Apple TV - optical audio delay

Toka · « **on:** 1 Jun 2012, 07:09 pm »

I recently set up my new system in my new home, and the digital frontend currently consists of an Apple TV (latest model) connected via optical to a NuForce AVP-17 and to my TV via HDMI.

When listening to music via optical, the first 1-2 seconds of a song are dropped without fail. The only way I can get them to play is to go a few seconds into the song and then pause and scroll back to the beginning (using the Remote app on my iPhone). I tried simply using the TV to play back music and it never exhibited this problem.

I tried every permutation I could think of (TV on, TV off, different power up/down sequences, etc) and it is the same every time. Needless to say this isn't acceptable so I was hoping somebody had run into a similar issue and was able to get it resolved.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Steven Stone · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Jun 2012, 10:05 pm »

Usually when I've experienced beginning of song muting it's because the processor takes a moment to identify the format and bit-rate of the file. Perhaps through an alternative input such as RCA co-axial handshaking will be quicker.

You may have to resort to an HDMI to S/PDIF convertor - I use a DVDO Edge to convert HDMI to RCA coax...

skunark · « **Reply #2 on:** 2 Jun 2012, 09:07 pm »

If you have the latest ATV update, try changing the setting for the optical output to 16-bits.

Toka · « **Reply #3 on:** 4 Jun 2012, 05:45 pm »

Thanks to both of you for the reply!

I tried setting the ATV to 16-bits but that didn't help...unfortunately I don't have an alternative to optical for this unit. A converter/splitter is an option but if the issue is with the NuForce I will likely look into getting something else entirely. It seems to have an issue with my television connection as well (OTA).

avta · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 Jun 2012, 07:14 pm »

Have you tried a different optical cable?

Toka · « **Reply #5 on:** 11 Jun 2012, 06:25 pm »

Turns out the issue was with the AVP-17...due to the DSP it would "re-scan" the input every time there was a break in the signal (like when changing artists) and it just didn't lock back on in time. I wasn't planning on adding another piece right now but I took the plunge on a Emotiva XDA-1 (couldn't beat the sale price) and it works perfectly. Might just sound a bit better too.

Thanks again for the input everybody!