Emphasis on stereo but need a complete solution.

@soix  "If the “Audio Out” on the back of the Yammy is just a front L/R line out you will only need a stereo preamp to do what you’re looking for."

The audio outs on the yamaha are for recording.  They don't respond to volume and according to other posts by owners, shut down when the source is hdmi.  The manual tells you not to use it for input to anything other than recording.  Weird.

" Alternatively you could retire the NAD and get a good integrated amp "

Actually, the NAD is currently retired.  Sitting on a shelf for 15 years.  It's just available if needed (even if temporary while I source another amp).

So, basically replace the rx-v375 with a model that has pre-outs, connect them to the Hegel H190 for the mains and use the Hagel for the streaming input, dac, preamp, and amp for stereo.  Not a bad idea.  

I was kind of hoping to keep the amp portion of stereo separate from the streaming/dac/preamp.  Just because the digital stuff goes obsolete faster than amps.

Thanks

@soix I just found an open box H190 for 2k.  Read the pro reviews, a lot of good reviews and seems perfect for my use.  I bought it.  Now I'll look for the Yamaha RX-A2A or equivalent.  Great suggestion, thanks.

Amazon had the Yamaha for 599$ new (not refurb).  I get 5% back so only 75$ more than the AccesoriesForLess refurb.  And I can walk into whole foods and return it without questions, shipping, etc.  Done.  Now just need to wait.

Good point.  It looks like the only choice is RCA unbalanced.  Fine with me for movies/tv.  I have a few decent one around.  I should pick up something short and good quality.  Not sure how much that cable matters???

@soix I did mess up it and bought the 120, they had both open box and somehow swapped without noticing.  I just changed it with the vendor to the 190.  Another 700$ but still good deal.  Thanks for the heads up.  Good catch.  

@deep_333 I don't need more than what the A2A can provide for the center and surrounds.  They are relatively tiny and I don't have any plans on something larger there.  I'm only moving the front left/right to the Hagel.

So, I have this now:

• Totem Wind left right
• Energy Center and Surround
• Yamaha RX-A@A receiver
• Hegel H190 from yamaha preouts for mains

Music uses just the Hegel and Totems with airplay as a source for now. Will be adding Tidal or Qubuz at some point.

It took 6 hours for me to rewire, setup receiver, amp, etc. Lots of little menu’s and frustrations but mostly done.

It sounds terrific although my room has a lot of reflective glass and stone.

Some frustrations:

• Yamaha only allows the sub cutoff down to 40hz. The totem can handle down to 24hz. I don’t use the sub for music anyway (Yamaha is out of the picture for music) so not terrible. Just wonder why Yamaha would assume no one has speakers than handle less than 40hz.
• I think I am not getting the full low frequency to the Totems when playing music. I need to investigate that.
• Hegel has an auto-shutdown, but does not turn on automatically. No trigger input either. So I just leave it on with display off.
• Yamaha has a calibration mike but the cord is not long enough to reach the room with the speakers so I can’t use it, I have not fully setup the surround levels and distances yet. Sounds fine for tv/movies so far but should be adjusted.
• I'm surprised the Hegel doesn't have a sub low level output.  Not sure I need it with the Totems but seems odd.

@soix "You should be able to use the Hegel’s variable line level output with your sub if desired."

Ah, I didn’t think of that. Although I’m not sure how I’d hook that up. I do need it for the movie stuff so my sub is hooked up to the Yamaha. It only has one RCA input. But maybe I can just move it to the Hegel and whatever low frequency is going to the fronts will go to the sub. I just hope the Yamaha can be set to not filter anything from the pre-outs.