HI-RES AUDIO & Apple Music done right (& WITHOUT an iPad)

This video is brought to you by Roon:
roon.app/en/
🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Things have changed
1:25 Numbers
3:23 Apple TV and Chromecast
8:11 It's Tricky
9:57 FiiO and Eversolo
👉 As seen in this video...
We need to talk about APPLE MUSIC & hi-res audio (2021)
📺 • We need to talk about ...
HI-RES AUDIO and APPLE MUSIC done right! (2021)
📺 • HI-RES AUDIO and APPLE...
No, Bluetooth cannot deliver hi-res audio
📖 darko.audio/2020/11/no-blueto...
Podcast: Bluetooth STILL can’t do hi-res audio BUT…
🎧 darko.audio/2023/03/podcast-b...
WiiM Pro Plus
🛒 (US) amzn.to/46nHVRW
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3RD3g60
✅ Yes, the WiiM Home app was set to output up to 24bit/192kHz from its TOSLINK and coax outputs.
Eversolo DMP-A6
🛒 (US) amzn.to/43J8FL3
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/4538Kuf
FiiO R7
🛒 (US) amzn.to/3KlkrVc
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3OB5y3m
FiiO PL-50
🛒 (US) amzn.to/43ORd7Q
🛒 (UK) amzn.to/3Oza0jj
Sonus faber Duetto
🛒 howl.me/ckNsmNfwDJk
Streaming platform by Roon
🛒 roon.link/affiliate/darko
Cables and power products by AudioQuest
🛒 howl.me/ckbW8ZBoZAg
Hi-fi furniture and speaker stands by Solid Steel
🛒 howl.me/ckbW9947Hdi
Room treatment by Vicoustic
📖 vicoustic.com/
Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links, which are indicated with a '🛒'.
#applemusic #hiresaudio #hifi
__________________________________________________________________
📖 PLEASE READ *before commenting*!
1) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome
2) No URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories
3) All comments here are moderated by a third party
__________________________________________________________________
⏰ How our KZbin videos get made:
darko.audio/2021/10/how-our-y...
Darko.Audio FAQ:
darko.audio/faq/
Why are/were comments turned OFF?
darko.audio/2020/10/why-im-sw...
What the bloody hell am I talking about?
• What the bloody hell a...
How is Darko.Audio funded?
darko.audio/funding/
__________________________________________________________________
🎧 Check out the Darko.Audio podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
open.spotify.com/show/1mnKixp...
/ johnhdarko
__________________________________________________________________
Web: Darko.Audio
Instagram: / darkoaudio

[@carlnorrbom]

This is by far my favourite Hi-Fi channel on YT. I just really appreciate your attitude and angle towards most topics and they are all very well researched, informational and unbiased. Keep up the great work! 🙂

[@bobcat6653]

All I NEED is CD quality 16/44.1, beyond that is of no importance to me. I guess that disqualifies me as an audiophile, but I AM a happy man!

[@k-doggy1762]

Same here. I've yet to hear a Hi Res track or album that sounds significantly better than the Redbook equivalent. It's nice seeing the higher sampling rate and bit depth on the DAC though 😊

[@paulgyro]

I'm with you, being an audiophile is a disease anyways. Hi res is important in the music production process though.

[@thinkgolden]

CD quality streaming is not the same as actual CD quality. CD’s will always sound better

[@drewyoung2102]

​@k-doggy1762 certainly me as welll. CD rates through dac to take off sheen and Class A amp at 5 watts. I come for music suggestions for person of different age and he has excellent taste.

[@khrispeter85]

How does that disqualify you? I love my CDs.

[@SheepNizzle]

Thanks for the video. I use my setup (Marantz PM7000N, Wharfedale Evo 4.4s, RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII, Pro-ject X1) mostly for vinyl, but I wanted to try out hi-res because using Airplay with Apple Music didn't sound all that good. I setup a plex server on my PC to feed FLAC to the Marantz, but sourcing FLAC for most of my music was impossible. Still, what I did have sounded much better than Airplay. Since I had an iPad I don't use much anymore, I decided to connect it to the Marantz by going iPad > Apple USB Camera adapter > USB cable > Douk Audio U2 > optical cable > Marantz. It actually works really well and sounds much better than Airplay. The highest I saw from Apple Hi Res Lossless was 192 KHz. Total cost was about $100 USD, and that's including the cables needed, not too shabby.

[@nicholas6823]

Finally the answer to the question that nobody has been able answer up until now! Thanks!

[@danielgoodman7881]

Thank you John, I literally was searching this topic up yesterday. Very informative and exactly what I was looking for… thanks again

[@NathanBradford]

I just wish Audivana or Roon could interact with Apple Music (or Spotify) similar to Tidal or Qobuz

[@chrissmith-jz6ur]

I really like the bits on some of your videos where you talk about new / resissued music.

[@danab7472]

I bought the FiiO R7 and love it. It plays very well with such a variety of equipment. At the moment it’s feeding a Sansui AU-555A powering a pair of Celestion Ditton 551 and you’d never think there was a fifty year gap between the network streamer and the integrated amplifier / loudspeakers. They sound like contemporary pieces. I also note that the R7 comes with a cushy base that in my view acts as an iso pad which I love. If my R7 fell over and died I’d run right out and buy another one.

[@BarryCoombs1]

Came here casually for a bit of Hifi talk, left buying the Tricky Super Deluxe album on vinyl. 😎 Thanks for the heads up! 😊🙏🏾

This video has so much love. Thank you!!

[@RRanciDD]

Love the music recommendations! It can't all be just about bits (and bobs). Refreshing!

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

I am hooked by DSD coded music, it's Sony technology and absolutely amazing.

[@adsph]

Thanks for the info here. With all the streaming options available and all the specs it’s a bit overwhelming. You are helping me to understand. Btw digging your pod casts. All the best.

[@otepp.a.3220]

Currently using Apple Music through S23 using Qudelix 5k DAC and Moondrop Blessing 2, and I'm so happy with my entry-level audio setup.

[@keenesaulcrescini8687]

This is AMAZING! Super thank YOU!

[@vivektanavde]

Thanks for this update John. In India, Apple music is the only available lossless streaming service. So the FiiO R7s ability to stream hi res and lossless audio natively without the need for an iPad is a huge advantage.

[@albertsword2560]

Stunning, intelligent evaluation. Many thanks.

[@robvandendolder3157]

Thank you. A really informative and helpful video. 😎👍

[@Mark-he3tl]

I recently updated the Hi-fi setup in my office. I went the Eversolo route and got the master edition. The Eversolo is a wonderful bit of kit. I looked at the Fio, but preferred the form factor, internal nvme, and remote functions of the Eversolo - plus......VU meters! :D Stupid, but I bloody love having VU meters again. ;) The other thing I was looking for was multiple inputs and outputs as this is my office and I wanted to connect my PC, output to a headphone DAC. The Eversolo is also amazing in what it can connect to and receive. In the end I got the Eversolo, connected to a Power Box DS2 Amp, feeding a pair of Fyne Audio F500. I'm in the stage where I'm listening to all my favourites again with a big smile on my face. Only thing I havent figured out how to get working yet is the Zen DAC V2 for my headphones. Haven't sorted out how to configure and get that working. But your review of the Fio and Eversolo were a massive help in deciding what to go for. Thank you. :)

[@whatevahz531]

@08:33 Thanks for the heads up on the Tricky remaster > good to know it sounds nice (had hoped it would be good!) > ordered one just now 🎉

[@ernestyount3061]

Thank you for the update.

[@TheBoomerPlace]

This was very helpful. Thanks.

[@vinylund]

My solution: A Mac mini connected to the Denon receiver, which also has a TV connected, with the correct settings in the MIDI setup of the Mac. But certainly also an interesting solution with the Eversolo DMP-A6 and the FiiO R7. Maybe something for the future, when I retire my Mac... Thanks for your great video… ❤🙏🏻

[@dajikbatarang1]

Thanks for the heads up on the Tricky album, love Maxinquaye. I cant find my original CD so the perfect time to upgrade to better sound.

[@trmus]

I use my Macbook Pro 16 2021'' through a Steinberg UR22 connected to a pair of Focal Alpha EVO 50, using LosslessSwitcher, or using 192Khz oversampling everything, or changing sample rates manually. Ii've always had interest in telling how it will work on mobile, but im not that interested in lossless outside my house. I liked to used Audirvana for Qobuz and Tidal sometime ago, but i discarded everything for Apple Music. Thanks for your video.

[@wouterkolkman]

Very useful- thank you John!

[@obsoletecd-rom]

Those tricky albums bring me back to wild times. I watch these more to find out what you’re listing to 😂

[@madds6678]

Being a Apple Music subscriber the Eversolo is a godsend to me, have messed about with all manor of streaming options but hated having to use AirPlay but now I’m in audio nirvana with my master edition with LHY linear power supply on the way soon. The Eversolo is hands down the best bit of kit I’ve bought in a long time & at a reasonable price can’t recommend it highly enough. I agree the landscape integration of the app on my phone would be better implemented in portrait whilst leaving the display on the dmp A6 landscape, maybe this is something Eversolo can change in a future software update but otherwise I’m more than happy 🙂

[@beefvalve]

great video. just had to subscribe. now let me binge watch your videos

[@MrCarptime]

Thanks a lot for this very useful video!

[@Rory626]

Finally!!! 🎉 Might have to get one of these

[@peturstefansson]

Thank you for this information.

I have the Hiby R6 III DAP and it also works perfectly!

[@clothyardshafts]

Great video, as a sometimes Apple Music user, thank you. I say sometimes because, on my main system and on my home office system I use Roon. Of course, my dream is to cut through all of the work arounds that you identified and have Apple and Roon get it together!!

[@MrSufi69]

Thank you for the excellent video

[@_zeketorres]

great video! It was super informative, thanks. I was wondering if you have a list of other streamers that do Apple Music & Roon with bit perfect streams!? using iphone or ipad

[@simongiesen370]

At least I can confirm that the B&W PX7S2, PX7S2E and the PX8 are playing back High Res music bit perfect when connected via USB C directly to an iPhone 15 series phone. The PX8 is profiting especially, having a more sonically impressive and stable presentation

[@bluecalix]

Nice shout on Maxinquaye - it's a brilliant album and a 90s landmark. Fully deserving of this deluxe treatment.

[@thirteen2002jp]

I just connect my ipad to my integrated amp and use iphone accessibility to control the ipad remotely. I can skip/repeat, volume up/down using my iphone. It doesn’t have search functionality but I normally listen to albums or playlists anyway so I don’t need it. Saved me getting the eversolo. That first Apple lossless video was my first Darko video as I wondered how to get lossless. I only had an Airpods Max back then but now have an audio system in our lounge connected to the TV and another on my desk with 6 wired headphones. (no) thanks to JD.😅

[@dripslobber]

Well done, thanks!

[@DylanSwart]

Such an eye opening video! I am curious what the Airport Express 2 that supports Airplay 2 outputs audio - do you have an idea what lossless we be in that instance when using an iPhone/Apple TV? Thanks for the great content 😀

[@Skye_the_toller]

When I am really listening music, I use a hard wire from my iPad to my DAC and always have the best sampling available, up to 192… easiest way, almost aisle free!

[@MrRogermash]

Great vid,thankyou

[@jimmygup]

Nice job on the DMP A-6/ Apple Music discussion. 3rd time’s a charm!

[@jozsefalfaro2350]

So in conclusion there is still no easy way to play High Res Apple Music in 2023

[@Jahwobbly]

this answers my questions

[@dennyepresley6082]

Great video John, if I have a new Dolby atmos tv with apple app, will I get hi res /atmos going into my Dolby atmos soundbar? Cheers mate ❤

[@johnmc3862]

I using an iPad Pro(wireless)with a Fiio r7 and an Rega amp. The sound is pretty exceptional. The sound was better than the Fiio and Rega alone.

[@deonmpofu1358]

I love the amapiano intro🇿🇦

[@urumps9922]

Thank you for clearing up my doubts! Fiio and Eversolo should hire you as their brand ambassor!😊

[@julianwarr7246]

To me this just illustrates the lunacy of non-physical media - at least until this stuff matures. Consumers are being asked to pay big money for technology which is immature and may or may not deliver on your expectations. I'll continue to use an iPhone, Spotify and wireless headphones for discovery - and a turntable and a CD player for focussed listening.

[@paulmumford3397]

as opposed to paying big money for technology which is lossy (£30 for a single vinyl album) 😏

[@BenjaminCaprile]

What a great and informative video, well done ! I have a domewhat unrelated question (maybe an upcoming video?) : Is there any news about bit perfect playback in android 14? I can't find any info about it aside from announcements from one of the last android 14 beta versions, im not sure if its actually been implemented by any app makers though

[@paulclements6678]

John, very pleased to see this topic explained so concisely. Another platform to look forward to is the Windows implementation currently in beta (Apple Music Preview). I’m curious if it behaves better than macOS…

[@newdevilman1167]

A Great video! 🎉🎉🎉

[@karan_hiremath]

Loving the Amapaiano intro (I think???)

[@masterchef6694]

This is precisely what i wanted to know. I was hoping reviewers highlight this very function first thing in their review. Thanks anyways

[@izak001]

FIIO is my favorite brand ;-) - i like his devices - good price and hi sound quality - hifi

[@user-ls2yi4yj3o]

Hey John, I've been trying to take the iPhone -> USB path with Apple Music high-res lossless. So far without much luck. I am using a Rotel A14MKII integrated amplifier. This offers 2 ways to connect an iPhone/iPad via USB which seems to make a difference: This model has a front USB-A connector for "i-Devices" and a rear USB-B connector which is currently connected to my computer. And according to Rotel's documentation should be used to connect the "newer USB-C equipped iPads" to the amp. When connecting my iPhone or iPad to the front USB of the amp, it shows fixed 24Bit/44.1kHz coming from my iPhone/iPad, no matter what I play on Apple music or in any other app. (yes, "high-res lossless" is activated in the settings of the music app). I currently cannot try the rear USB-B connection, as I do not have a matching adapter cable USB-B -> Lightning. Problem there would also be, that I cannot use this input for my computer anymore. Furthermore I realized in another test in a shop a while ago, the USB-B does not provide power. So the whole music playback from the iPhone would be on battery, which is also not ideal. Any further idea how I could bring high-res audio from the iPhone into the amp without changing the USB-B cable all the time between computer and phone and without draining the phone's battery? Thanks for the great reviews! Cheers, Chris

[@olek6567]

2023: best listening 🍎Music experience is on Adroid 🤯progress👏🏻or what..

[@sharatkhanna3387]

Thanks for this video. I've been using Apple Music app on Windows 11 connected through HDMI to Denon AVR for streaming lossless / hi res. But not sure if it's bit perfect as AVR only shows the source input max sampling capability i.e. 192khz.

[@wiljan6198]

thanks for another great video! my question is: will I get hi-res audio from direct headphone jack output on my Huawei P30 phone playing Apple music? It is an android phone with a internal DAC similar to your LGs.

[@HifiSammy]

Thank you for these videos sir, I was wondering in audiophile terms, if you do indeed find a difference running run through the DMP-A6, Fiio R7 w/linear power supply against say a power node 2i running as a roon bridge only? I am really only interested in the streamer portion as the preamp and Dac are not a consideration or features I would never use. Thank you again, I held off for quite a while on purchasing a streamer due to roon's benefits but I would love to get out from under their yolk. Keep up the great work!

[@LoniGuitarChannelHr]

Argon Solo is also a Chromecast unit, it can play Apple music through Google Home app controlled by iPhone at least at 16/44 (not AAC) . Argon streamer/dac can handle Hi-res, but I don't know if Google app limit the stream. Why I wrote this anyway, because Argon Solo (250€) sounds better to me than Eversolo Dac Z8.

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

Thanks for all the investigation and the video. I'd like to think that it would be simple to deliver hi-res audio (as long as one has a fast-enough internet connection), but apparently everyone wants to get their fingers into the stream and screw things up! Maybe in another 5-10 years they'll finally figure out how to deliver the best audio experience that's available.

[@MarlonUrias]

Great video! You thank you

[@federspiele]

Great video! Wondering though - does all of this apply when streaming Apple Music or Amazon Music Unlimited from an iPhone to a Sonos speaker or network of Sonos speakers? Thanks!

[@azamat19]

Loves this video. The major problem I have with Apple music for Android, is that it doesn't have soundcheck, volume normalization which is essential. I know some people don't like it, but the fact that nearly every streaming service (besides of apple music) have that, is the reason why we got back more dynamic range in modern masters. I love high dynamic range songs, but when a loud song is next on the playlist, apple music kills my ears. I really wonder why this is not a huge topic for audio lovers, who use apple music and android devices.

[@JuanMiguelCachoJr]

I have a small box connected to my Apple TV 4k that exacts an optical toslink signal from HDMI, feeding an ifi nano iOne into a Cambridge Audio AXA-35, and Wharfedale Diamond 12.1. Good enough for me listening for hours without any fatigue.

[@jonathanreich6360]

Thanks for the video. I am fairly new to streaming and have been pondering this question about how to get higher resolution out of Apple Music since the family (other than me) are firmly set inside the Apple ecosystem and I've found Apple Music works fine on Android and I may as well use that service.

[@WooAudioUSA]

great video! thanks for sharing. ~ Mike

[@bossoli60]

Tanks Darko first of all. Because Tricky I remember that album and I have that CD original from the 90’s…in my CD collection next to Moby, Portishead qnd Massive Attack…I just returned my WiiM mini because of the airplay 2 limitation. I wish the fiio r7 was cheaper and with less functionalities because I have a Dac already but what a brilliant machine 😮

[@erdincyilmazel]

What’s going on inside macOS (probably many other operating systems also) is not just resampling the audio, but it is actually mixing other system sounds with the music. If you get some kind of a notification when music is playing you will hear both. Until Apple implements exclusive mode that exists in other software such as roon or the tidal app, this will continue being a problem even if someone keeps changing the sample rate manually

[@pollensteyn]

I have an old Mac Mini (headless) coupled with an external dac connected to my amplifier. I use the (free) Lossless Switcher app that changes the Audio Midi output settings on the fly depending on the bitrate of the music playing on Apple Music. That way I always have the right bitrate/frequency playing to the dac. You can use the remote app on your ipad or screen sharing app on another mac to control Apple Music on the Mini.

[@boyafraidire]

Does the introduction of USB-C on the iPhone 15 range make lossless on the go a bit more convenient as we don’t need the lightning adapter anymore?

[@emiliotudela]

I love your background in the Frame TV. Where do you get it?

[@simongiesen370]

Dear John! Thank you for this information! Can you please confirm (or deny) my experience with the iPhone 15 series and bit perfect output via USB C ?

[@Natan9000]

Nice video! Good to have someone find out how it’s technically working 🤓😎. I absolutely love Apple Music’s library and user friendliness on iPhone Mac and CarPlay. I do however prefer Qobuz on my Kef Connect speakers for sound quality. Btw, when using an Apple TV via HDMI to tv with hdmi arc and connecting (active) speakers via hdmi to the tv too (so 2 hdmi ports used) how does someone know/check if the tv resamples the audio??

[@MrPorter1983]

great film, I have been watching for some time which manufacturer will be the first to introduce lossless , are there any integrated amplifiers that support Apple Lossless?

[@23gloves77]

Nice Video-thanks for that. Would the Apple opportunity Hi-Res or Dolby Atmos reach an AVM V30 pre-amp which includes an DAC without compression?

[@KAUSTUBH447]

@DarkoAudio Are there any other more affordable alternatives to both of these network streamers which will do bit perfect streaming?

[@bartbarelds8454]

Nice platimons behind you 🎶

[@self4autism333]

you can't put the fiio in your pocket on the train, so for me the only option is an iPhone and external dac if I want hi res streaming of Apple Music.

[@Lou-f]

Thank you

[@meridiusuk8567]

Hi. Did you do a video on how to control an iPad connected to an amp for hi res audio using a iPhone to control apple music on the iPad itself ?

[@dougcampbell2814]

Very informative and well done video, John. Thanks so much. I've been using an iPad via USB for CD & Hi-Rez streaming (thanks to your previous video) and enjoy it very much. Now, I may need to check out that R7. Have a great day!

[@DavidSanchez-bf6sz]

Hearing you are fine with 16 bit/44.1 kHz, I am curious to know what you think of the XDUOO XQ-100 Bluetooth Streamer? It uses the same dual DACs (ES 9038Pro) as the lauded Eversolo DMP-A6. I have been testing it for two weeks now and the sound is really good.

[@MOWFWDU]

Useful info John! While my phone and laptop are Apple, I do not use the streaming service. My streaming DAC is expensive and sounds wonderful. I am not buying another device to make up for Apple's deliberate shortcomings.

[@mrleebaker]

Surely if you have a streaming amp hardwired to Apple Music via ethernet, it gets the full noise, right? My Hegel H95 has no WiFi connection, but has ethernet hooked up. I use my iPhone as the controller (AirPlay2). HiFi salesman assured me the phone is just the controller, the amp gets full hi-res audio directly from Apple Music via ethernet, because the phone sends an address to the amp which tells it where to find the direct stream, allowing original high-res encoding. It's an expensive amp, so I sure hope that is the case. Anyway, thanks for the video Darko.

[@MattLoberstein]

If the R7 and A6 are Airplay 1, can you just simply Airplay and not bother with the casting app/Android Apple Music? I'm dying to figure out how to lossless streaming with Apple Music.

[@maxderindianer6593]

as an apple user i just use my 100$ apple tv for streaming and my iphone or ipad as a remote controller for apple tv music. no third party apps. the apple tv is connected via LAN with my network, the audio goes through HDMI 2.1 to the TV and from the TV per TOSLink to my DAC. if you want 24bit/192khz all the time thats not the solution, but i get 24bit/48khz for cheap and its a simple easy to manage solution. my loudspeakers are the Buchardt A500 and it sounds great

[@francoismorel1418]

I believe that the real plus from "high Res" is about / from the bits Depth i.e. 24 or 32 bits, for greater Dynamics in particular. Sampling Rate of 44kHz, I believe, is good enough.

[@obiwan007]

An easy cheap way to get lossless and even the athmos music streamed is via a simple hdmi dongle hooked up to your avr. The avr does then the ad conversion… Works with my ipad and a 20€ dongle. My iphone needs the apple lightning adapter. Now you just rely on the quality of the dsp/da converter of the av receiver… If you have a simple stereo setup maybe a more modern hdmi capable amp might work too…

[@papras1]

Hi guys. What is the best combination for music on MacBook Pro mid2015? Thanks a lot!

[@robertyoung1777]

I play my Apple Lossless music files through old SONY pha3 or pha2 DACs into my Vinnie Rossie Integrated Amplifier. It sounds great. The SONY DACs have high-res stickers on them so I hope they are playing full resolution.

[@giuseppicommisso243]

Hi John, I'm off topic- I see you have the BBII Roon connected to your system. I assume a review is due soon? I received my unit 24th March 2023. Still waiting for full functionality of Roon software to manage zones and library. Very interested to hear your assessment and comparison to the original BB. Stella review, as always and always keen to check out your music samples and recommendations Cheers

[@richmouland]

Thin,ing of swapping my cambridge audio cxn v2 for a fiio r7. Opinions? Many listen through headphones.

[@Hyydrotoo]

Do the R7 and Eversolo output only Apple Music in bitperfect or does any audio stream work? I.e. Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer etc. (as long as it's installable of course).

[@b.bookstop1993]

Thanks for the video! Would it not just better fit into Apples philosophy to be integrated as Quobuz Tidal etc in the device itself? Does anyone knows who has to pay who to get integrated?

[@loltimno]

The Bowie puns were great

[@jeffcsMN]

I became obsessed trying to find an affordable solution for streaming bit perfect lossless audio to the point where it was maddening. In the end, I bought a Wiim Mini which cost me around $80 USD. IMO, the difference in sound quality over more expense solutions just isn't worth the time or the hassle.

[@SiddharthSharma-xe6yc]

You can get and iem and dac under that