AudiocRaver
Loved and Remembered Emeritus Reviewer
More
- Preamp, Processor or Receiver
- Onkyo TX-SR705 Receiver
- Main Amp
- Crown XLS 1502 DriveCore-2 (x2 as monoblock)
- Additional Amp
- Behringer A500 Reference Power Amplifier
- Front Speakers
- MartinLogan Electromotion ESL Electrostatic (x2)
- Center Channel Speaker
- Phantom Center
- Surround Speakers
- NSM Audio Model 5 2-Way (x2)
- Subwoofers
- JBL ES150P Powered Subwoofer (x2)
One of the fun outcomes from making a major move and having most of my gear in boxes and, shall we say, “less than optimally organized,” is that once in awhile I cannot find a piece that I REALLY need and end up ordering a new one. In some cases it leads to an upgrade of sorts, because the technology has advanced and better gear is out there to be had in the desired price range.
My Onkyo AVR died in a plumbing accident first night after the movers delivered - do NOT PM for details - and do not joke about it, it’s much too soon - sniff - and the trusty HDMI audio extractor that I have used off and on for 3+ years is not to be found. The audio outputs are handy for setting up and diagnosing a configuration, although the quality of those outputs is not specified and I have chosen not to trust them as “mains” quality system DACs. The TOSLINK output is first-rate, and I have used it quite a bit, although still usually in transition while setting up my new configuration.
So the hunt began for a new HDMI switch / matrix / audio extractor / selector / controller. The number of options to wade through is dizzying, including…
Video options:
Audio options:
Some come with a simple remote. The number of HDMI input and output ports can be 1, 2, 3, up to… infinity, apparently, with an Ethernet-based HDMI distribution system.
After a couple hours of research and adding different models to wish and bookmark lists, I realized that this unit was destined to become a central piece of tear in my new setup, and should be a solid piece with decent functionality that will last awhile.
Uses:
The selected source will go to:
Out1 - work monitor 1
Out2 - work monitor 2
Out3 - Dirac Live > Main video and audio system
Sources:
Right now gravitating toward a no-AVR option with a miniDSP nanoAVR-DL with Dirac Live - Dirac Live will be available for all sources - and a miniDSP nanoAVR HDA with its 8 analog outputs for filtering, time adjustment and bass management as needed, and as the system DAC. Some functions, such as ARC, handling of non-PCM signals might be nice, not are not supported by the miniDSP units.
Here is what I am looking at currently:
Any suggestions or thoughts?
My Onkyo AVR died in a plumbing accident first night after the movers delivered - do NOT PM for details - and do not joke about it, it’s much too soon - sniff - and the trusty HDMI audio extractor that I have used off and on for 3+ years is not to be found. The audio outputs are handy for setting up and diagnosing a configuration, although the quality of those outputs is not specified and I have chosen not to trust them as “mains” quality system DACs. The TOSLINK output is first-rate, and I have used it quite a bit, although still usually in transition while setting up my new configuration.
So the hunt began for a new HDMI switch / matrix / audio extractor / selector / controller. The number of options to wade through is dizzying, including…
Video options:
- HDMI spec level - 2.0, 1.4, 1.3
- HDCP spec level - 2.2
- “4K, 4K Ultra HD, 4K x 2K @ 60Hz…”
- “Full HD, 1080P, Full 3D...”
- Many variations on Ultra, Full, HD, Mhz, Ghz, Hz, 3D...
- ARC
- CEC
- EDID
- HDR
- MHL
- PIP
- 4 Display Multiviewer, 9-Display Multiviewer
Audio options:
- Audio-only HDMI output
- SPDIF
- Toslink
- RCA / Aux / Headphone Output
- 2.0 / 5.1 / 7.1 / LPCM / Passthrough / Dolby True-HD, DTS-HD, AC3, DSD
Some come with a simple remote. The number of HDMI input and output ports can be 1, 2, 3, up to… infinity, apparently, with an Ethernet-based HDMI distribution system.
After a couple hours of research and adding different models to wish and bookmark lists, I realized that this unit was destined to become a central piece of tear in my new setup, and should be a solid piece with decent functionality that will last awhile.
Uses:
- Music listening
- Equipment Evaluation and Reviews
- Recording and Mixing
- Movies/Video
- Writing
- Surfing
The selected source will go to:
Out1 - work monitor 1
Out2 - work monitor 2
Out3 - Dirac Live > Main video and audio system
Sources:
- ASUS Laptop
- Chromebook
- Music production system - 2 or 3 displays
- Dedicated REW Laptop
- Raspberry Pi Server
- Sony Bluray
- Roku
Right now gravitating toward a no-AVR option with a miniDSP nanoAVR-DL with Dirac Live - Dirac Live will be available for all sources - and a miniDSP nanoAVR HDA with its 8 analog outputs for filtering, time adjustment and bass management as needed, and as the system DAC. Some functions, such as ARC, handling of non-PCM signals might be nice, not are not supported by the miniDSP units.
Here is what I am looking at currently:
- 6 HDMI inputs
- 2 or 3 HDMI outputs
- True Matrix
- Remote
- Toslink and headphone outputs
Any suggestions or thoughts?
