2. home-theater
  3. 189358-189576

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
soix
9,810 posts
 

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.

moverton99 OP
30 posts
 

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.

soix
9,810 posts
 

Nicely done!  I should have you audio shop for me.  A wise man once said “yeah the waiting is the hardest part.”  Do you have an additional interconnect to run from the Yammy’s preout to the Hegel’s HT bypass?

moverton99 OP
30 posts
 

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
9,810 posts
 

Honestly, for this application I’d use anything you already have on hand unless you just feel like spending more $.

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