Let Wiim or Apple TV downmix 5.1 to stereo PCM?

[Krabin]

Hi! Should I let my Apple TV downmix the 5.1 surround sound to stereo PCM or leave it on auto and let my WIIM Ultra do it? (My LG tv could also do it, but I'm guessing it's probably the least correct option.) I can definitely tell a difference, mostly in the treble. When Apple does it, the highs seem a bit rolled off, smoother, and darker than when I set its output to the default auto and let the WIIM do the downmixing, which is a bit brighter and maybe slightly grainier. I can't decide which sounds better though, and I'd like to go with the one that's technically better.

 

[Wiimer]

Hi! Should I let my Apple TV downmix the 5.1 surround sound to stereo PCM or leave it on auto and let my WIIM Ultra do it? (My LG tv could also do it, but I'm guessing it's probably the least correct option.) I can definitely tell a difference, mostly in the treble. When Apple does it, the highs seem a bit rolled off, smoother, and darker than when I set its output to the default auto and let the WIIM do the downmixing, which is a bit brighter and maybe slightly grainier. I can't decide which sounds better though, and I'd like to go with the one that's technically better.

Has the latest firmware already arrived for your Ultra? If not, the new FW may improve HDMI ARC.

Nevertheless, unless you are using wireless surround on your Ultra, you will have less trouble if you choose PCM on the Apple TV side. This is just my opinion based on my experience..

If you don't like the sound quality of the PCM transmission from Apple TV, please consider setting an EQ for the HDMI input.

Unfortunately, it is not clear to me which is technically superior. (I don't have Apple TV to begin with.)

I hope that a member in the know will respond to this.