[Toshu]

I have a simple android tv box with kodi that i have played w hooked to my strero system. It is connected to the stereo amp via rca plugs from the 3.5mm line out.

I was thinking of running an optical cable out of the tv box and connecting it to a dac, then running analog rca cables to the stereo amp.

Anyone do this or have suggestions of a different software or hardware approach?

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

If you are planning to play only Redbook Files (CD rips) or anything not more than 24-192 files, you're OK.

You will be having more flexibility if you buy, install and use USB Audio Player Pro from Playstore and connect your DAC through USB.

Or better yet, connect a powered hub on your Android TV, and from the hub connect your DAC, along w/ portable HDs, USB drives that contain your music/video (if you're not connected to a NAS). And a mouse for navigation.

 

[Toshu]

If you are planning to play only Redbook Files (CD rips) or anything not more than 24-192 files, you're OK.

You will be having more flexibility if you buy, install and use USB Audio Player Pro from Playstore and connect your DAC through USB.

Or better yet, connect a powered hub on your Android TV, and from the hub connect your DAC, along w/ portable HDs, USB drives that contain your music/video (if you're not connected to a NAS). And a mouse for navigation.

Mickey,

some good suggestions there. Looks like this app gets around the limitation of Android outputting a signal via USB. After looking at the description, I also came across the HiBy app which appears to do much of the same....maybe...and its free.

I have already played w an Android TV box running Kodi with a HDD attached up front , but I like the idea of a powered hub w other stuff connected. ...are you doing something simple like this? if so, are you using Kodi or some other app like Foobar to play the music???

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Yes, have a Himedia Q10 Pro w/ an 8tb hdd for 2-3 years now. I have an LH Labs Geek Infinity attached to it via USB and SPDIF. Tried UAPP, Neutron MP, HibyMusic, Onkyo Player and many others for audio play. For me UAPP w/ bitperfect wins them all.

For video playback, was using Kodi for the past two years. This year I shifted to the built in app of my Android TV. Kodi's interface is beautiful. But too many clicks, scroll ups and downs. With the internal app it's simple. I have a folder view only and can access Android TV's advance video functions.

If you want to extract more SQ to your Android TV, plug in a linear power supply. If you're plugging your Hdd directly you'll need a minimum of 3A. If you're Hdd is on a powered hub, 2A (think iFi Audio iPower could do it).

 

[Toshu]

Yes, have a Himedia Q10 Pro w/ an 8tb hdd for 2-3 years now. I have an LH Labs Geek Infinity attached to it via USB and SPDIF. Tried UAPP, Neutron MP, HibyMusic, Onkyo Player and many others for audio play. For me UAPP w/ bitperfect wins them all.

For video playback, was using Kodi for the past two years. This year I shifted to the built in app of my Android TV. Kodi's interface is beautiful. But too many clicks, scroll ups and downs. With the internal app it's simple. I have a folder view only and can access Android TV's advance video functions.

If you want to extract more SQ to your Android TV, plug in a linear power supply. If you're plugging your Hdd directly you'll need a minimum of 3A. If you're Hdd is on a powered hub, 2A (think iFi Audio iPower could do it).

Mickey
once again thank you for your response, especially the photos...it puts things in perspective.
I am impressed by your DAC. Is it just feeding your headphones or a larger system as well?

I am considering buying the Aune X1S on Massdrop and playing with it on my desk, then moving the TX8 Android TV box w the Aune over to my home system. I like playing...used to build my own HTPC, owned a Popcorn Hour Media player about 12 years ago....so this is another challenge...plus it forces me to properly set up my home sound system so that it sounds the way it should.

If you dont mind, I may pick your brain some more on some things as I go along slowly..very slowly..(recovering from a broken back)

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

I'ts a DAC/Amp fedding just my HPs with a matching LPS. Before it was attached also to a 2.1 nearfield speakers. But later shifted exclusively to HPs.

I too was building my gaming PCs. And later kind of fed up and wanted simple...

No worries!

 

[Toshu]

I'ts a DAC/Amp fedding just my HPs with a matching LPS. Before it was attached also to a 2.1 nearfield speakers. But later shifted exclusively to HPs.

I too was building my gaming PCs. And later kind of fed up and wanted simple...

No worries!

Lots of fans in there. How noisy are they?

BTW, another question for you.... Are you using that android box with the 8TB as a NAS for the rest of your house?? If so, what software do you like/use?

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Ha ha ha lots of big fans but on low rpms so noise is at minimum..

No the 8tb is dedicated to the android box for music and video. It's attached to my home network though (wired not wifi).

All personal/work files are on my main/gaming computer. Using my main/gaming computer for rips and downloads. Dump them after to my Android box thru the network/samba.

Don't/Haven't used a dedicated NAS still:
1. Because don't have a need for it at the moment.
2. Want to keep it simple.
3. Speed of access when I play my music and video especially 4K.
4. Still can access my files (Android box) in the network thru Samba.

Maybe in the furture.

 

[Toshu]

Ha ha ha lots of big fans but on low rpms so noise is at minimum..

No the 8tb is dedicated to the android box for music and video. It's attached to my home network though (wired not wifi).

All personal/work files are on my main/gaming computer. Using my main/gaming computer for rips and downloads. Dump them after to my Android box thru the network/samba.

Don't/Haven't used a dedicated NAS still:
1. Because don't have a need for it at the moment.
2. Want to keep it simple.
3. Speed of access when I play my music and video especially 4K.
4. Still can access my files (Android box) in the network thru Samba.

Maybe in the furture.

Your setup makes sense... I may do something similar in terms of using my old HTPC desktop as a ripping/downloading machine with some storage then transferring to whateever my new media box will be in one room and my old Dune Smart D1 in another.
BTW, I am looking at the new Zidoo product line, specifically the Z9s, although the Z10 is similar to your Himedia unit. Their Z20Pro has a ESS DAC inside but for the price I dont see it as being mature enough

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

CoincedentaIy was looking at the Z10 the other day. Z20Pro not much since I have a better DAC.

But Viatech (Via) has this:
https://www.viatech.com/en/systems/android-signage-players/alta-ds-3/

Currently out of stock since it was surprisingly in demand. It has a m.2 slot too.

 

[Toshu]

Mickey
I hope you are doing well and have had good holidays.

I got my Topping dx7s and hooked it up to my Tanix tx8 TV box. Loaded uapp app and have figured out most audio settings over USB, including getting nativeDSD files working , They sound nice!,

Now I am connecting and playing w theTX8 hooked to my Samsung TV and remotes. Plan on moving and connecting Topping DAC soon!,

Have some questions for you....

Have you figured any way to add visualizations on your monitor while listening to the uapp app?

Any way to use an app on my android phone to control the android TV reliably, especially to control uapp?

Thanks

 

[m-i-c-k-e-y]

Happy Holidays too!

Sorry could not help you on this matter since we have different uses.

Since I got only a 4K 24inch monitor I haven't bothered to add visualizations. Why not try a live wallpaper (esp. those that cycles random pictures}.

Using it on my desktop so I haven't gone to search and use an app for remote control. Can't use you're remote that comes from your Android Box?
Why not use a bluetooth keyboard plus touchpad like: Logitech K400 Plus

 

[Toshu]

Mickey,

Thanks for the reply, I tested and bought the ProjectM app which has a variety of visualizations and also allows you to pause, skip or stop your music stream. Its not bad for the price.

WRT remote, I should have been more specific.....I am looking for a mobile app on my phone that could control the TV box, and with it UAPP. This way I can control what plays during a party or outside. Keep in mind that my system has now moved from my desk to the living room where its outputting music to my Krell KAV 300i and my B&K AVR 507 amplifiers.

I am still working through bugs but am please with sound of SACD ISO files. One of the bugs I have is that IF I turn off my TV/Monitor ( Samsung Q65FN) my Android box stops playing music even though its still on. Do you have this problem at all?? Obviously I am connected to it via HDMI.