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Youtube Concerts TV Streaming - HDMI eARC

I'm having fun streaming concerts on YouTube on the TV via HDMI eARC, using stock cheap HDMI Cable, into Simaudio 390 Pre/DAC/Streamer. Could also use Toslink but it seems the max resolution is 48khz for both and the eARC lets me control volume with Roku remote, which makes for a more streamlined setup.  The Streamer does show it coming in at 48khz and it sounds pretty good.

I have a few questions that the community might have some experience with:

1) Would a better HDMI cable make a noticeable sound quality improvement.  (AI advises there would be some improvement but seeking real world experience.)

2) It seems that to get similar decibel volume level with TV HDMI streaming vs TIDAL streaming that I need to turn the volume knob up to a higher level.  Not a big deal (just turn knob to right) but wonder why this is and if others have a similar experience.

Appreciate any guidance,

Dokosan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dokosan
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,969 posts
 

If your a premium user its much better sound quality. Settings also have to be set to to hi quality. 

AI gave this: 

The maximum audio quality on YouTube is typically 256 kbps AAC or Opus for Premium users and high-quality music, while standard/free users generally receive 128 kbps. This high-quality setting is available on both the YouTube Music app and the main app for music videos and "Art Tracks". 

Key Details on YouTube Audio Quality:

  • Maximum Bitrate: 256 kbps AAC/Opus (Premium/High setting).
  • Default Bitrate: 128 kbps AAC/Opus ("Normal" setting).
  • Low Quality: 48 kbps AAC/Opus.
  • Best Codec: Opus is considered the best codec, providing high quality even at lower bitrates.
  • Upload Recommendation: For creators, YouTube recommends up to 384 kbps for stereo or 512 kbps for 5.1 audio in uploads.
  • Enabling High Quality: Users must manually select "High" (256kbps) in settings, which is essential for maximizing audio, especially on mobile data.
  • Impact of Source: The final audio quality is limited by the quality of the file uploaded; a low-quality upload cannot be improved by YouTube's encoding. 
buellrider97's avatar
buellrider97
941 posts
 

Hi , I went through a period of “ Concert Watching “ back when flat panel TV’s first became affordable ( post Fujitsu ). I was using an old Oppo and was bootlegging DVD’s that I rented from Blockbuster. I had a blast and enjoyed quite a few concerts, mostly classic rock. I think the above answers your question , but I STRONGLY RECOMMEND the advice given and try the Audioquest cable recommendation. It’s on the lower cost , but is a huge step up from a cheap HDMI. With Amazon’s return policy it’s a no brainer and you might be very surprised at the improvement. Above that there is the rule of diminishing returns, but if you don’t try you’ll never know. Happy Listening, Mike B. 

cleeds
6,533 posts
 
glennewdick

AI gave this: 

Impact of Source: The final audio quality is limited by the quality of the file uploaded; a low-quality upload cannot be improved by YouTube’s encoding. 

That’s false, actually. Regardless of the quality of the original file, the final audio quality on YouTube will be limited and always be less. That’s because every file uploaded to YT is first compressed using a lossy algorithm. By definition, some of the information contained in the original file - regardless of its actual quality - will be discarded.

dokosan OP
92 posts
 

Update:  Took the plunge and purchased a used Audioquest Vodka 48 HDMI cable.  Did not A/B vs stock cable as electronics are in cabinet and it's a bit of a pain.

Could be wishful thinking but seems to be a bit more detail coming through.  Also, it is much cooler looking with the blue and black braided jacket.

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