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)
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 |
So then just get an integrated amp with no DAC/streaming capabilities and a separate DAC and streamer to plug into it — this setup still works great. I still wouldn’t overlook the H190 though as it’s a great integrated amp and has the juice to drive your Totems. |
@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. |
Wow. Great find and congrats! Definitely consider the link I included above for the Yammy. Many people here have bought from them and they get high marks — great prices for basically new gear with full warranty is hard to beat, and you avoid the potential risks of buying used. BTW I’m a big fan of Yamaha AVRs for both their sound quality and, very importantly, their reliability. Happy hunting! Incidentally, the streamer/DAC in the H190 are decent and certainly very capable of getting you going, but there’s definitely more to be had with a better separate streamer and DAC down the road if you so desire, and the H190 is a good enough integrated to that it’ll scale up and grow with it if/when you decide to up your streaming game. Looking forward to hearing what you think once it’s up and running and after it has at least 100 hours of break in on it. 🤞🤞🤞. Oh, forgot to mention I’m also a big fan of Totem speakers — one of my faves. |
