2. home-theater
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2.2 Channel System Processor Suggestions

Currently setting up a 2.2 channel system that I will be using for my home theater (have no plans of adding more speakers). I have a pair of ML ESL9's, a NAD m22 power amp as well as two ML 1100X subs and want to use balance connects for all equipment. 
My question is, do I need to buy a Pre/Pro, like the NAD m17 or Anthem AVM60, or is there a scaled down piece of equipment that would work just as well? Most Pre/Pro's have 11 or 13 channels, which is obviously overkill, but I still need something that can support 4k HDMI, has balanced outputs, and would prefer a good room correction software, like Dirac or ARC.
jimmy225
big_greg
6,632 posts
 
You don't want to send the audio from the TV to the preamp.  Connect the audio from your playback device(s) directly to your preamp.  If your bluray player has analog (RCA) outputs, connect those to the preamp and send the video to the TV through an HDMI cable.  Make sense?  Not all bluray players will have analog outs, but most higher end ones will.  My Oppo 4K player and my Roku both have RCA outs.
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
jimmy225 is most likely asking because, like many other TV consumers, he is using a smart TV with Netflix/Spotify apps built in.  Like big_greg stated, this is never the best way to stream audio to an HT processor or preamp.  Much better to investigate streaming media players, such as Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire.  Or move up to higher end streamers such as Zappiti, Zidoo, Dune.
dolfan
109 posts
 
Volume control? I am setting up a similar 2.1 system. Thank you for this thread jimmy225! 
jimmy225 OP
14 posts
 
I do have a smart tv but I’m certainly not opposed to adding a streaming device. The setup I’m looking for would include a ps4, cable box, (Apple TV), so at least 3 HDMI connects, and a Turntable with a phono pre. Additionally two speakers and two subs. The closest thing I’ve found, that’s not a pre/pro is the Nad m12. The only problem with that is it doesn’t have balanced outs for the subs
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
The Classe Sigma 2200i is a integrated amp with HDMI inputs and a subwoofer crossover.  It has one subwoofer output, so you'd have to use a Y-splitter cable.

Otherwise, you're looking at a full HT pre/pro.  The Bryston SP3 and Krell Foundation are only 7.1 processors (they don't have 13-15 channels).  The Bryston has fully discrete Class A analog output stages, so it's much like a high end preamp.
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