Thanks for the responses. Yes, I have heard the 803D4s, and really liked how they sound. Its a bigger, more in your chest kind of sound compared to my CM9s. Clearer too, but that could have been due the store's treated room, nice big amps etc. I do have the option to return if I'm not happy for some reason.
Regarding 2ch + HT, that is my use case as well. I'm going to try just 2 ch mode first for music, without sub on. Didn't think they needed one, but my room could. I will also try my x4300h + emotiva xpa-3 combo first, and decide later on an amp upgrade.
I believe the x4300h has the AK4458 DAC, so I'll try that first, streaming from an Nvidia shield. I cast Tidal music to the Shield from my phone. Another option is to get an external DAC (with/out streamer) and use the CD analog in on the receiver. I don't think there is a way to turn off internal front amps in the Denon.
For the pre-outs, here's the spec from Denon.,
Analog
| |
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Input sensitivity: | 200 mV |
Frequency response: | 10 Hz – 100 kHz — +1, –3 dB (Direct mode) |
S/N: | 102 dB (IHF–A weighted, Direct mode) |
Distortion: | 0.005 % (20 Hz – 20 kHz) (Direct mode) |
Rated output: | 1.2 V |
Does that 1.2V specify the pre-out voltage? I think the emotiva has a 1.5V input sensitivity, so I'm likely not getting full power from the amp (although, the max I go is about 70 to 75dB on the Denon, which gives me 75+ dBSPL at MLP).
One last thing. I will spring for the Umik -1 microphone and use REW to play around, and compare to Audyssey.
@Gary4321 do you use any EQ in music mode? I'd rather not, but for now, it does sound better on the CM9s. +1 on Diana Krall. Actually going to see her live next month.