I do like it. I have run my old ARCAM AVR from the optical out on my TV for nearly a decade. I can use the TV's media player, or use the TV as a second screen / audio device for my desktop.
In the latter case, Voicemeeter makes it possible to fill the house with near-perfectly synchronised sound.
In the former, I can throw and control files from my mobile, using Bubbleupnp.
Both good. But there is a big part of me that wants the amp to work on its own. Smart is most definitely not always the answer. Being unable to fiddle with a thing from your main devices can be a big QOL win. And frankly, one afternoon screaming at an Echo Dot was enough. Invasive, demanding, awkward, restrictive.
I feel that in many cases the big wins from modern tech came over a decade ago for me.
I've dropped my interest in most smart / streaming devices - too much choice, too much distraction and advertising. Smart lightbulbs, I will make an exception for - far easier than fitting old style dimmers.
Joining the Apple ecosystem makes a whole lot more sense than paying for Google's rubbish dump. I would not have imagined saying that a year ago. But if I was to pay, I'll pay for a quiet, satisfying life. Not for Google's cheapness - for sure, there is no actual value there for me. It's just a habit. The last fifteen years have been about a habit. Oh! I can choose something else! Wait until others get that idea.
In the latter case, Voicemeeter makes it possible to fill the house with near-perfectly synchronised sound.
In the former, I can throw and control files from my mobile, using Bubbleupnp.
Both good. But there is a big part of me that wants the amp to work on its own. Smart is most definitely not always the answer. Being unable to fiddle with a thing from your main devices can be a big QOL win. And frankly, one afternoon screaming at an Echo Dot was enough. Invasive, demanding, awkward, restrictive.
I feel that in many cases the big wins from modern tech came over a decade ago for me.
I've dropped my interest in most smart / streaming devices - too much choice, too much distraction and advertising. Smart lightbulbs, I will make an exception for - far easier than fitting old style dimmers.