I actually like these kind of videos more than the reviews,,,like your raspPI vids, Plex etc,,,, don't get me wrong, your reviews are bar far the best, but these kinda "how to" videos are really helpful,,,John, you are the master of audio for me, seriously,,,keep up the good work,,,
Exactly. Hifi and midfi videos are excellent content but also appreciate the practical issues of enjoying digital music. Nothing worse than battling endless quirks in supposedly new world of WAF friendly audio without physical media.
Please ensure your comment is 1) on topic, 2) advances the conversation, 3) free of URLs and 4) devoid of conspiracy theories, hubris, racism and misogyny. Kindly keep it civil. And no, MQA is not possible here as Android TV OS isn't bitperfect. Roon rides on Chromecast.
I use Mi box S optical output via optical cable (10 meters) to my RME Babyface audio interface and I have been very happy for a lomg time. I also connect my USB dongle DAC E1DA 9038S to Mi box S amd it works without drivers and soumds amazing. No need for Raspberry Pi plus HAT board plus fancy linear power supply. Superb streamer with usb and optical out. Cheers John. God bless.
Well, little bit late for the party... But I just found out, that usb audio player pro, which you can download from developers site apparently for free for android tv devices atm, sideload that apk and it takes control of USB interface of this little box, creates upnp receiver and now you can stream gappless audio up to 24/192 from any source you like over upnp. You are welcome ;)
It is a great idea thank you. I just do what you said at the beginning. I use a Chromecast into my TV and then optical out to my DAC. Also my TV has airplay so I can use that as well from Apple music on my phone
I use this Mi Box S with my Arcam SA20 in a similar way. And I also tried regular Chromecast via HDMI splitter. It is useful to note that Mi Box S will always resample the audio to 48kHz when Chromecast streams at 44.1kHz. At least this what I can see on my amp. For Mi Box S with USB DAC you can try to install something like USB Audio Player PRO and get bit-perfect audio, however, there is no 'official' way to do it on Android TV.
I may have asked this before, but I find myself genuinely confused about ‘native’ vs ‘streamed’ versions of digital audio platforms. This video is awesome but it simply adds more questions than answers for me. It’s a big topic that keeps getting bigger, but whether you do it (or have in the past) or someone else does, I think a thorough breakdown would be very very helpful. A few questions I keep asking: 1. Airplay is a wireless connectivity protocol, so when you connect a streamer with Apple Music (or at more consumer level the Apple TV 4K), is it even possible to use Airplay to control this as a native source? How would one justify paying for an Apple Music subscription if you can’t easily have it playing Natively while listening to the system you’ve invested $$$ in? 2. Like Spotify Connect, are services like Tidal and Amazon Music expected to have a ‘connect’ aspect to their software in order for it to work natively? A good (very consumer level) example would be putting Tidal on your Android TV, does using phone app as your selector/controller mean it’s natively streamed? As much as that seems like a straightforward thing to ask try looking online for definitive answers, they simply aren’t there in black and white on the company websites. 3. What about Chromecast? Is any (or all) of the audio natively streamed? 4. More to the point of this video, is your searching of these various solutions because, in essence, none of this works very well? As a consumer who wants highest available audio but without the dazzle of $4K spent on some audiophile Streamer (I’ve got my Elacs, Rel and a Hegel but the proverbial buck stops there for me), let alone the practicalities of getting some hifi gear that my wife and 16 year old can just play music from without hassle, it feels like there is a disconnect in the range of conversations happening in the audio world at the moment. How to demystify the options, and put them into categories, so it’s all much clearer? Is this info being discussed in the TH-cam space? Where? If not, why not? Thx
Hi Sean, I totally agree with the points you raise and I share your frustration. Last year I decided to invest in some new gear after 20 years and found the complexity of what was on offer mind blowing. So many ways to do things, with huge variations in cost. There's certainly a place for TH-cam channels which focus on digital audio - the basics and also for those with good knowledge who just want the obvious questions answered when assessing new equipment. So many reviewers assume a high technical knowledge level in the viewer, or miss out what I would consider important or useful detail altogether.
Had it for years, is a great and dirt cheap product indeed! One on my living room, one in my son's bedroom, one in my friends' appartements too now ! They all love it..
For bit perfect I instaled the apk of Neutron in the Xiaomi mi box, And conect to the usb my 1tb hard disk with my music in flac. Tv via hdmi with xiaomi mi box and after connect via mini toslink with my Denon pma600ne .
I’ve been using this device for months and I’m glad you just reviewed it. I use it throw the mini tos link plugged into my Edifier 2000 MK3 and is enough quality for me. I use Spotify Connect and VLC to play my personal library.
Hi, spotify connect is ON also without spotify app in the box is running? Sorry for my english.. I mean, Is it enaugh, to power on the xiaomi, and my spotify app in tablet or phone will see the xiaomi? many thanks for info
Xiaomi have been making some great stuff a lot of it quite often is rebranded to other mainstream brands! Got back in to streaming recently using a Raspberry pi Zero W as a playback into a FX-Audio dac (cost more than the Pi Zero) and am using a Raspberry Pi 4 8GB as a server During testing of the playback Pi Found I could get it to do the out put to a screen thing, Love this idea as a turnkey setup (Yes I rolled my own software choices and scripts as an exercise). I am surprised by how much off the shelf stuff exists now from the bad old days back 20 odd years ago... Keep up the videos
I built my version of this setup around the Nvidia Shield. Anyone thinking about going down this path would do well to consider using the much more powerful Shield. I've run it for more than a year and simply love it. Combining the Berliner Philharmoniker's Digital Concert Hall App with the Shield's upscaled 4k video stream is outstanding! I would be happy to go into more detail on my configuration if anyone is interested.
Can't speak to the Mi-Box but Nvidia's long term support for the Shield has been solid. It has a track record of both hardware and software updates that is rare for these type of devices. I run USB out of the Shield to a Schitt Eitr (just to clean things up a bit) and then run the Eitr's SPDIF out to my Primare I15. Works great!
I own 2 Mi Box S boxes and they work pretty good, especially since I bought both of them on sale and got really good deals! The only thing I don't like right now is I bought a Dolby Atmos sound system that matched my 4K TV and these boxes don't have Atmos. So, if they don't get a software update in the future to add this, I may purchase the Nvidia Shield Pro (next version) since it has just about all sound protocols!
I have successfully connected this device with the behringer XR18 digtal mixer and the Topping E30 via usb. The xiaomi tv box automatically detects these devices. I've been a happy user for the last 2 years.
The USB port means you can also use this with a touch-screen or touch overlay on the display and control the interface by touch... the little, cheap Raspberry Pi touch screens work great making it a very 'family-friendly' music player
The secret lies in the magic puck. You've had it for years showing it out in the background of many of your videos throughout time and I know therein lies the secret of your Hi-Res audio gear. ;)
Ordered one up. I am kinda on the wait an see with streamers and dacs. Been using GCA into dacs for a while. I have a Marantz 8006 which has 2 optical. a coax and usb so I can hookup multiples easily. What sold me was your article which said gapless with Spotify, Tidal, and Plex, which is everything I use. It will be great to listen to Pink Floyd again. Someday I will find my perfect streamer but for now $65 on Amazon is ok with me.
Thanks John, you always think out of the box. I am still hung up to improve your Klipschiit story streamer + 2 Aegir, will let you know when it worked, This Gizmo works with Schiit yaggi as well with USB, but with dragonfly the volume is so low even when you set volume to 15 (max), is still a faint sound. I took dragonfly out and increased the device volume to 100 with Roon, no change.
@@DarkoAudio That did it, thanks. The original chromecast was going to 96K, Roon downgrades this to 48K and Qobuz plays CD of the same album. Did you fix this one as well. With dragonfly this one sounds way better than plain raspberry pi without HAT.
Thank you so much for that tip about connecting a USB DAC. My Sabah Da3 works perfectly. This Xiaomi box is a wonderful piece of kit and at such an affordable price!
I have an Nvidia Shield and I have my flac rips on a drive connected to it with an older onkyo receiver connected to my tv via toslink. I use Plex to serve my music as well. That way I can listen to my lossless music on my speakers I also use for the tv. Sounds great.
Thank you for finaly showing a Chromecast Audio replacement that actually features Chromecast. I'm sick of seeing videos about "the new CCA replacement" steamer (e.g. Wiim Mini), that don't actually have Chromecast.
Great review.👍👍👍 I have one of these. Its called Mi Box 4K and not S. What I have gathered is, both are electronically same and in India its launched as 4K. I use sound output from the mini Toslink into my amp and it sounds quite good. I use the USB port for playing contents from a HDD which it does well. After seeing this video, I tried for a USB DAC, Hiby FC3 ( I don't have a Dragonfly) but sadly it doesn't work. This has already been pointed out by John that he has not tested any other USB DACs barring Dragonfly Red. I am going to try a few more USB DACs which I have. But, even it doesn't play through USB, its a device with great versatality and features. Very happy with this.
You could also take a look at the Nvidia Shield TV. Made by Nvidia and has a ton of developer support from them. High-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz over HDMI and USB High-resolution audio up-sample to 24-bit/192 kHz over USB Audio support: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, WAVE, AMR, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, PCM, WMA, WMA-Pro, WMA-Lossless, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD (pass-through), DTS-X (pass-through), and DTS-HD (pass-through)
Is it possible to use it without connecting it to any monitor at all? Doesn't it turn on without it? I mean, after configuring it, can't I unplug it and use just the audio output?
I got the same setup.. totally eliminated the bluetooth connectivity… the only difference is i hook a tube preamp then receiver to make it more tube & warm sounding system. Now we get the best of both worlds with this cheap tiny box.. watch movies with hdmi and listen to quality music with audio out!
I never got around to buying a Chromecast Audio as I didn’t see a need for one previously. But ever since I got my Chord Mojo with its SPDIF inputs I’ve been on the lookout for similarly portable streaming devices with SPDIF outputs for business and leisure travel. So with the Xiaomi I could be in a hotel room, hook it up to a TV, and stream music (or audio from a movie) onto my headphones and experience high quality music playback and have a useful visual interface. Yes I could also use my phone and output via USB to the Mojo but I’m typically surfing or reading emails on my phone so it’s not convenient to have the phone tethered.
Thanks for another fine springboard John. Your informative, no bull shite style fits my style and has guided my hi-fi path for some time. Checking out that Xiaomi's Mi Box S for another Roon option right on. Cheers!
I bought a 128 GB micro sd for my galaxy note 9. I put all of my ripped flac cds (Which arent that many) in it. I use poweramp app on my note 9 (since it has chromecast compatibility) to stream my music files over wifi to my xiaomi mi box s. Currently im using the xiaomis integrated dac by using an ordinary 3.5 mm stereo cable to connect the xiaomi to my pioneer dynamic range expander ex-9000 and then from the expander to my pioneer EQ SG-9800 and then to my harman kardon avr1610 a/v receiver with 3 harman kardon satellite speakers and a pair of Polk Audio S20 speakers. Later i will change to a decent DAC and use the mini toslink output of the xiaomi insteqd of the 3.5 mm.
As a CCA user with streaming FLAC via Plex every day from my NAS + Spotify connect usage (bought that after seeing Darkos video on it), now switched to the MiBox S immediately. I hate Samsung TIZEN Os which I have, Android TV is miles better. Also sound quality is as of now seems to be the same to me(or even a bit more dynamic than the CCA) with a Marantz PM6006 + Dali Zensor 7s. Great to have all the features of the CCA(Spotify even wakes the device from sleep), plus an alternative to the shitty OS of my TV.
Curious, do you have a multichannel receiver/amp and different speakers for the projector? I have one too and kind of wonder if I shouldn't have a strictly music system and a video system.
Thats handy that you can also use the USB to connect a dragonfly or another DAC. IN theory, you could also perhaps use the usb out to add extra digitals outs, like the Topping D10, which also gives the option of not just a TOSLINK but also SPDIF Digital Coaxial or if not the topping another type of USB to digital out connector that are cheaper to connect, i.e to a DAC/Active speakers/Amp or receiver that may only have Coax ond no toslink input. I got this handy little USB to TOSLINK and COAX converter to connect to a laptop/phone so that I can give the SCHIIT MODI a proper, full power supply (can go for a iFI 50 quid one if you like) rather than the phones power, via usb and then TOSLNIKed to the Schiit. Could do this to the Rasberry pie to prevent USB noise, cicuit jitter too.
I'm using Nvidia Shield Pro in similar way, but I use only HDMI output to Denon AVR. So I use it for both audio and video. Tidal has Dolby Atmos music collection which is not bad and some albums sound really good. And I use Plex to stream my music library which is on Synology NAS. I tried roon for a while but didn't like it as much as Plex. I was always thinking about getting a proper streamer/dac with MQA like Node 2i or similar but this video gave me any idea of connecting USB dac with MQA support to Nvidia Shield. But how do I decide later if I want to use the HDMI audio out or the USB dac? Or does the signal go out both all the time?
Anyone know the max sampling rate the Mi Box will pass through its optical out? The Chromecast Audio puck (I have one) will pass 96kHz. The HDMI Chromecast puck is limited to 48kHz. The Xiaomi site doesn't appear to have this spec listed.
@@mikeyevs Well, I've answered my own question. After watching John's video, I ordered a Mi Box S hoping it would behave like my Chromecast Audio device. Sadly, it does not. Digital output appears to always be fixed at 48kHz regardless of source. In my case, source was Qobuz cast from my phone. 44.1, 88.2, 96 kHz, no matter, DAC always reports 48kHz. My original Chromecast Audio puck transfers material at the correct sampling rate. My take: if you don't care about Android TV, use the $50 to buy a genuine Chromecast Audio device from ebay.
@@DarkoAudio Interesting article, John. One thing, though, you say: "So if want to stream Qobuz, we have to do it via Roon over Chromecast? Yes." I do not use Roon but I've been streaming Qobuz directly from the Qobuz Android app on my phone to the Mi Box S. Also, I found that the Mi Box optical output goes dark when a USB DAC is plugged in. Unplugging the USB cable brings the Toslink port back to life. Finally, I think I've convinced myself that routing USB digital from the Mi Box through my Topping D10 and using the Toslink out from the D10 sounds better than the direct optical out from the Mi Box. Thanks much for the reply.
Wiim mini vs Mibox s, what would be a better buy? My dac has toslink and can do asynchronous usb as well. Can the toslink output from the Wiim out perform the asynchronous audio from the Mibox usb output?
Maybe it's been mentioned already, I've been running my Mi Box S into my pre-amp using TOSLINK to my DAC, and so far I can play Spotify without a HDMI connection using Spotify Connect or Google Cast. Not sure what output quality it is though (most likely 48kHz) DAC is VERY budget 😅
How does the sound quality compare to the allo digione setup? I wonder if there is an app that can turn android tv into a proper Roon endpoint and avoid sound going through internal android tv resampling.
Great i have an important question does this mibox support any eq app through digital optical out? I have one in my drawer i use it often for casual music. But i have an lg soundbar too which I'm using with my pc via spdif and i use apo eq software for tuning the sound to my taste..if the mibox support eq app through opt then it would be great to listen and control via bluetooth.
@@КонстантинН-ш2ь agree I was so hoping there would be an optical out so I could stream music to it without having to turn on my TV. I won't be buying it
I think there are better options if you need optical or USB outputs for audio. You're still going to need a display to navigate the interface, even with a Mibox, so you might as well cut the clutter and get a dedicated audio streamer.
The Mii box is great. We're using it in the sommerhouse as a cheap alternative to an ATV4. The hardware quality isn't as good as the ATV4, but it costs only a third :-)
Hi John one question if I connect the Chromcast HDMI " not the audio Chromcat " direct to a reciver with HDMI inputs that play 24/192 its work for Hi Res or I need to connect via coax or optic? This is how I have it, HDMI Chromcast to HDMI reciver in and HDMI reciver out to tv so I can see everything and cast from my ipod Qobuz to the Chromcast
Great video thank you. Maybe a worthy replacement option to my sonos port feeding my patio speakers. I feel like the audio quality took a few steps back from my aging ZP90 that sounds great. Thanks again.
I just love Darkos Reviews. What about using HDMI as audio output? HDMI ist digital and can transfer 32 bit, 192khz since the 1.3 Standard. So a really good AV Receiver with a good dac should sound superb. Or not?
Can anyone tell me if the Xiaomi / Tidal android app combination will stream MQA? I currently stream to an external Chromecast connected to a Sony AV Amp, but Tidal only streams to this in Hi-Fi, not MQA.
Nice review. Now if you drew this chain from source to speaker in a block diagram, then with each of the steps to another device, service, domain, data format, (i.e. block in the diagram), I would a) worry and b) ask why. What if you downloaded music from a service to a local thingy that directly plays into your DAC? Or played a CD? Where does each of the steps implied here benefit you, us? I'm not critical in the sense I doubt this approach to a chain here, just curious. It's a bit like audio chain architecture - what do you do where? Do you do "crossover" after the power amp in a passive speaker, or in the early pre-amplifier stage, or somewhere in between as in active speakers. My feeling is, to quote an architect of the past, less is more.
I agree. Except this video should have been made 5 or 6 years ago.😃 My nexus player still going strong...same exact thing since 2016 (and many other android tv devices)...however for streaming audio (plex lossless gapless) the raspberry pi option is far superior IMHO, with either plex player or plexamp, headless or with a now playing screen. Also chromecast requires the internet to connect where as plex fling does not. Also google often decides your casting content is available on and installed app and initiates that app rather than casting. You can get around this with specific router settings to prevent google using their dns but....such a drama. Plex flinging is better, faster and google has no control over my data.
I have tried to connect DACs to the USB output of the Xiaomi mi box S 2nd generation......and it does not work at all. (ifi zen air dac and dragonfly black)
So I have a different android box a Tanix T6. I was able to install Amazon Music on it and I'm subscribed to the HD tier. I also have no TV and use a projector so the T6 is connected over HDMI to my AV receiver which feeds video to the projector and plays sounds through its internal dac etc. But here's the thing - Amazon Music through the HDMI is sending the video part fine but audio is only in standard definition. Does anyone have any insights as to why? Will using toslink audio work better? Or should I change my T6 for a Xiaomi? Would that work better?
Hi Darko.I enjoy your honest reviews and new ways of doing things.Keep it up.I wanted to know if you can provide a like where I can buy the metal cast you used to hold the Xiomi box on this video
Is the Mi Box (without S) also capable of digital out? And what kind of cable is needed for this? I already have the Mi Box and want to connect it to my tv with an AV receiver (NAD t755) in between. Is it better to use only HDMI or put also the optical in the AV and seperatie audio and video? Thanks
Hi John, great video like always, I have only one thing, I saw in some discussions, that chromecast downgrade spotify highest bitrate about 30% down.. by tidal no problem..
If I buy some external monitor with 10 inch display with hdmi and connect him to chromecast than Roon will be capable transfer artwork to this external monitor? Doesn´t matter if I played Roon through AirPlay on my receiver? Thanks
I have one of these box. I'm using it with the USB DAC Topping E50. My experience is that Tidal streaming over Chromecast Connect sounds much much better the the Tidal native app. Why?
I've been doing this with the older version I didn't think it was a really big deal though but this is how I had it hooked up in my car to get optical to my sound processor because I have a monitor in the back for people to watch stuff and I used to listen to music through it I just didn't think that this guy would think it was that hot and sound quality or anything but he is right though the Google audio caster is very very good I have one of those too
Hey John, this is off topic. I have the Oppo ha2 and ifi nano. Would the chord mojo be an upgrade. Just trying to justify the $$$. I enjoy your videos and expertise. Thanks Russ
I have two CC Audios i control with IOS ipad mini (Tidal for a while, Google Play Music for years now sadly 🙁 TH-cam Music, Radio Paradise and Local storage files) and connected 1 with optical to my AVR and 1 with 3.5mm to bedroom integrated amp I love them! BUT Recently I found to my delight Chromecast HD is now capable of feeding into my AVR without my Plasma TV (old school) be required - I was chuffed! Now i’m trying to figure if uncompressed via HDMI is better than the optical via the CC audio. I think i hear more details but not as warm rounded as the optical. Which should be the best?
USB Audio Player Pro on an Android phone can stream Tidal bit-perfect to a DAC. Not sure if it is supported on Android TV devices either from Play Store or side loading the apk.
Hi! Currently I use a Mi Box S connected via USB with a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 (MQA support) and it does not transmit Tidal Master while playing MQA quality.. When I want to listen to an album in MQA quality, I just plug the USB into my Macbook
Very interesting video! How would you describe the audio quality when you stream spotify and just use the build in aux audio output? Is it okay enough for a high quality sound system?
I have almost the same setup, but my peachtree is a very old model, that I use as preamp and DAC. I have had the xiaomi box like for 1,5 years maybe and cost me 40€ then. If you have a dumb TV like mine old Plasma TV then is a really nice product to use.
Ok, So bitperfect if using something like plex - by turning up the volume all the way on the Mi Box S, running a usb program through the usb side. Anything I missed here? If running tidal through this unit’s app selection, is it suddenly bitperfect? Lastly, what about Amazon HD? Would that be possible this way, and would the quality get up to at least redbook (or even higher)? Sorry for the loaded question! Thanx to all 🙏🏼
Thanks for the video! I had a Mibox in my drawer, not in use... so I decided to start using it for music streaming using Chromecast. I am not an audiophile, so my question is probably too basic. I have the impression that the volume on my amp is very low using my Mibox... I have to turn volume knob until the very end to have high volume. Does it mean I need a preamp? I am using the Mibox with a Schiit stack (Modi 3 DAC with Modi amp).
I actually like these kind of videos more than the reviews,,,like your raspPI vids, Plex etc,,,, don't get me wrong, your reviews are bar far the best, but these kinda "how to" videos are really helpful,,,John, you are the master of audio for me, seriously,,,keep up the good work,,,
Exactly. Hifi and midfi videos are excellent content but also appreciate the practical issues of enjoying digital music. Nothing worse than battling endless quirks in supposedly new world of WAF friendly audio without physical media.
Please ensure your comment is 1) on topic, 2) advances the conversation, 3) free of URLs and 4) devoid of conspiracy theories, hubris, racism and misogyny. Kindly keep it civil.
And no, MQA is not possible here as Android TV OS isn't bitperfect.
Roon rides on Chromecast.
I use Mi box S optical output via optical cable (10 meters) to my RME Babyface audio interface and I have been very happy for a lomg time. I also connect my USB dongle DAC E1DA 9038S to Mi box S amd it works without drivers and soumds amazing. No need for Raspberry Pi plus HAT board plus fancy linear power supply. Superb streamer with usb and optical out. Cheers John. God bless.
Well, little bit late for the party... But I just found out, that usb audio player pro, which you can download from developers site apparently for free for android tv devices atm, sideload that apk and it takes control of USB interface of this little box, creates upnp receiver and now you can stream gappless audio up to 24/192 from any source you like over upnp. You are welcome ;)
Do you have a link for this apk? thanks in advance
4:49 “Ten inches is more than enough”.
That’s what she said.
Lol
He meant, for himself.
I bought a Squeezebox Touch in 2012 and am still using it on a secondary system. It still works great.
When I saw the beloved Dragonfly Red has been the moment you got me. Great video and great attitude in diffusing great stuff. Thank you for sharing.
I recently hooked up an IFI iPower 2 to my MiBox S, highly recommend. It's a vast improvement to my ears, especially in the bass!
It is a great idea thank you. I just do what you said at the beginning. I use a Chromecast into my TV and then optical out to my DAC. Also my TV has airplay so I can use that as well from Apple music on my phone
I use this Mi Box S with my Arcam SA20 in a similar way. And I also tried regular Chromecast via HDMI splitter. It is useful to note that Mi Box S will always resample the audio to 48kHz when Chromecast streams at 44.1kHz. At least this what I can see on my amp.
For Mi Box S with USB DAC you can try to install something like USB Audio Player PRO and get bit-perfect audio, however, there is no 'official' way to do it on Android TV.
Bummer. Every Android TV device I have tried resamples to 48kHz. Deal breaker for me.
I use Neutron apk for bitperfect audio . You can download with aptoide in the xiaomi . Please ,Tell me if this can resolve your problem
@@franselaya4624 Installed it by your suggestion. Looks like it can do bit-perfect audio over USB. but not over optical SPDIF. Still get 48kHz
Does an Nvidia Shield do that?
I may have asked this before, but I find myself genuinely confused about ‘native’ vs ‘streamed’ versions of digital audio platforms. This video is awesome but it simply adds more questions than answers for me. It’s a big topic that keeps getting bigger, but whether you do it (or have in the past) or someone else does, I think a thorough breakdown would be very very helpful. A few questions I keep asking: 1. Airplay is a wireless connectivity protocol, so when you connect a streamer with Apple Music (or at more consumer level the Apple TV 4K), is it even possible to use Airplay to control this as a native source? How would one justify paying for an Apple Music subscription if you can’t easily have it playing Natively while listening to the system you’ve invested $$$ in? 2. Like Spotify Connect, are services like Tidal and Amazon Music expected to have a ‘connect’ aspect to their software in order for it to work natively? A good (very consumer level) example would be putting Tidal on your Android TV, does using phone app as your selector/controller mean it’s natively streamed? As much as that seems like a straightforward thing to ask try looking online for definitive answers, they simply aren’t there in black and white on the company websites. 3. What about Chromecast? Is any (or all) of the audio natively streamed? 4. More to the point of this video, is your searching of these various solutions because, in essence, none of this works very well?
As a consumer who wants highest available audio but without the dazzle of $4K spent on some audiophile Streamer (I’ve got my Elacs, Rel and a Hegel but the proverbial buck stops there for me), let alone the practicalities of getting some hifi gear that my wife and 16 year old can just play music from without hassle, it feels like there is a disconnect in the range of conversations happening in the audio world at the moment. How to demystify the options, and put them into categories, so it’s all much clearer? Is this info being discussed in the TH-cam space? Where? If not, why not? Thx
Hi Sean, I totally agree with the points you raise and I share your frustration. Last year I decided to invest in some new gear after 20 years and found the complexity of what was on offer mind blowing. So many ways to do things, with huge variations in cost.
There's certainly a place for TH-cam channels which focus on digital audio - the basics and also for those with good knowledge who just want the obvious questions answered when assessing new equipment. So many reviewers assume a high technical knowledge level in the viewer, or miss out what I would consider important or useful detail altogether.
Had it for years, is a great and dirt cheap product indeed! One on my living room, one in my son's bedroom, one in my friends' appartements too now ! They all love it..
yeah I have this exact box connected to my home old 70inch tv, it's used for a lot of streaming.
I didn't know the Mi Box S have toslink output. Good to know
For bit perfect I instaled the apk of Neutron in the Xiaomi mi box, And conect to the usb my 1tb hard disk with my music in flac. Tv via hdmi with xiaomi mi box and after connect via mini toslink with my Denon pma600ne .
really happy about this video! very useful!
great content
Great! I use this configuration and it's FANTASTIC.
I’ve been using this device for months and I’m glad you just reviewed it. I use it throw the mini tos link plugged into my Edifier 2000 MK3 and is enough quality for me. I use Spotify Connect and VLC to play my personal library.
Hi, spotify connect is ON also without spotify app in the box is running? Sorry for my english.. I mean, Is it enaugh, to power on the xiaomi, and my spotify app in tablet or phone will see the xiaomi? many thanks for info
Wow I was literally just looking at this exact setup! You just answered all my questions! Thanks
Xiaomi have been making some great stuff a lot of it quite often is rebranded to other mainstream brands! Got back in to streaming recently using a Raspberry pi Zero W as a playback into a FX-Audio dac (cost more than the Pi Zero) and am using a Raspberry Pi 4 8GB as a server During testing of the playback Pi Found I could get it to do the out put to a screen thing, Love this idea as a turnkey setup (Yes I rolled my own software choices and scripts as an exercise). I am surprised by how much off the shelf stuff exists now from the bad old days back 20 odd years ago... Keep up the videos
I built my version of this setup around the Nvidia Shield. Anyone thinking about going down this path would do well to consider using the much more powerful Shield. I've run it for more than a year and simply love it. Combining the Berliner Philharmoniker's Digital Concert Hall App with the Shield's upscaled 4k video stream is outstanding! I would be happy to go into more detail on my configuration if anyone is interested.
Can't speak to the Mi-Box but Nvidia's long term support for the Shield has been solid. It has a track record of both hardware and software updates that is rare for these type of devices. I run USB out of the Shield to a Schitt Eitr (just to clean things up a bit) and then run the Eitr's SPDIF out to my Primare I15. Works great!
I own 2 Mi Box S boxes and they work pretty good, especially since I bought both of them on sale and got really good deals! The only thing I don't like right now is I bought a Dolby Atmos sound system that matched my 4K TV and these boxes don't have Atmos. So, if they don't get a software update in the future to add this, I may purchase the Nvidia Shield Pro (next version) since it has just about all sound protocols!
The synth music was on point. Excellent video as usual.
I have successfully connected this device with the behringer XR18 digtal mixer and the Topping E30 via usb. The xiaomi tv box automatically detects these devices. I've been a happy user for the last 2 years.
Just got mine today. Set up with my Cambridge cxn v2. Pretty awesome
The USB port means you can also use this with a touch-screen or touch overlay on the display and control the interface by touch... the little, cheap Raspberry Pi touch screens work great making it a very 'family-friendly' music player
Have you actually done this?
The secret lies in the magic puck. You've had it for years showing it out in the background of many of your videos throughout time and I know therein lies the secret of your Hi-Res audio gear. ;)
Ordered one up. I am kinda on the wait an see with streamers and dacs. Been using GCA into dacs for a while. I have a Marantz 8006 which has 2 optical. a coax and usb so I can hookup multiples easily. What sold me was your article which said gapless with Spotify, Tidal, and Plex, which is everything I use. It will be great to listen to Pink Floyd again. Someday I will find my perfect streamer but for now $65 on Amazon is ok with me.
Thanks John, you always think out of the box. I am still hung up to improve your Klipschiit story streamer + 2 Aegir, will let you know when it worked, This Gizmo works with Schiit yaggi as well with USB, but with dragonfly the volume is so low even when you set volume to 15 (max), is still a faint sound. I took dragonfly out and increased the device volume to 100 with Roon, no change.
You need to.update the firmware on your DragonFly.
@@DarkoAudio That did it, thanks. The original chromecast was going to 96K, Roon downgrades this to 48K and Qobuz plays CD of the same album. Did you fix this one as well. With dragonfly this one sounds way better than plain raspberry pi without HAT.
Thank you so much for that tip about connecting a USB DAC. My Sabah Da3 works perfectly. This Xiaomi box is a wonderful piece of kit and at such an affordable price!
Would you have gapless playback with Spotify connect, if you install the Spotify app on the Box?
I have an Nvidia Shield and I have my flac rips on a drive connected to it with an older onkyo receiver connected to my tv via toslink. I use Plex to serve my music as well. That way I can listen to my lossless music on my speakers I also use for the tv. Sounds great.
Thank you for finaly showing a Chromecast Audio replacement that actually features Chromecast. I'm sick of seeing videos about "the new CCA replacement" steamer (e.g. Wiim Mini), that don't actually have Chromecast.
ok
I've been looking for a Chromecast audio replacement for awhile, great find!
Had no clue you could go to such high of a vocal range for that intro. Congrats mate must of taken ages to get to that stage. hahaha
Or he just ran nuts first into a table. The treble ranges you will achieve are a marvel
Great review.👍👍👍
I have one of these. Its called Mi Box 4K and not S. What I have gathered is, both are electronically same and in India its launched as 4K. I use sound output from the mini Toslink into my amp and it sounds quite good. I use the USB port for playing contents from a HDD which it does well. After seeing this video, I tried for a USB DAC, Hiby FC3 ( I don't have a Dragonfly) but sadly it doesn't work. This has already been pointed out by John that he has not tested any other USB DACs barring Dragonfly Red. I am going to try a few more USB DACs which I have. But, even it doesn't play through USB, its a device with great versatality and features. Very happy with this.
You could also take a look at the Nvidia Shield TV. Made by Nvidia and has a ton of developer support from them.
High-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz over HDMI and USB
High-resolution audio up-sample to 24-bit/192 kHz over USB
Audio support: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, WAVE, AMR, OGG Vorbis, FLAC, PCM, WMA, WMA-Pro, WMA-Lossless, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD (pass-through), DTS-X (pass-through), and DTS-HD (pass-through)
Does it do tidal mqa over usb?
Will the Nvidia play ripped SACDs on a Plex server..
My server does but my Plex client on Fire TV won't..
I have one connected to my NAD D3020 first gen via USB. Works great. (Second gen NAD D3020 doesn’t have the USB dac capability anymore)
Is it possible to use it without connecting it to any monitor at all? Doesn't it turn on without it? I mean, after configuring it, can't I unplug it and use just the audio output?
I got the same setup.. totally eliminated the bluetooth connectivity… the only difference is i hook a tube preamp then receiver to make it more tube & warm sounding system.
Now we get the best of both worlds with this cheap tiny box.. watch movies with hdmi and listen to quality music with audio out!
I never got around to buying a Chromecast Audio as I didn’t see a need for one previously. But ever since I got my Chord Mojo with its SPDIF inputs I’ve been on the lookout for similarly portable streaming devices with SPDIF outputs for business and leisure travel. So with the Xiaomi I could be in a hotel room, hook it up to a TV, and stream music (or audio from a movie) onto my headphones and experience high quality music playback and have a useful visual interface. Yes I could also use my phone and output via USB to the Mojo but I’m typically surfing or reading emails on my phone so it’s not convenient to have the phone tethered.
Excellent. Just what I've been looking for.
Thanks for another fine springboard John. Your informative, no bull shite style fits my style and has guided my hi-fi path for some time. Checking out that Xiaomi's Mi Box S for another Roon option right on. Cheers!
Have you any views on the Arylic S50pro, supports Tidal, amongst others and has optical out.
Yes please, I have been looking for a solid review on this as well
I bought a 128 GB micro sd for my galaxy note 9. I put all of my ripped flac cds (Which arent that many) in it. I use poweramp app on my note 9 (since it has chromecast compatibility) to stream my music files over wifi to my xiaomi mi box s. Currently im using the xiaomis integrated dac by using an ordinary 3.5 mm stereo cable to connect the xiaomi to my pioneer dynamic range expander ex-9000 and then from the expander to my pioneer EQ SG-9800 and then to my harman kardon avr1610 a/v receiver with 3 harman kardon satellite speakers and a pair of Polk Audio S20 speakers. Later i will change to a decent DAC and use the mini toslink output of the xiaomi insteqd of the 3.5 mm.
As a CCA user with streaming FLAC via Plex every day from my NAS + Spotify connect usage (bought that after seeing Darkos video on it), now switched to the MiBox S immediately. I hate Samsung TIZEN Os which I have, Android TV is miles better. Also sound quality is as of now seems to be the same to me(or even a bit more dynamic than the CCA) with a Marantz PM6006 + Dali Zensor 7s. Great to have all the features of the CCA(Spotify even wakes the device from sleep), plus an alternative to the shitty OS of my TV.
Curious, do you have a multichannel receiver/amp and different speakers for the projector? I have one too and kind of wonder if I shouldn't have a strictly music system and a video system.
Thats handy that you can also use the USB to connect a dragonfly or another DAC. IN theory, you could also perhaps use the usb out to add extra digitals outs, like the Topping D10, which also gives the option of not just a TOSLINK but also SPDIF Digital Coaxial or if not the topping another type of USB to digital out connector that are cheaper to connect, i.e to a DAC/Active speakers/Amp or receiver that may only have Coax ond no toslink input. I got this handy little USB to TOSLINK and COAX converter to connect to a laptop/phone so that I can give the SCHIIT MODI a proper, full power supply (can go for a iFI 50 quid one if you like) rather than the phones power, via usb and then TOSLNIKed to the Schiit. Could do this to the Rasberry pie to prevent USB noise, cicuit jitter too.
Great video as always what music is that in the back ground?
Does the TV/monitor have to be on for it to work with streaming audio, or does it only have to be connected?
It doesn't need to be on. I don't know the exact requirements, but I've had it working with the tv turned off.
Of course it doesn’t have to be on.
Sadly, I gave my mibox s away, so i cannot test. But there is these hdmi-monitor-faker plugs which someone might be interested to use.
@@fishwinker Cool, thanks.
I'm using Nvidia Shield Pro in similar way, but I use only HDMI output to Denon AVR. So I use it for both audio and video. Tidal has Dolby Atmos music collection which is not bad and some albums sound really good. And I use Plex to stream my music library which is on Synology NAS. I tried roon for a while but didn't like it as much as Plex.
I was always thinking about getting a proper streamer/dac with MQA like Node 2i or similar but this video gave me any idea of connecting USB dac with MQA support to Nvidia Shield. But how do I decide later if I want to use the HDMI audio out or the USB dac? Or does the signal go out both all the time?
Anyone know the max sampling rate the Mi Box will pass through its optical out? The Chromecast Audio puck (I have one) will pass 96kHz. The HDMI Chromecast puck is limited to 48kHz. The Xiaomi site doesn't appear to have this spec listed.
Great question
@@mikeyevs Well, I've answered my own question. After watching John's video, I ordered a Mi Box S hoping it would behave like my Chromecast Audio device. Sadly, it does not. Digital output appears to always be fixed at 48kHz regardless of source. In my case, source was Qobuz cast from my phone. 44.1, 88.2, 96 kHz, no matter, DAC always reports 48kHz. My original Chromecast Audio puck transfers material at the correct sampling rate. My take: if you don't care about Android TV, use the $50 to buy a genuine Chromecast Audio device from ebay.
From the description box: darko.audio/2020/10/15-more-thoughts-on-the-xiaomi-mi-box-s/
@@DarkoAudio Interesting article, John. One thing, though, you say: "So if want to stream Qobuz, we have to do it via Roon over Chromecast?
Yes." I do not use Roon but I've been streaming Qobuz directly from the Qobuz Android app on my phone to the Mi Box S. Also, I found that the Mi Box optical output goes dark when a USB DAC is plugged in. Unplugging the USB cable brings the Toslink port back to life. Finally, I think I've convinced myself that routing USB digital from the Mi Box through my Topping D10 and using the Toslink out from the D10 sounds better than the direct optical out from the Mi Box. Thanks much for the reply.
Wiim mini vs Mibox s, what would be a better buy? My dac has toslink and can do asynchronous usb as well. Can the toslink output from the Wiim out perform the asynchronous audio from the Mibox usb output?
xiaomi mi box > hdmi > TV > toslink > monitors would work the same? I mean, theres any kind of loss adding a TV in between?? Nice video!!
Maybe it's been mentioned already, I've been running my Mi Box S into my pre-amp using TOSLINK to my DAC, and so far I can play Spotify without a HDMI connection using Spotify Connect or Google Cast. Not sure what output quality it is though (most likely 48kHz) DAC is VERY budget 😅
How does the sound quality compare to the allo digione setup? I wonder if there is an app that can turn android tv into a proper Roon endpoint and avoid sound going through internal android tv resampling.
Great i have an important question does this mibox support any eq app through digital optical out? I have one in my drawer i use it often for casual music. But i have an lg soundbar too which I'm using with my pc via spdif and i use apo eq software for tuning the sound to my taste..if the mibox support eq app through opt then it would be great to listen and control via bluetooth.
Again I say thanks for these type videos.
Tried connecting it to my dac through USB and nothing. Is there anything else you have to do besides connecting the cable?
Aaaaaaand Google just released the new Chromecast with Google TV. That's going to be my new streaming device.
new... no optic, no usb.....
@@КонстантинН-ш2ь agree I was so hoping there would be an optical out so I could stream music to it without having to turn on my TV. I won't be buying it
I think there are better options if you need optical or USB outputs for audio. You're still going to need a display to navigate the interface, even with a Mibox, so you might as well cut the clutter and get a dedicated audio streamer.
The Mii box is great. We're using it in the sommerhouse as a cheap alternative to an ATV4. The hardware quality isn't as good as the ATV4, but it costs only a third :-)
Hi John one question if I connect the Chromcast HDMI " not the audio Chromcat " direct to a reciver with HDMI inputs that play 24/192 its work for Hi Res or I need to connect via coax or optic? This is how I have it, HDMI Chromcast to HDMI reciver in and HDMI reciver out to tv so I can see everything and cast from my ipod Qobuz to the Chromcast
Great video thank you. Maybe a worthy replacement option to my sonos port feeding my patio speakers. I feel like the audio quality took a few steps back from my aging ZP90 that sounds great. Thanks again.
Hi , can i use this box with my hiby fc1 USB dac.
Thx John. Very interesting. How does the toslink out compare to the ChromecastAudio dongle in terms of sound quality?
just bought it. for me it sounds better than the CCA. with a PM6006 + Dali Zensor 7s
Just placed an order...Thanks
I just love Darkos Reviews. What about using HDMI as audio output? HDMI ist digital and can transfer 32 bit, 192khz since the 1.3 Standard. So a really good AV Receiver with a good dac should sound superb. Or not?
Great Question! Someone please answer this one ☝️☝️☝️
I almost never start my tv when streaming music with this so you dont have to have the tv turned on at least "i use spotify and kodi
Can anyone tell me if the Xiaomi / Tidal android app combination will stream MQA? I currently stream to an external Chromecast connected to a Sony AV Amp, but Tidal only streams to this in Hi-Fi, not MQA.
It's the same situation for me. No MASTER quality when streaming to Chromecast Audio
Nice review. Now if you drew this chain from source to speaker in a block diagram, then with each of the steps to another device, service, domain, data format, (i.e. block in the diagram), I would a) worry and b) ask why.
What if you downloaded music from a service to a local thingy that directly plays into your DAC? Or played a CD? Where does each of the steps implied here benefit you, us?
I'm not critical in the sense I doubt this approach to a chain here, just curious.
It's a bit like audio chain architecture - what do you do where? Do you do "crossover" after the power amp in a passive speaker, or in the early pre-amplifier stage, or somewhere in between as in active speakers.
My feeling is, to quote an architect of the past, less is more.
I agree. Except this video should have been made 5 or 6 years ago.😃 My nexus player still going strong...same exact thing since 2016 (and many other android tv devices)...however for streaming audio (plex lossless gapless) the raspberry pi option is far superior IMHO, with either plex player or plexamp, headless or with a now playing screen.
Also chromecast requires the internet to connect where as plex fling does not.
Also google often decides your casting content is available on and installed app and initiates that app rather than casting. You can get around this with specific router settings to prevent google using their dns but....such a drama.
Plex flinging is better, faster and google has no control over my data.
Can't you mount the Mi Box to the backside of the mini-monitor? (velcro?)
I have tried to connect DACs to the USB output of the Xiaomi mi box S 2nd generation......and it does not work at all. (ifi zen air dac and dragonfly black)
Me too, this 2nd gen is utter garbage
So I have a different android box a Tanix T6. I was able to install Amazon Music on it and I'm subscribed to the HD tier. I also have no TV and use a projector so the T6 is connected over HDMI to my AV receiver which feeds video to the projector and plays sounds through its internal dac etc. But here's the thing - Amazon Music through the HDMI is sending the video part fine but audio is only in standard definition. Does anyone have any insights as to why? Will using toslink audio work better? Or should I change my T6 for a Xiaomi? Would that work better?
I am using this as a streamer in my audio setup
The Rural Alberta Advantage. Clever lyrics and guitar I think you'd like.
Hi Darko.I enjoy your honest reviews and new ways of doing things.Keep it up.I wanted to know if you can provide a like where I can buy the metal cast you used to hold the Xiomi box on this video
Is the Mi Box (without S) also capable of digital out? And what kind of cable is needed for this?
I already have the Mi Box and want to connect it to my tv with an AV receiver (NAD t755) in between. Is it better to use only HDMI or put also the optical in the AV and seperatie audio and video? Thanks
Hi John, great video like always, I have only one thing, I saw in some discussions, that chromecast downgrade spotify highest bitrate about 30% down.. by tidal no problem..
Yes, Chromecast Spotify is 256kbps. But this restriction doesn't apply to the native Android TV OS app.
@@DarkoAudio many thanks for worthy info John..
If I buy some external monitor with 10 inch display with hdmi and connect him to chromecast than Roon will be capable transfer artwork to this external monitor?
Doesn´t matter if I played Roon through AirPlay on my receiver? Thanks
Can I stream music also without any screen, with spotify connect on my telephone app directly when toslink connected to my amp?
Is this better than the Heos app for Tidal (on Marantz receiver)?
Javier Ruiz de Somocurcio I use it my Denon with Tidal. Sounds great!
I have one of these box. I'm using it with the USB DAC Topping E50. My experience is that Tidal streaming over Chromecast Connect sounds much much better the the Tidal native app. Why?
I've been doing this with the older version I didn't think it was a really big deal though but this is how I had it hooked up in my car to get optical to my sound processor because I have a monitor in the back for people to watch stuff and I used to listen to music through it I just didn't think that this guy would think it was that hot and sound quality or anything but he is right though the Google audio caster is very very good I have one of those too
Hey John, this is off topic. I have the Oppo ha2 and ifi nano. Would the chord mojo be an upgrade. Just trying to justify the $$$. I enjoy your videos and expertise.
Thanks
Russ
Wow John. Creative and very useful stuff.
I have two CC Audios i control with IOS ipad mini (Tidal for a while, Google Play Music for years now sadly 🙁 TH-cam Music, Radio Paradise and Local storage files) and connected 1 with optical to my AVR and 1 with 3.5mm to bedroom integrated amp I love them! BUT Recently I found to my delight Chromecast HD is now capable of feeding into my AVR without my Plasma TV (old school) be required - I was chuffed! Now i’m trying to figure if uncompressed via HDMI is better than the optical via the CC audio. I think i hear more details but not as warm rounded as the optical. Which should be the best?
Sir, can be use MiBox to even listen to Hi-Res songs on Tidal like to the MQA ones ?
Hello John, great review! One question: If I attach my dragonfly to the usb, does it stream at mqa quality while playing Tidal Masters? Cheers!
No, I don't think it will as Android OS isn't bitperfect.
USB Audio Player Pro on an Android phone can stream Tidal bit-perfect to a DAC. Not sure if it is supported on Android TV devices either from Play Store or side loading the apk.
Hi! Currently I use a Mi Box S connected via USB with a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 (MQA support) and it does not transmit Tidal Master while playing MQA quality.. When I want to listen to an album in MQA quality, I just plug the USB into my Macbook
Did you tested it with a dac like Dac Magic? Should it work?
Very interesting video! How would you describe the audio quality when you stream spotify and just use the build in aux audio output? Is it okay enough for a high quality sound system?
[clears throat] MI MI MI MIIIIIII
The application Hi-Fi Cast allows gapless with Chromecast.
Looks like the Mi Box S can be a super nice combo with the Schiit Modi.
I have almost the same setup, but my peachtree is a very old model, that I use as preamp and DAC. I have had the xiaomi box like for 1,5 years maybe and cost me 40€ then. If you have a dumb TV like mine old Plasma TV then is a really nice product to use.
Can I connect the XIaomi Box through the USB Output to a Desk Dac?
Does it work with Amazon HD? Can you use it without the screen and cast from the Amazon app on the phone?
Hmmm this and my Mojo sounds like a plan. Thank you John :-)
Ok,
So bitperfect if using something like plex - by turning up the volume all the way on the Mi Box S, running a usb program through the usb side. Anything I missed here? If running tidal through this unit’s app selection, is it suddenly bitperfect?
Lastly, what about Amazon HD? Would that be possible this way, and would the quality get up to at least redbook (or even higher)?
Sorry for the loaded question! Thanx to all 🙏🏼
Thanks for the video! I had a Mibox in my drawer, not in use... so I decided to start using it for music streaming using Chromecast. I am not an audiophile, so my question is probably too basic.
I have the impression that the volume on my amp is very low using my Mibox... I have to turn volume knob until the very end to have high volume. Does it mean I need a preamp? I am using the Mibox with a Schiit stack (Modi 3 DAC with Modi amp).
Awesome to see Soulwax John!