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

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.  IF that audio out is what I described you just hook that from the AVR into into the HT bypass (or other unused input) on the stereo preamp and also hook your streaming source into the stereo pre and you’re pretty much done.  Your 2-channel will be completely separate from the HT signal path, and all you need to do to switch between stereo and HT is switch to the appropriate input on the stereo pre and that’s it — it’s a beautiful thing.  A preamp with an HT bypass input makes this easier and more seamless to do as no volume matching is required between the AVR and stereo pre.  Alternatively you could retire the NAD and get a good integrated amp — again preferably with an HT bypass input — and that’d work too.  Hope this helps, and best of luck.

@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).

The RXV375 is useless in terms of what you’re trying to accomplish so I’d just cut bait and sell it to partially offset the cost of getting something that’ll actually work for you.  If I’m you I’d take a good look at this highly regarded Hegel H190 integrated and Yammy Aventage AVR that fall within your budget, will do what you’re looking for and will likely sound excellent in your system.  Just one idea FWIW.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb956b-hegel-h190-integrated-amp-with-dac-and-streamer-solid-state

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa2a-rb/yamaha-rx-a2a-7.2-ch-x-100-watts-a/v-receiver/1.html