a desktop. The iMacs and Mac Minis seem pretty powerful and are both cheaper than the laptop. But... I kinda need a laptop either way for traveling so....
I personally love the desktop setup, just more versatile than a dedicated streaming device like an Apple TV. Especially since you're in the apple ecosystem, it's be really easy to share your files in between your devices. Personally I'd suggest a Mac Mini connected to a TV then you can keep your files locally and it'll be the simplest setup and good quality. You can always update your other audio hardware over time.
I will say, monitors suck as TVs (viewing from afar) and TVs suck as monitors (viewing up close). Their actual LCD/LED panels are designed for different viewing angles and distances. I'd suggest against a computer monitor if you plan to have this setup far away from where you will be sitting. Also you can usually find great deals on TVs if you wait. Monitors tend to be very expensive when you get really large screen sizes.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 12:54:27 PM
Also... how important is the separate DAC component? I have an audio interface for recording - would that suffice as a DAC/preamp? It's got to at least be better sounding than the headphone jack of my MacBook....
DACs can make all the difference in the world if you have a shitty soundcard in your laptop/PC. My Dell XPS - sound was awesome on my audio technicas. But I also have a Surface Book 2 that has a shitty (weak) soundcard - to save space and reduce internal heat - and it is not even worth listening to music on it...
Quote from: mattstick on February 11, 2020, 01:19:10 PM
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.
Right. My plan is to get passive speakers. I was wondering, as far as powering them - is there a reason to get a receiver rather than just an integrated power amp. I don't need radio or to hook up a record player or any other music player - just play music from my computer.
PH92 - I do plan to have a desk setup, and would primarily be working in a close-up situation... so I will probably want a monitor. There's some nice looking LG ones out there. The TV set up, w/ Apple TV is just sort of a seperate thing I'd like to integrate - but my primary area would be a computer desk situation where I'd do my music listening as well...
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 06:52:07 PM
Quote from: mattstick on February 11, 2020, 01:19:10 PM
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.
Right. My plan is to get passive speakers. I was wondering, as far as powering them - is there a reason to get a receiver rather than just an integrated power amp. I don't need radio or to hook up a record player or any other music player - just play music from my computer.
PH92 - I do plan to have a desk setup, and would primarily be working in a close-up situation... so I will probably want a monitor. There's some nice looking LG ones out there. The TV set up, w/ Apple TV is just sort of a seperate thing I'd like to integrate - but my primary area would be a computer desk situation where I'd do my music listening as well...
Yeah, LG makes great panels for sure. In fact, they supply panels to most other monitor manufacturers. They even have those fancy curved LCDs now, too.
And is this desktop setup for your audio as well? Cause if that's the case, a power amp is gonna be perfect. My old desktop setup used to just be Desktop>DAC>Headphone Amp>Headphones. A headphone amp generally only has 1 input and 1 output, so it'd be essentially the same as getting a power amp for passive speakers. If you don't need the extra frills, don't spend the money on them.
The only reason I like a receiver over a straight power amp is the fact that you have analog volume control and some of them have analog EQ, which is better for quality.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 06:52:07 PM
Quote from: mattstick on February 11, 2020, 01:19:10 PM
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.
Right. My plan is to get passive speakers. I was wondering, as far as powering them - is there a reason to get a receiver rather than just an integrated power amp. I don't need radio or to hook up a record player or any other music player - just play music from my computer.
PH92 - I do plan to have a desk setup, and would primarily be working in a close-up situation... so I will probably want a monitor. There's some nice looking LG ones out there. The TV set up, w/ Apple TV is just sort of a seperate thing I'd like to integrate - but my primary area would be a computer desk situation where I'd do my music listening as well...
FWIW, while I do have stereo set-up, I have powered speakers (Event 20/20s) run out of my iMac headphone jack and they sound great. Any quality near-field monitor will sound good out of Mac. I have also had Genelecs in the past which are great sounding. I also power a bunch of ceiling speakers in other rooms from a pretty non-descript power amp out of my Mac and that does well. I also stream FLACs from my Mac right to my Marantz receiver and towers and it works really well. Would probably sound better with an optical connection, but I can still send 24bit over Wifi with Jriver Media Center and it works great. But yeah, powered speakers out of the Mac can be a simple solution. I eve have some pretty tiny Rolands that sound good.
Quote from: ph92 on February 11, 2020, 07:08:26 PM
And is this desktop setup for your audio as well? Cause if that's the case, a power amp is gonna be perfect. My old desktop setup used to just be Desktop>DAC>Headphone Amp>Headphones. A headphone amp generally only has 1 input and 1 output, so it'd be essentially the same as getting a power amp for passive speakers. If you don't need the extra frills, don't spend the money on them.
The only reason I like a receiver over a straight power amp is the fact that you have analog volume control and some of them have analog EQ, which is better for quality.
Correct. I do 90% of my music listening at my computer desk so that's where the speakers would be. What's a decent DAC run? Seems like quite a wide range in prices, anything you'd suggest?
What is the advantage to having 'analog power control' rather than using the computer level and/or the volume control on the DAC? Don't speaker amps have volume control on them too?
I have the Sure Plunge at home. It is powered with a CO2 cartridge. You can clear out a giant shit, than quickly swap it out with N02 cartridge and blast gas straight into your brain at a high velocity. It's $$
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61lW2gJPpjL._AC_SX679_.jpg)
We just got those LG curved ultra wide monitors at work and they are sweet.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 07:43:07 PM
Quote from: ph92 on February 11, 2020, 07:08:26 PM
And is this desktop setup for your audio as well? Cause if that's the case, a power amp is gonna be perfect. My old desktop setup used to just be Desktop>DAC>Headphone Amp>Headphones. A headphone amp generally only has 1 input and 1 output, so it'd be essentially the same as getting a power amp for passive speakers. If you don't need the extra frills, don't spend the money on them.
The only reason I like a receiver over a straight power amp is the fact that you have analog volume control and some of them have analog EQ, which is better for quality.
Correct. I do 90% of my music listening at my computer desk so that’s where the speakers would be. What’s a decent DAC run? Seems like quite a wide range in prices, anything you’d suggest?
What is the advantage to having ‘analog power control’ rather than using the computer level and/or the volume control on the DAC? Don’t speaker amps have volume control on them too?
I mean, entry level ones can run anywhere from 100-300. They get pretty fucking insane, though. I'm pretty out of the loop as far as the newest equipment. But let me just shamelessly plug my side business of building audio equipment: I can build you a DAC with lots of features and great quality for a good price.
I mean realistically, you shouldn't really worry about it. There's a lot of science and audio/electrical engineers that could do a better job explaining it. But the easiest way to explain it is: The simpler the circuit i.e. analog potentiometer for volume control, the less noise, resistance, and interference. And all of those things translate to more accurate audio signal. Now is this kind of stuff noticeable? Probably not unless you've dropped thousands on your setup. Also DACs generally don't have volume control. And if you're talking about a true power amplifier, they usually don't have volume control either. For example (real high end obviously) https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/type=amplifier/model=mca-225/page=overview
Shamless plug #2: I can build you a volume control box with balanced XLR ins and out as well as RCA ins and outs.
But I will say, since a desktop uses digital controls, you do need to worry about distortion and clipping at high volume. But if your power amp drives your speakers pretty effortlessly then don't worry about it.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 12:54:27 PM
Who's my plunger guy?
mbw may be on to something, but if you want something a bit simpler, make sure to go with one of these:
(https://s3-production.bobvila.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Best_Plungers_for_Toilets.jpg)
you do NOT just want a plain plunger without one of those flanges or compression areas - those are only for sinks and tub/shower drains really.
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 06:52:07 PM
Quote from: mattstick on February 11, 2020, 01:19:10 PM
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.
Right. My plan is to get passive speakers. I was wondering, as far as powering them - is there a reason to get a receiver rather than just an integrated power amp. I don't need radio or to hook up a record player or any other music player - just play music from my computer.
I haven't really priced out the route that you're looking to go down but hear me out... typically a power amp would have more power than you would need for a pair of bookshelf speakers, so you might be paying for more than you need. AV Receivers are also produced at mass consumer levels so you're probably looking at spending less on the same quality of amplification.
You also don't want to box yourself in - your needs now won't necessarily be what they are in 3 years, 5 years, etc... better to have something with more inputs and a remote to change inputs than something less versatile.
Quote from: mbw on February 11, 2020, 07:57:59 PM
I have the Sure Plunge at home. It is powered with a CO2 cartridge. You can clear out a giant shit, than quickly swap it out with N02 cartridge and blast gas straight into your brain at a high velocity. It's $$
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61lW2gJPpjL._AC_SX679_.jpg)
With this setup, I bet you can just flush shitty diapers.
Here ya go Scott
https://www.psneurope.com/installation/funktion-one-ise-2020 (https://www.psneurope.com/installation/funktion-one-ise-2020)
Quote from: mattstick on February 12, 2020, 12:50:54 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 11, 2020, 06:52:07 PM
Quote from: mattstick on February 11, 2020, 01:19:10 PM
A soundbar or generic powered speaker is probably trash in 3-5 years. A good receiver will last you 10-15 years.
Right. My plan is to get passive speakers. I was wondering, as far as powering them - is there a reason to get a receiver rather than just an integrated power amp. I don't need radio or to hook up a record player or any other music player - just play music from my computer.
I haven't really priced out the route that you're looking to go down but hear me out... typically a power amp would have more power than you would need for a pair of bookshelf speakers, so you might be paying for more than you need. AV Receivers are also produced at mass consumer levels so you're probably looking at spending less on the same quality of amplification.
You also don't want to box yourself in - your needs now won't necessarily be what they are in 3 years, 5 years, etc... better to have something with more inputs and a remote to change inputs than something less versatile.
Got it. That was the advice I needed to hear. Thanks.
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions...
Quote from: tet on February 12, 2020, 10:29:29 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions...
Welp, after the Fox Theatre show in 09, Play It Leo took Heath and I to a bar on campus at his alma mater (Washington University) and we drank beers out of plungers. So, not necessarily high, but sort of I guess.
Quote from: Caravan2001 on February 13, 2020, 02:21:58 PM
Quote from: tet on February 12, 2020, 10:29:29 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions...
Welp, after the Fox Theatre show in 09, Play It Leo took Heath and I to a bar on campus at his alma mater (Washington University) and we drank beers out of plungers. So, not necessarily high, but sort of I guess.
Went to WashU as well. Can confirm, that happens there...
Quote from: tet on February 13, 2020, 02:28:48 PM
Quote from: Caravan2001 on February 13, 2020, 02:21:58 PM
Quote from: tet on February 12, 2020, 10:29:29 PM
Quote from: WhatstheUse? on February 12, 2020, 11:54:42 AM
Yeah, but how do I get high with those ones?
asking the valid, yet somewhat troubling, questions...
Welp, after the Fox Theatre show in 09, Play It Leo took Heath and I to a bar on campus at his alma mater (Washington University) and we drank beers out of plungers. So, not necessarily high, but sort of I guess.
Went to WashU as well. Can confirm, that happens there...
Glad I have some confirmation. It seems so weird that I was beginning to think I imagined it all (I was on mushrooms after all).