TV-> Node (N132) -> Naim Superuniti: Advice on HDMI ARC vs. Optical; & Volume Control

Answered
Branon

I feel this must have been answered in the community posts already but after some searching I could not find one with a similar situation.

I’m planning to purchase the  Bluesound Node (N132) to modernize the streaming capabilities of my system. My plan is to use the Node as a streamer/transport and feed it into my Naim Superuniti (acting as the DAC + Integrated Amp).

I have a specific use case regarding TV audio and volume control that I need help clarifying before I buy.

My Setup:

  • Streamer: Bluesound Node (N132) [Planned]

  • Amp/DAC: Naim Superuniti

  • TV: Sony Bravia (Regular Channels plus Apple TV 4K)

 I want to use the Node for Qobuz, AirPlay, music stored on my NAS, and TV audio.

My Questions:

1. TV Connection and TV Speakers: HDMI ARC vs. Optical  My wife prefers using the internal TV speakers for casual viewing. Currently, I run an Optical cable from the TV to the Naim. This allows the TV speakers to work independently; if I want better sound, I just activate the optical input on the Naim.

  •  If I switch to HDMI eARC/ARC on the Node, will CEC force the TV to mute its internal speakers and route audio only to the Node?

  • Can I use HDMI ARC for the convenience (wake-on-LAN, etc.) but still easily revert to TV speakers-only when the HiFi is off, or should I stick to Optical to ensure this flexibility?

  • In terms of sound coming from the TV, what are the advantages of HDMI-arc vs Optical? Since its a stereo setup, I am not looking for Dolby Atmos.

2. Node to Naim Connection For the connection between the Node and the Naim Superuniti:

  • Is there a consensus on Coax vs. Optical for this specific pairing?

3. Volume Control I would prefer to use the BluOS app (or the Node’s volume slider) as my primary volume control for all sources (Qobuz, TV, etc.), rather than juggling the Naim remote/app. Is this possible? The Superuniti does not have any AV bypass as far as I know.

Thanks.

 

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Comments

2 comments

Date Votes
  • Official comment
    Mark T.
    Sr. Support Crew Member
    • Edited

    Hi Branon,

    Using HDMI ARC, the TV will usually switch audio away from its internal speakers and send sound to the NODE. Some TVs allow you to switch back to the TV speakers, but this depends on the TV and CEC settings.

    For a stereo setup, HDMI ARC does not sound better than optical. ARC mainly adds convenience features.

    Both coax and optical will work well between the NODE and the third party amplifier . It really depends with your preference.

    This can be done but you will have to set your third party amplifier to the max or higher volume which is not ideal.

    Hope this helps. If you need 1:1 assistance, please reach out to us by email at support@bluesound.com and we are here to help you.

    Thanks for #LivingHiFi

  • Branon

    Thank you for the very helpful reply.

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