Advice: AVR vs Streamer & Amp

[Randmusrnm7v42]

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to get some advice on what gear to purchase for my system. I have a 2.2 channel system that I use for Movies, TV, and Gaming.

I'm giving my AVR to a friend (Denon AVR-S950H) and looking to replace it with something new.

I'm unsure if I should just get a new AVR or something like a WiiM Ultra and an Amp (Nord Hypex NC252MP).

My question: What are the benefits of the AVR? I don't really understand the whole AVR down-sampling multichannel content to 2.1.

Since my use-case is Movies, TV, and Gaming - would an AVR be the better choice?

I was considering the Denon x3800h on sale ($1000) - but a friend told me since I only have 2 speakers I would be better of with the WiiM Ultra and a good amp.

My Equipment:
Speakers: Arendal 1723 THX Monitors
Subs: HSU VTF-15H MK2
AVR: Denon S950h

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[kyuu]

I know it's been a while, but I only just saw your post so hopefully you're still around.

If you haven't made a decision on this already, my first concern would be the two subs. Generally to get a proper integration of multiple subs you need multiple independent subwoofer channels. You won't get that with the Wiim. You'd have to add something like a miniDSP 2x4 HD and use MSO to set up your subs properly.

Unless you want the streaming features of the Wiim, you might consider a miniDSP Flex. You can add Dirac Live room correction if desired and any 2-channel amp you like. Although at that point you are coming somewhat close to the price range of a refurbished X3800H. The AVR route would do what you want and be less fuss for sure, but the miniDSP plus amp route would be more performant and more flexible.

As for the advantages of an AVR, for a stereo setup there really isn't any asides from the less fuss, all-in-one-box nature of it. Well that and the plethora of input connections. How many sources do you have? You generally shouldn't need downmixing of multichannel content as your sources should give you a proper stereo mix.

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi, also just noticed this.

You want to integrate two subs and your use case includes movies and games as well as 'just' music....

Go with the AVR; it does all that by design, includes room correction and if you ever decide to go full home-theatre it's waiting for you. Add a WiiM mini (or use a PC/Laptop if handy) for streaming and you are good to go.

Enjoy

 

[Randmusrnm7v42]

Hey, thanks for the replies!

My input sources are an Apple TV (Plex), a Windows PC, and a PS5 console. I don't really do music on this system. Mostly movies, tv, and gaming.

Everything is connected to an LG C9 OLED TV. Then I use eARC to the AVR and speakers.

I've already decided against the WiiM. How difficult would it be to setup the miniDSP Flex with Dirac vs an AVR? My knowledge/experience is pretty basic. I pretty much just use an AVR, run room correction, and call it a day.

With that being said, I am interested in learning how to get the best sound out of my speakers and subs. I just purchased a Umik-1 and was getting ready to experiment with REW.

I'm also planning to buy the Nord Hypex amp. I'm trying to decide between an AVR and something like the miniDSP Flex with Dirac. I don't plan to add more speakers so I was leaning toward the miniDSP.

The miniDSP seems a little intimidating with how complex it is though lol. Do you think that's something an average person could setup?