Looking for feedback/experience on the following methods of playing Roon (Tidal) Hi-Res 2ch files through a Multi-ch AVR & speaker system e.g. home theater.
I have configured the following two options:
Path #1
PC Roon (Tidal) 2ch MQA Core Decode --> USB iFi Zen DAC MQA Render (Magenta) --> 2ch RCA Analog --> Denon AVR Dolby Surround upmix to 5.1 --> speakers
PC Roon (Tidal) 2ch CD --> USB iFi Zen DAC PCM upsample GTO filter (Yellow) --> 2ch RCA Analog --> Denon AVR Dolby Surround upmix to 5.1 --> speakers
PC Roon (Tidal) 2ch CD convert to DSD256 --> USB iFi Zen DAC native DSD render (Blue) --> 2ch RCA Analog --> Denon AVR Dolby Surround upmix to 5.1 --> speakers
Path #2
PC Roon (Tidal) 2ch any/all upmix to 5.1 --> HDMI --> Denon AVR Multi-ch In (Dolby Surround optional) --> speakers
So far I prefer the sound of Path #1 but realize that Path #2 is way more direct.
Am I just falling for the colored lights meme on the USB DAC?
I perceive there is a different blend of surround from Path #1 vs. Path #2 with more “wrap around” effect.
Anyone have a similar setup and have a clear preference either way?
Thanks.
I must concur with @Jim_F. You’ll never get proper balance, soundstaging and imaging if you fake convert 2ch music to surround. Save the surround for MCH FLAC or DSF files, which you’ll have to store on your own hard drive as TIDAL doesn’t stream them. Go HDMI out of your PC to the AVR for surround music, but no Dolby. JCR
I started with Roon on my Desktop during the free trial but decided to go with the dedicated NUC/Rock setup.
Have the NUC setup in multi-zone configurations like your Path 1 & 2. NUC USB to OPPO 205 DAC for 2 channel only (no subs) with MQA decoding, NUC HDMI to Denon receiver with 7.2.4 setup for 2 channel with subs, simulated multi-channel with 2 channel files and Dolby Surround, and multi-channel recorded files.
I use them all depending on the music and the situation. I’m deaf on the right side and like multi-channel so the sound is all around me.
Maybe I should clarify: this thread was geared towards those who specifically play 2ch sources (vast majority of streaming content) using their 5.1+ systems.
My front R/L (with crossovers to sub) can stand on their own, but I actually much prefer the surround sound even though the source is 2ch.
My opinion: music tracks in movies sound way better because they are mixed properly with the Atmos or DTS streams. I would love to have those options on e.g. Tidal but have to upmix for now to recreate the experience.
It’s nice to have options and with HDMI to Receiver you have that. I’ve always preferred MC, because of my hearing issues, but have been trying 2 channel more often since so many on this forum prefer it.
Is your Denon Atmos capable ? If so you can stream Atmos music which will be downmixed to 5.1 or 7.1. You cannot stream it via Roon however, I use an Apple TV 4K.