iPad vs Eversolo vs Mac mini for Apple Lossless Music

[@machavez00]

The newest Apple TV 4K does bit rate switching. Hopefully Apple will soon enable hi res lossless. That’s what I use in my home theater.

[@scotsirish4194]

Thank you for posting this video, very helpful info on your journey that so many others are also trying to to work out. I also don’t want to see Apple Music on a large TV in the listening room.

[@Koolbob2]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment, good to hear I'm not the only one who doesn't want a TV in my audio room.

[@bacarandii]

I use a Mac Mini to stream ALAC files I've burned from CD (or, in a few cases, downloaded from Qobuz) via ethernet using Roon and play it through the same external USB/coax/optical DAC I use for my CD transport. Then I use a MacBook Air, iPad or iPhone as a remote, which allows me to peruse all the related information (artwork, credits, lyrics, reviews, background articles, etc.) on the screen while listening. I love it -- the closest digital has ever come to the "analog experience!"

[@Koolbob2]

I've considered a similar setup, but I love the simplicity of using Apple Music. I often listen to the Discovery 'radio station' on Apple Music, it randomly plays back music that's already in your Apple Music library along with similar music from other artist. It's a great way to discover new music and I can add anything I like to my library with a single click. Since everything in my library is synced with my phone and I get to hear my library automatically via wireless Apple CarPlay when I drive. Also, I can listen to my library on any of our Apple TV devices.

[@3434mateo]

That’s the same reason I like so much the Apple Music and still looking for the best quality streaming possibility

[@tspoonman66]

Thanks for making this video… I, too, am trying to get the Dolby Atmos signal to my Onkyo RZ50 without the use of a TV. So I bought a Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI cable to connect my iPad Air directly to the RZ50 but only getting the PCM signal (even when setting my iPad to Dolby Atmos>Always on). Are you getting Dolby Atmos in your iPad setup? If so, what am I doing wrong? Thanks again!

[@Koolbob2]

I think we are chasing different goals, I'm trying to get Apple Lossless Hi-Res into my 2-channel setup with the simplest and most direct path possible. I have three options I can use to stream Apple Music: iPad to DAC via USB (100% lossless, 44.1, 96 up to 192 kHz) Cost = 'free' because I already had an unused iPad. Apple AirPlay 1 from my iPhone to an Apple AirPort Express to DAC via Optical (Mostly lossless at 44.1kHz) Cost = $15 to buy AirPort Express model A1264 on eBay. Apple Airplay 2 from my iPhone to Marantz CD50n (not lossless). Cost = Free. I'm sorry I can't help you with the Dolby Atmos since it's something I've never pursued and my rudimentary understanding of Dolby Atmos is that it requires a minimum of four speakers.

[@smokeyyunick2675]

I’d like to see you do a video on your iPad hookup using a dac to your system. That’s good enough for me..

[@Koolbob2]

Thanks for watching! it's really simple to do, the only downside for me is I have to get up and walk across the room to change music (first-world problem to be sure). It's not required, but I bought a Belkin Lightning Audio + Charge Rockstar adapter ($39). It plugs into the USB-C port on the iPad and had two USB-C connections so the iPad can be charging and sending digital audio to the DAC at the same time. Any USB cable would work, but I am using an AudioQuest Forest USB-C > A High-Definition Audio Cable with better quality materials and extra shielding. ($89) Plug the USB-C end of the AudioQuest cable into the Audio port on the Belkin adapter, the USB-A end of the cable plugs into the Marantz CD50n USB input and I select USB-DAC as the input on the CD50n. On the iPad go to Settings > Apps > Music. Tap Audio Quality, then tap Lossless Audio to turn it on or off. Choose the audio quality for streaming and downloading audio. Choose Lossless for a maximum resolution of 24-bit/48 kHz. Choose Hi-Res Lossless for a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192 kHz. Launch the Apple Music app on the iPad, select what I want to hear and hit 'play' on the iPad.

[@billstruth1128]

Great review - appreciated your obvious well founded opinions of what worked and how well. I have similar interests and desires thus further appreciated your through assessments.

[@Koolbob2]

Thank you for the feedback! I know I'll take some heat from fans of the Eversolo streamers, but it didn't add anything new to my music listening experience over what I'm getting from my iPad.

[@toddbush3987]

I’ve experimented with the exact same issues with exact same options. Of the 3 options I stuck with Eversolo. Been in the Apple Music arena since early iTunes. With this frustration, TIDAL connect may be in my future.

[@Koolbob2]

I was so hopeful the Eversolo would be the ultimate solution, but the pitiful remote casting experience and disappointing Eversolo DAC were deal breakers for me. I hope a future Eversolo, or other brand will emerge as the ultimate Apple Music player.

[@tomaszpaka3163]

What remote control do you use to control your iPad?

[@Koolbob2]

I like the Satechi R2 www.amazon.com/Satechi-Bluetooth-Multimedia-Remote-Control/dp/B08VF1VJRB/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=28LRL5MFZTQLI&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xL53azJUwpMAHL71ywNBAJpKszYJJ6r-TXMADS3kuDc17NDsMrydVkiWfMYoeX3Dj3nDJuSz24RuNDThGKKXV3Vs_v_OUxlTrY8z40QhK8TDdcu2wwXd45j6vBwrsiFktYCjcHOKNZC1-2JTR22BB7hJ9H_JFgIRUhLmGPdrUybK_plDkheqo8p4EswCiUc2dDIY9b7LxW_oj92Yh9MgkWSWEykDPa5I6BhPZ_8Lppc.AdVVwMX8wVq66Eq9lcTRN2H2BoOWEiBs0UE3xCrcCYg&dib_tag=se&keywords=remote+for+ipad&qid=1728262153&sprefix=remote+for+ipad%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

[@ClassMPlanet-Yo]

Hi Koolbob2, absolutely fantastic video on how to listen to Apple Music streaming. Well done! I’ve been going through the same problem, and I settled on just using an iPad connected to my Peachtree nova500 and I’m getting 192 kHz on some songs. Very happy with the sound quality of the set up… So I have no need for an Eversolo or a Bluesound Node Icon. I also don’t mind getting up and changing the music. I have to do the same thing with my vinyl records anyway! So I’m used to it… But good advice about setting up a remote via Bluetooth.

[@Koolbob2]

Thank you, glad to know you found the video useful. iPad to the Maranta CD60n is the best, and streaming from my iPhone via bluetooth to the CD60n isn't bad for casual listening. I've recently purchased an old AirPort Express since AirPlay 1 supports streaming at 44.1k, it's almost as good as wired playback from the iPad.

[@chebrubin]

I don't see the issue with the eversolo.

[@Koolbob2]

Lots of folks the Eversolo products and I was really looking forward to owning one. The sound quality through Marantz DAC was identical with my iPad and Eversolo, so that was a tie. The Eversolo App didn't provide the remote control over Apple Music that I was expecting, so no improvement there either. The Eversolo cost $1,299 and didn't add any improvement to the quality or enjoyment of listening to Apple Music.

[@hipidipi20157max]

The exorbitant price

[@chrisharvey5162]

My iPad straight to the dac sounds slightly better than my ever solo straight to the dac . I think it’s because of the cleaner battery power. But I love my ever solo and use that because it was a gift.

[@aledesalta]

Hi Koolbob 2. Didn’t you try an Apple TV device ? I don’t understand why isn’t among your options. You connect it through your TV to the HDMI eArc input. I understand some amps like the Marantz 70s also have HDMI in and out, so you may be able to go to the amp first and send the signal to the TV afterwards. I believe it’s the easiest way to stream lossless using your Apple TV’s remote control unit and having a giant image of your music in the screen.

[@Koolbob2]

I have an extra Apple TV device, but I don't have a TV set up in my audio room, so I don't have any way to navigate/control the Apple TV. But I do have three great options available to me for almost free. iPad to DAC via USB (100% lossless, 44.1, 96 & 192 kHz) Cost = 'free' because I already had an unused iPad. Apple AirPlay 1 from my iPhone to an Apple AirPort Express to DAC via Optical (Mostly lossless at 44.1kHz) Cost = $15 to buy AirPort Express model A1264 on eBay. Apple Airplay 2 from my iPhone to Marantz CD50n (not lossless). Cost = Free. You can tell if your iPhone is connecting using the AirPlay 1 or AirPlay 2 protocol by the check mark next to the connected device when you enable AirPlay on your phone. AirPlay 1 has a simple check mark, AirPlay 2 has a check mark with a circle around it. Link to information on AirPort Express models and what they support. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort... Link on information on AirPlay 1 vs AirPlay 2. darko.audio/2023/10/apple-air... .

[@alexcampbell7963]

I believe Apple TV will only go up to 44.1. Which seems to be the majority of Apple Music songs, but for those that are 24/192 it will have to be iPhone/ipad/Mac to my understanding. Still use an Apple TV as of now, but looking to find a new solution for that very reason. Would love something that has the same display interface as the Apple TV

[@Koolbob2]

@@alexcampbell7963 Apple doesn't make it easy to enjoy Lossless Apple Music! As I mentioned, Hi-Res lossless on a Mac isn't worth the effort since the Mac operating system won't switch the sample rate automatically, that leaves iPhone or iPad.

[@user-st9wh4ed5l]

@@Koolbob2 Then get a tv for a hundred bucks. super cheap

[@Koolbob2]

@@user-st9wh4ed5l No thanks, if I wanted to listen to music with a TV screen I'd go downstairs to our AV setup. I like having a room without a TV that is for music enjoyment only.

[@aarongantick2264]

The best option I have found was to run Apple Music to a DAC (ifi hip dac 2) and then quality RCA cables to my integrated amplifier. For remote control, I use long RCA cable to my listening position but I don't like that option for obvious reasons. I am able, however, to get the bitrate switching via iPhone and remote control (w/volume). Only had to buy the DAC which also has a headphone amp which is great for travel.

[@Koolbob2]

I considered using a long pair of RCA cables to place my iPad next to me, but was put off by the potential for tripping over the cables, or signal loss. It's really pitiful that Apple does not support remote screen mirroring/control between iPhone and iPad.

[@scotsirish4194]

I used a JDS preamp and Bifrost DAC setup on the end table next to my seat in the listening . After a month noticed the 18 foot RCA cord was just not for me because of the length of the RCA run and some loss in treble. Back to my previous setup for now with remote control for volume

[@allanauyeung]

Hi Koolbob2, I know you can remote control your ipad via the Apple watch "now playing" app. Can you explain how you can do the same thing with the iphone please? Thanks!

[@Koolbob2]

Actually it's the other way around You can use the 'Music' app on the Apple Watch to control music playback on your iPhone, but unfortunately Apple doesn't let the Apple Watch pair with an iPad.

[@allanauyeung]

@@Koolbob2 thanks for your quick reply! I thought you said in your video there are 2 ways to control your iPad from your chair. One is via the watch and the other is the iPhone.

[@Koolbob2]

@@allanauyeung I'd love to find a way to control the iPad from wither the Watch or the iPhone, but I am not aware of a way to do either. If you know of a way to do either please let me know!

[@allanauyeung]

@@Koolbob2 for sure. Actually I was on the same boat as you. I came from Mac mini w/bit perfect and lossless switcher. I was going to order a Eversolo until I saw your video today. Would you please tell me how to connect your bluetooth remote to the ipad? Also, where can i buy a remote like yours? Thanks again!

[@Koolbob2]

@@allanauyeung Here's the remote I bought, there are less expensive alternatives out there, but I've always been impressed with Satechi's products. satechi.net/products/r2-bluetooth-multimedia-remote-control?queryID=undefined Just pair the remote with bluetooth on your device and you're good to go.

[@user-st9wh4ed5l]

An apple tv was my solution. Hard wired into my marantz, has a remote. only downside is you need to have the tv on to see the screen

[@Koolbob2]

I have an extra Apple TV in a closet, but the prospect of a TV in the audio room isn't too appealing so an unused iPad turns out to be the best option for me.

[@dougcampbell2814]

@@Koolbob2 Also I believe using Apple TV the stream is CD quality 44.1 maximum?

[@mbvx7]

@@dougcampbell2814 Apple TV going HDMI to my TV, then optical from the TV to Pre Amp DAC, I get 24/48 and that is cap. It won't go higher. but then I can see the song on the TV and use apple TV remote to change songs. you must go into settings on Apple TV and enable lossless and set the audio correctly to get that

[@Koolbob2]

@@dougcampbell2814 Yes, but it requires a TV screen to operate and I don't want to mount a TV in my audio room.

[@mbvx7]

@@dougcampbell2814 I get 24/48 out of my current gen Apple TV 4k. it could be 16/48. It won't tell me the first number. just always says 48K no matter what song is playing. lossless or not, new or old. 48K 100% of the time which I am to understand will make it sound worse since it's not bit matched.

[@thanehtike]

Glad to see there are others with my frustrations as well....lol. I started with an iphone/ iPad into Schitt Modi DAC to HIFI setup. Remotely controlling that was a pain but worth the audio quality. This was fine for a bit... until I caught the Airplay bug. For this I dusted off my old Apple TV 3rd gen. I used the TOSLink out to connect to a DAC to HIFI... no more annoying phone alerts. This was cool but the Apple TV 3rd gen supported the original Airplay. I wanted to have whole home audio so I needed Airplay 2. I found out the Airport Express 2 a1392 supports Airplay 2 so I took mine out of storage. That's connected to DAC to HIFI. Now I can stream Apple Music with CD quality from all my Apple devices to every speaker in my place (Homepod, Homepod Minis, ELACs. Bose soundbar). Why? Coz why not... lol... have a good one...

[@Koolbob2]

I still opt for the iPad for critical listening at Lossless Hi-Res. But for casual listening using AirPlay 1 between my AirPort Express (model A1264) and iPhone gives me the convenience of controlling music from my phone while enjoying Lossless music at 44.1khz. Another option I sometimes use is AirPlay 2 between by iPhone and Marantz CD50n, with AirPlay 2 I can also connect to multiple AirPlay 2 devices in the house. The downside of AirPlay 2 is is't not lossless, but it's fine for casual listening. You can tell if your iPhone is connecting using the AirPlay 1 or AirPlay 2 protocol by the check mark next to the connected device when you enable AirPlay on your phone. AirPlay 1 has a simple check mark, AirPlay 2 has a check mark with a circle around it.

[@thanehtike]

@@Koolbob2 Very cool... you have a great set up. My "hifi" system these days is really simple... Schitt DAC into a PS Audio Sprout 100 driving a pair of Elac Debut References. My version of critical listening is more to hear guitar parts to learn them... just like in the late 80s... lol... Rock On!!!

[@Koolbob2]

@@thanehtike Sounds like a solid system to me! Rock on!

[@howardskeivys4184]

I often use my iPhone or iPad Pro to access Apple’s lossless streaming service. Connected via my DDC into a premium quality DAC, which is connected to my preamp and the rest of my hi-fi rig. My DAC’s remote control allows me to pause tracks, cycle back or forward through my play list or album. ‘Hey Siri’ negates the need for any type of keyboard or other remote equipment or dodgy apps. Simply call out ‘Hey Sirri, play 1 love by U2’, or ‘Hey Siri, play some classic rock’, and your wish is seamlessly granted. Switch your iPad or iPhone into aeroplane mode to avoid any disturbances, or ‘do not disturb if you want a more personalised listening experience. I tend to have my 12.9 inch iPad Pro connected to my hifi by a very short interconnect. The screen is sufficiently large for me to be able to read it from my listening position. If you use this method, don’t forget to disable the ‘Hey Siri’ facility on your iPhone, or it will react every time you give instructions to your iPad. I am also reliably informed that using your Apple TV facility is an excellent media for feeding Apple’s lossless music to your hi-fi. Hope this helps?

[@Koolbob2]

Thanks, I realize now I didn't cover this in my video. I've tried commanding my iPad with 'Hey Siri' commands, but inevitably my Apple Watch or iPhone respond since they are closer to me. Even covering my watch with my hand and having my phone in my pocket doesn't help since I have to speak so loud for the iPad to hear me. :) Using the airplane mode on my iPhone/Watch is a good suggestion. Thanks! I have also thought that I may be able to set an alternative command to summon Siri on my Watch/iPhone, but I suspect Apple will migrate the new Siri command to my iPad as well since they are all connected to the same Apple account. I do have an extra Apple TV device, but my DAC lacks an HDMI input.

[@howardskeivys4184]

@@Koolbob2 if you go into settings on your iPhone, you can disable ‘Hey Siri’. The facility will still be available either by short pressing the side button or home, depending on which iPhone you’re currently using. When I’m listening to music, I pause the track, or hit the mute button prior to activating ‘Hey Siri’. It negates the need to raise your voice. Do you not have an optical out on your Apple TV, you could use to connect to your DAC?

[@Koolbob2]

@@howardskeivys4184 I punted the idea of using the Apple TV since it doesn't support sample rates above 48khz, but seeing how little music is sampled above 48khz in Apple Music I may reconsider it. I use 'Hey Siri' frequently on my phone, I'm expecting to receive a new phone next week and I may shut off 'Hey Siri' and see how much of an inconvenience it is to press the button. I committed to trading in my iPhone 13Pro when I discovered I could get a $1k credit for it towards my new phone, so won't be using the old phone with the stereo after all. Voice commanding the iPad is a viable option, but I sure would have loved to browse albums visually from an iPad in my listening spot.

[@howardskeivys4184]

@@Koolbob2 👍

[@mongo2044]

Another way now is iOS mirroring. Plug iPhone in and then access it from a mac to control music on it. But, of course, you will be using a mac. The floating iOS mirrored device is also tricky to use. At this point, it is bonkers that we can’t use iOS or iPads as high res streamers at DAC but control from other iOS/Pad from couch since, we see now, mirroring makes it possible. Argh, Apple!

[@michaelmanus7765]

I really appreciate your frustrations here. I opted to not go with Apple's streaming services and instead, went with another that has its own challenges. I will next try to use my AVR's ability to stream with particular services and see if the phone/iPad app remote will do justice. I am using for now Amazon's service with HD and UltraHD music. Pity Apple doesn't allow for greater access/flexibility with their streaming service. My hope is to get all my entertainment needs for the most part on an iPad Mini and my iPhone.

[@Koolbob2]

I've settled into one of three ways of streaming Apple Music, depending on if I'm listening critically or just enjoying music in the background. All are virtually free. iPad to DAC via USB (100% lossless, 44.1, 96 & 192 kHz) Cost = 'free' because I already had an unused iPad. Apple AirPlay 1 from my iPhone to an Apple AirPort Express to DAC via Optical (Mostly lossless at 44.1kHz) Cost = $15 to buy AirPort Express model A1264 on eBay. Apple Airplay 2 from my iPhone to Marantz CD50n (not lossless). Cost = Free. I have Amazon Prime, but haven't ever used their streaming services since Apple Music is already on all my devices and I'm very familiar with it.

[@IOSARBX]

Koolbob2, Can we collab?

[@Koolbob2]

What do you have in mind?

[@Haydos]

Apple music has 44.1khz, 48khz, 88.2khz, 96khz, 176.4khz and 192khz.

[@Koolbob2]

Interesting, I've only seen 44.1khz, 96khz and 192khz in my listening.

[@machavez00]

⁠@@Koolbob2Santana Abraxas is 24/176.4

[@ArthurZarnowitz]

And then there is Sonos S2 which has Apple Music built in. Unfortunately, it's also expensive and the software/hardware is not stellar (I stiil have the old S1 setup working but it's an antique). I just ordered the Eversolo A6 ME since I needed a better DAC streaming setup. Hopefully I won't find it as frustrating as you mention.

[@Koolbob2]

Please do share your thoughts on the Eversolo after you've had a chance to use it for a while, maybe I got a dud. The poor remote screen experience between the Eversolo and my Apple devices and mediocre sound of the Eversolo's DAC spoiled what I was expecting to be a great component.

[@mbvx7]

I bought a USB C to USB B going into my Pre Amps DAC. On iPhone and iPad, I get 16/44.1 no matter what I do or even when it says lossless on the song. I am using a iPhone 16 Pro and 13" M4 iPad pro and can't get higher. if I go to my Pixel 9, I get 24/48 but I seems to have distortion or dropout happening even on Gig speed wifi. So far, I can't find any better sound that Apple TV going to TV with HDMI 2.1 48Gbps cable. My Sony Bravia 8 has audio passthru via Optical out to my Pre amps DAC and I get 24/48 but no drop outs. (it is hooked up Wired Gig speed) lossless sucks. you were right to get rid of the android 11 box. Apple won't support that very long and it will be useless for Apple music. this is WAY too complicated. these apps and gadgets should just automatically work and bit match. I can't get 24/192 out of ANY apple device.

[@Koolbob2]

Most Apple Music is sampled at 44.1, but there are some songs and albums that are sampled at higher rates. If the other streaming services that offer Lossless Hi-Res become as profitable as the Angry Bird app then Apple will give us better quality streaming. 😁

[@hipidipi20157max]

You only need a cheap or midrange android phone (350 US). Macmini powered all day is wasting too much money and electricity IMO

[@Koolbob2]

Android phone is a good option as far as I know. I now have three ways to play Apple Music on my stereo: iPad to DAC via USB (100% lossless, 44.1, 96 & 192 kHz) Cost = 'free' because I already had an unused iPad. Apple AirPlay 1 from my iPhone to an Apple AirPort Express to DAC via Optical (Mostly lossless at 44.1kHz) Cost = $15 to buy AirPort Express model A1264 on eBay. Apple Airplay 2 from my iPhone to Marantz CD50n (not lossless). Cost = Free. Link to information on AirPort Express models and what they support. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AirPort_Express Link on information on AirPlay 1 vs AirPlay 2. darko.audio/2023/10/apple-airplay-isnt-always-lossless-sometimes-its-lossy/