Audio Explained
HDMI ARC vs Optical: Formats, Control and Device Compatibility
Choose HDMI ARC, eARC or optical for TV audio using verified format support, control behavior and a product matrix for WiiM, Fosi and Eversolo devices.
SoundPath Lab articles
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Audio Explained
Optical vs Coaxial vs USB Audio: Which Digital Connection Should You Use?
A practical comparison of optical, coaxial S/PDIF, and USB audio—including isolation, format limits, compatibility, and the right use case for each.
How-To
How to Play Music from a NAS: DLNA, SMB, Apps, and Streamer Compatibility
A practical guide to NAS music playback using DLNA, UPnP, SMB, media servers, control apps, and compatible streamers—including formats and multi-room limits.
Audio Explained
Google Cast Audio Explained: Casting, Speaker Groups, Quality, and Common Limits
A practical guide to Google Cast audio, including how casting works, speaker groups, sound-quality limits, network discovery, and buying checks.
Audio Explained
Spotify Connect vs TIDAL Connect vs Qobuz Connect: What Actually Changes?
A practical comparison of Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Qobuz Connect—how playback works, quality limits, multi-room behavior, and what to verify before buying.
Buying Guides
Arylic LP20 Explained: Connections, Streaming, Multi-Room Limits, and Who It Is For
A specification-based guide to the Arylic LP20, covering inputs, outputs, streaming services, 2.1 use, multi-room compatibility, and important limits.
Audio Explained
Bluetooth vs Wi-Fi Audio: Which Wireless Method Should You Use?
Compare Bluetooth and Wi-Fi audio by range, quality, phone dependence, latency, guest use, and multi-room capability.
Audio Explained
DLNA and UPnP Explained: Servers, Renderers, Control Apps, and Real-World Limits
Understand how DLNA and UPnP servers, control points, and renderers work together—and why format support and multi-room behavior still vary.
Audio Explained
AirPlay and AirPlay 2 Explained: What They Do, What They Don’t, and Why It Matters
A practical guide to AirPlay and AirPlay 2, including receivers vs transmitters, multi-room playback, format limits, and common setup problems.
Audio Explained
Multi-Room Audio Explained: AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and App-Based Systems
A platform-first guide to planning reliable multi-room audio with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, app-based ecosystems, and traditional distribution amplifiers.
Buying Guides
How to Add Music Streaming to an Existing Stereo System
Three complete ways to add streaming while keeping a good integrated amplifier, DAC or power amplifier—plus the volume and connection checks that prevent an expensive mistake.
Audio Explained
Music Streamer vs DAC vs Network Player: What Each One Actually Does
A clear guide to the roles of music streamers, DACs, network players, and streaming transports—and how to choose the right type for your system.