do I need earc?

hornetstinger · 25 Mar 2020 at 14:31

Dvd, bd, and android box are connected to LG c9 via hdmi.

Then I'm using optical out from TV to processor.

If I replace the processor with a modern one, replacing the optical cable with hdmi, using the arc out on the TV (so TV outputs all sound) to the new processor, will I need earc to get lossless sound sent to it?

As I've seen a marantz av8803, it's a couple of gens old, but it is much newer than my DD/DTS non hdmi av processor.

200sols · 25 Mar 2020 at 14:50

You need eARC if you wish to connect the devices to the TV, however if you connect them to the receiver and then use ARC to the TV you dont need eARC.

hornetstinger · 25 Mar 2020 at 14:54

Yeah thought so, just that sources are near TV, so will have to move them near av amp.

Guess 8803 won't pass 4k either so will need to use two hdmi cables video out to TV then second hdmi to 8803.

Unless just keep Blu-ray near 8803, and dvd and android box near TV using optical out as regular DD/DTS.

lucid · 25 Mar 2020 at 18:16

Why are you making life complicated?

Just get a processor or an AV receiver with 7.1 analogue pre-out that has (a) standby pass-thru and (b) passes 4K. Connect all the sources to it first, then one cable to the TV.

hornetstinger · 25 Mar 2020 at 18:50

I believe anthem avm 60 passes 4k but like having sources near tv

hornetstinger · 25 Mar 2020 at 19:05

Gues could buy marantz av7705 upto date and not too expensive

hornetstinger · 26 Mar 2020 at 09:56

I guess source to TV then amp for dvd and android box, then bd to TV for hdmi video, then longer hdmi cable to amp on second hdmi for audio? That means get away with non e-arc amp but get lossless still.

Just that a e-arc amp with 4k pass through is expensive and one with hdmi 2.1 spec isn't out yet anyway if I want 4k at 120hz

beachBOYken · 26 Mar 2020 at 10:20

hornetstinger said:
I guess source to TV then amp for dvd and android box, then bd to TV for hdmi video, then longer hdmi cable to amp on second hdmi for audio? That means get away with non e-arc amp but get lossless still.

Just that a e-arc amp with 4k pass through is expensive and one with hdmi 2.1 spec isn't out yet anyway if I want 4k at 120hz

Yeah you need eARC at the TV and receiver if you want to get the best audio when connecting sources into TV.

I plan to do this when I get a LG CX, but until I get a soundbar/reciever with eARC I will be passing sources through the receiver first, or as you say the other alternative is to split the video/audio on your bd player

hornetstinger · 26 Mar 2020 at 17:12

Ideally just like a good 7.1 av pre amp.