KODI for Hi-Fi System?

sfosselman

Ok...so I am wondering if anyone has tackled this situation before. I like to stream content from Kodi using my computer to my 2 channel system. Right now it consists of computer > DAC > Preamp > Amp with video being handled through VGA to my TV. I started looking into the set top Android boxes and it seemed like a good alternative to using my laptop. I purchased the G Box q and at first it was amazing! Then the trouble started. Using the optical connection for audio, the only one my DAC could receive, (HDMI to TV for video) the sound would play fine for a while. Then the tweeters started to make a popping sound that I eventually narrowed down to the optical connection introducing noise into the system. So with all that info out of the way has anyone found an Android box that can seamlessly be connected to use with a hi fi system? If anyone has connection questions it will be hooked into the Eastern Electric Minimax Supreme. I have attached a picture of the back for connectivity options. Thank you in advance for any help!

EndersShadow

Maybe look for a cheap laptop that has a HDMI out (for your TV) and then you can use USB out for the audio.

Run just normal Windows whatever, with Kodi running on it.....

sfosselman

I have been using my laptop but like the ease of using a set top box and all of the interface associated with it....it looks like i'm looking for a good box that uses S/PDIF or av coaxial connection for sound and HDMI for picture. Anyone running that setup?

tonyb

Doesn't the dac take a digital coax ? Or you can just use the analog outputs into the pre. Thing with these streaming devices is they are made cheaply to apply to a wider consumer base. Quality sound or quality build isn't a top priority.

Also, depends on how you have the Kodi set up to output sound. This may be why your dac is having trouble with the toslink connection. Make sure the Kodi outputs in 2 channel, not 5.1....your dac can't do a 5.1 signal.

Personally I'd use the digital coax over the toslink if your dac has that input.

sfosselman

Yes the DAC has digital coax but the G Box does not...only optical which didn't work...I tried switching all settings with the same tweeter popping outcome. I am looking for a box possibly wit digital coax for a more solid connection. The G Box does not have analog outputs either Here is a pic of the G Box connections

tonyb

Is that an HDMI output ?? Use that to the TV, then the TV's digital output to the dac.

May I ask what exactly are you using the Kodi for ? Just streaming Netflix and such ? Maybe a Roku would work better or just use the smart TV's interface.

I'm not up to speed on everything the free cable dudes are up to these days. Kodi seems to be the most popular though.

sfosselman

I will give that a try....I am using Kodi for its endless streaming capabilities...I am cutting the cord from cable...when working correctly its amazing

cnh

That Kodi above seems to be an AUDIO only streamer. No? WHERE is the video OUT on that! If so, just get a new Chromecast Audio, it has a mini toslink output that can feed into a DAC unit and it's cheap! Did I say it was CHEAP!

Android HD-set boxes are going the way of the Dinosaur as google pushes Chromecast and software upgrades for it? The new Chromecast (TV) is just $35 MSRP and often $25 or less on sale. All you need is a phone, ap, and an AVR or HDTV HDMI and you can stream whatever you want.

sfosselman

It is an audio and video streamer...its like turning your TV into a big Android tablet. I am however trying to use my DAC to bypass the on-board DAC for better audio

sfosselman

well I tried hooking the Android box to the TV via HDMI and then optical out to the DAC but the tweeter popping continues....any suggestions?

bikerboy

Open the cover and remove the optical converter so you can use the spdif signal. The optical converter probably can pass high res signal. Why not use the usb input on your preamp?

sfosselman

I tried USB, and adjusted the settings on the Kodi box, and DAC but no sound. I only get sound through optical but the twgeeter pops and crackles. I'm not sure how to remove the optical converter and would rather just sell this box and try a different box or approach all together

trj

Look into Raspberry pi 2 and accessories. I am sure there is a solution with your particular situation. Right now I am running kodi/OSMC on raspberry pi as my AV streamer and works surprisingly well for a cheap device. I am now looking at raspberry pi zero for the same function and relocating raspberry pi to serve as local media server.

tonyb

Could it be the Kodi box is somehow broken ? Have you used it before without issue ?

sfosselman

I suppose it could be broken and I will look into a Raspberry Pi 2....any devices that are pre-assembled that have Raspberry Pi 2?

trj

check this blog: https://volumio.org/raspberry-pi-i2s-dac-sounds-so-good/

If I were going full hifi on raspberry pi, I would go with this solution. https://www.hifiberry.com

They have regular choices:
192kHz 24 bit 2 channel DAC
SPDIF or digital coax
even a 25W amp version.

You can always reuse raspberry pi for other projects if you don't like these solutions. I have never used any of those DACs so I don't have any personal experience with them. But reading online reviews, it seems like a good alternative. Just won't have a look of an expensive box.

sfosselman

Well here's the idea.... thinking about getting a pre/pro with hdmi from the likes of Marantz or Yamaha. The two senerios are using the belles for 2 channel with ht bypass or just letting the pre/pro with its built in DAC handle both 2 and 5 channel and save some money. Do you think I would be losing much quality with something like the Yamaha cx 5000 with its internal DACs going to the McCormack HT-5? It would certainly simplify the system and give me access to music streaming as well as a connection for Kofi.