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Emphasis on stereo but need a complete solution.

So I started trying to fix my stereo output from apple music and have ended up realizing I need to replace the middle of my system.  I only have two real sources of audio video, Firestick and a streaming music service.  

For tv/movies, I don’t care all that much.  Mostly watch baseball, nice if movie sound is decent. Only source is Firestick 4K

For stereo, I do care.  I want the Totems driven as well as possible.  Source Tidal, Qubuz, Apple???

I have a 30 year old NAD 2 channel 2100 amp- I could use for the Totems but willing to replace.

Also have Yamaha – RX-V375 Receiver which I could use for the surrounds.  I don't want it in the signal path to the mains (Totems)

So I care most about the DAC, Preamp, and 2 of the 5.1 channels of the amp(s)

Would rather have the amp(s) separate from the digital stuff.

I used to know audio but stopped paying much attention years ago and somewhat confused by the digital side.  I am a programmer but just don’t keep up with audio formats much.

Cost is definitely a factor.  Used stuff is ok with me and usually more cost effective.  Would like to stay under 3k-ish.

I think I’m breaking the problem down correctly but chime in if not.  Mainly just want to figure out how to break out the components.

What do I put in the middle where it says  ***(What goes here???  

 

Existing system:

Video source:FireStick 4k  ->  

TV:  4K HDMI Input ->  Sony 85" Class X90CL Series 4K  -> 4k HDMI output ->

***(What goes here???   Decode HDMI, Streams Tidal, preamp, amp) ->

Mains: Totem Winds for left/ right mains  - 80-250 watt, 4 ohms, 87 dB sensitivity, 24-21 khz +-3db

Surrounds: Energy center, rears  -No specs, decent, not very important to me

Active Sub (maybe removed if the Winds can handle the lows for movies, don’t need sub for music)

moverton99
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dbphd
1,628 posts
 

I rarely used the surround setup in our HT because of the bother, so I installed a Sony HT A9 SW5.  Now immersive surround is always available.  What I didn't expect was how good the HT A9 SW5 setup would be for music.  The sources are eARC via an 85" Sony, discs via an Oppo 205, Roon via a Nucleus, all HDMI.

I could be happy with that as our only system, but I use a KEF LS60 with a pair of KC62 subs and an Ayre DX-5 DSD in the living room,  I kept an Ayre AX-7e integrated, C5xeMP disc player, and Thorens TD 124/SME III to use with KEF Reference 1s for nostalgia.  I plan to sell racks of Ayre gear, the Bryston SP3 processor, and maybe the 3 Velodyne HGS-15 subs.

The point is, with new technology it's no longer necessary to spend lots of money buying lots of components to achieve very good sound,

goodlistening64
92 posts
 

@moverton99 old thread but don’t forget to use the Yammy controls to match the sensitivity levels of your different manufactured speakers. For instance, if the Totems are rated at 89 dB and the Energy center and surrounds are 91db, then increase the Totems - front left and right- 2 db to get equal volume levels with all channels. Yamaha manual will tell you how to do this.

moverton99 OP
30 posts
 

@goodlistening64 Good point. I have not really calibrated the surround setup. The Yamaha microphone won’t reach from the equipment room to the listening room. May need to find an extension or something. It sounds "ok" now. Your post reminded of of this so going on amazon for a 1/8" jack extension cable. Thanks.

The two channel music is perfect now. Got one of those Bluesound nodes and coax into the hegel.

 

 

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