Recommended receiver for HT

Tim,

Currently thinking of a solution to a problem that entails using one SMS-1 with the HGS-15s for HT and the other SMS-1 with the HGS-10s for music. That is, Bryston SP3 to a SMS-1 for HT, Ayre KX-5/20 to the other for music, with no sharing. That would be counter to the array concept, but would simplify setup.  I may have enough HGS-10s that with the Optima 12, I could muster 3 & 3.  Of course, that's after the two HGS-15s and HGS-10 are returned from repair.

db

dbphd:
"Tim,
Currently thinking of a solution to a problem that entails using one SMS-1 with the HGS-15s for HT and the other SMS-1 with the HGS-10s for music. That is, Bryston SP3 to a SMS-1 for HT, Ayre KX-5/20 to the other for music, with no sharing. That would be counter to the array concept, but would simplify setup. I may have enough HGS-10s that with the Optima 12, I could muster 3 & 3. Of course, that’s after the two HGS-15s and HGS-10 are returned from repair.

db"

Hello DB,

I believe I have a bias toward using a single shared system for the playback of music, TV and HT that consists of utilizing the exceptional benefits of a complete 4-sub DBA system on all three. FYI, I usually just include TV watching as part of HT because I use the same 5.4 surround system for both and for simplicity’s sake.
I think I’ve developed this bias due to the mental and physical experimenting efforts I invested into its creation as a personal system solution and the fact that it works so well for me. My current combination music and HT system requires no switching of wires or even the pushing of remote buttons, all switching between uses occurs automatically with my source selection chosen by just inserting a Blu-ray disc in my Oppo 105 or just selecting a channel on my Xfinity cable TV remote. The only exception is 2-channel stereo music listening that requires turning on my NAS hard drive and selecting a music track or album to playback on my laptop. The music begins playing automatically but, when done and I want to watch TV/ HT for example, I do need to select the HDMI input on the Oppo remote to switch the input source.
However, I now better understand that taking advantage of the amazing capabilities and versatility of the Oppo player is the key enabling this seamless system integration and ease of use. I’ve learned through the experiences of attempting to help others to achieve this same level of seamless integration and ease of use, it requires they also need to utilize an Oppo 105, 105D or 205 player as a limited input preamp, CD and movie disc player as well as the player in a hi-res digital music file system. If they prefer to use a specific separate preamp for music, as I originally did, it makes things a lot more difficult and requires additional switching and compromises or a lot more noodling on a solution.
Unfortunately, I believe seamless integration of a music and a HT system into a well functioning single shared combination system requires the use of a top model Oppo player, or similar player, and the only alternative solutions I’m aware of require a good amount of switching or two separate systems or a bigger noodle than I possess.


Later,
Tim

Tim,

Last night my wife declared the vocal clarity of the NAD M22 paired with the NHT Zero+ inadequate for TV, so I think my idea of an energy efficient system for TV may be out.  We instead will use the KEF Ref 1s with the Ayre preamp and amp and whatever source is selected: TV, Roon endpoint (Ayre), or disc player (Ayre or Oppo).  That also solves the sub woofer array problem; there will be 2 HGS-15s and 2 HGS-10s after repairs.  It's time to reprogram the Harmony One.  

I will explore the Audioengine 2+ for TV audio -- my wife has previously been satisfied with its vocal clarity, the speakers are low enough to clear the bottom the projection screen, and I think it can connect directly to the Oppo, perhaps via USB.

db

Hello DB,

     By the way, do you want me to call you DB or do you prefer something else?
     Okay, I think I've got it.  
     You're going to use the Ayre CD player, Roon, Ayre KX5 preamp, VX5 amp and the KEF Ref 1s for music playback.
      You're going to use the Ayre preamp, amp and Ref1s doing double duty for TV  and HT playback along with the Oppo 205 for video disc playback (connected via HDMI to the SP3) and the Bryston SP3 for 7.1 surround sound with the NAD amps and KEF LS50s attached to the SP3 for side and rear surround channels. 
     The two SMS-1s, along with the four subs connected, will be attached to the Ayre preamp.  You'll be able to select through the Ayre preamp whether the Ref 1s play the l+r stereo channels for music or the l+r front channels for TV and HT.


Does this sound right? If so, I think it's a good plan.


I'm not familiar with the AudioEngine 2+ for TV audio but I'm going to research it later tonight.


Later,
Tim

Tim,

I prefer db.

The Audioengine 2+ worked out well for TV, so the system for music will remain Ayre preamp and amp to KEF Ref 1s, sourced by the Ayre digital hub or Ayre disc player.  This system will be supplemented by the Bryston SP-3 for distributing surround channels to a pair of Class D NAD amps that drive KEF LS50s side and rear speakers.  Output from the Ayre preamp goes to the master SMS-1 that's daisy-chained to a slave SMS-1.

I'm currently using Cox TV through the Oppo 205 to the Audioengine, but tomorrow I'll try Cox TV directly to the AE.  I plan to use the Oppo 205 in another setup.

db