I recently tried to get a 24bit-192kHz signal to go via HDMI using a USB-C → HDMI adapter. My current best signal path is to use a WiFi connection to my “Roon Tested” device, a Samsung Q990F Soundbar.
I first got the [Anker 310 USB-C Adapter (4K HDMI)] (Anker 310 USB-C Adapter (4K HDMI) - Anker US) and didn’t have clean signal with full frequency range. At first, I was having trouble getting a lossless signal because I couldn’t bypass the OS Mixer.
TO BYPASS THE OS MIXER: I figured out that I could use ASIO4ALL to get a “lossless” signal path in Roon; however, like I mentioned before there was still not full frequency range being sent when using the adapter…The low end/bass was very underwhelming, and I assume the signal wasn’t the same quality as using my Q990F wifi connection via “Roon Tested” Samsung Q990F audio output.
I ASSUMED also that the usb-c → HDMI adapter was to blame, and I tried another one: the [Zeskit USB-C to HDMI Adapter] (Zeskit USB-C to HDMI Adapter) which specifically stated support for 24bit-192kHz audio signal. Today, I tried to use it and had the same result of having a not-full frequency range. I am using the same HDMI cables that sound perfect when plugged into my PS5 or Apple TV 4k, so I doubt the HDMI cable is to fault…Also, I still had the issue of OS Mixer being used and not having full lossless, so I had to use ASIO4ALL with this adapter as well to show a “lossless” signal path in Roon.
I just wanted to provide my experiences to warn others against using USB-C → HDMI via a Surface Pro PC (Mine is the Surface Pro X) for hi-res full quality sound. It WORKS, and the mids/highs sounded alright at low volume, but the setup this way is not ideal. Also the sound was remarkably quieter than using the WiFi connection to a “Roon Tested” device (Q990F Soundbar), or using a Chromecast connection.
For reference purposes, I will link my original troubleshooting thread when I first attempted to use a USB-C → HDMI connection via Surface Pro X, and when I had issues achieving a lossless signal path.
[Help achieving Lossless Signal Path with Anker USB-C to HDMI Adapter on Surface Pro X (ref#7WCS0A)]
If anyone knows how to remedy this issue and still be able to use HDMI for 192kHz signal from a usb-c output on a Surface Pro X, I would love to know! The primary issue I think is the Surface Pro X Audio Hardware or OS Mixer processing the signal. But, mainly this post is for informing others of my experiences trying this out. Hope it helps! Thanks for any suggestions.
but will be very happy when my equipment arrives.