Best Stereo with Multiple HDMI Inputs

[Chanur]

My wife and I have decided to stay with 2.X audio for the foreseeable future. With that in mind what I am looking for is the best 2 channel audio for a budget of say up to 2k -3k at a stretch if its worth it. How ever I have several devices so I will need a way to have multiple HDMI inputs. I was looking at devices like the Marantz Stereo 70 , Denon DRA-900H, and Integra DTM 7.4 . These seem made for the customer like me. How ever the Integra measured really poorly, and the previous version of the Denon which is likely not much different also measured really poorly. It seems like there really is no benefit to a stereo receiver anymore? I had assumed the amp and power set ups would be more robust , it seems wrongly.

I have Philharmonic BMR Towers, an Audio Technica turn table and will be getting a CD player soon. They will all need to be connected to what I get.

Would getting an integrated amplifier and an HDMI switcher be a better option? How about an amplifier, DAC, and switcher? Do the switchers affect the signal quality?

Or really is the AVR just the ultimate way to go even when multi channel is off the table?

If this is not the right section please move to the proper sub forum with my apologies.

 

[Miniyouuuu]

I had the Denon 800h. Soon I moved to a stereo amp and a separate DAC with hdmi eARC and 12v trigger (bluesound). Now you have also Eversolo A6 alternative and many other options. I prefer the separates way. More devices but you can change parts individually as you want incremental improvements.
Now I have MiniDSP, 2 subs, independent DAC, and a simple Feintech to transform hdmi to toslink. Very complex… maybe too much, but each step is under my control. Denon tries to do everything in a 600$ device with cheap components, and you get the quality you pay. Maybe marantz does a bit better or any other brand.. but you’ll have more control through separates.

 

[staticV3]

I have Philharmonic BMR Towers, an Audio Technica turn table and will be getting a CD player soon. They will all need to be connected to what I get.

I'd buy a WiiM Amp Pro/Amp Ultra, or a WiiM Ultra with an external Amp if desired.

TV connected via HDMI ARC.

All HDMI sources connected to the TV.

CD Player connected via Optical/Coax SPDIF

Turntable connected via Phono in/Line in with external Phono Pre/SPDIF in via external Phono pre + miniDSP PocketADC/SPDIF in via Parks Audio Waxwing.

The WiiM will automatically switch inputs to the currently active source device.

Room correction can be applied regardless of source.

When watching TV, volume can be controlled from the TV remote.

WiiM turns itself on and off automatically.

Music can be streamed to the WiiM w/o having to turn on the TV.

The WiiM Home App makes subwoofer integration super easy as you can adjust crossover, level, phase etc. from your phone.

 

[delta76]

X3800h for multiple input + Audyssey XT32. A bit overkill of course but you need good room correction.
Or WiiM ultra amp + HDMI switch

 

[Miniyouuuu]

X3800h for multiple input + Audyssey XT32. A bit overkill of course but you need good room correction.
Or WiiM ultra amp + HDMI switch

Denon AVR-X3800H Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4 Home Theater Audio/Video Receiver. It was kindly drop shipped to me by a member and costs US $1,699. Not much to say about the look of the unit as it is pretty much similar/same as last generations. Here is the back panel...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As Denon DRH-800h, both try to give you too many options for low budget at the cost of poor quality components. 85dB… seriously?

 

[delta76]

Denon AVR-X3800H Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Denon AVR-X3800H 9.4 Home Theater Audio/Video Receiver. It was kindly drop shipped to me by a member and costs US $1,699. Not much to say about the look of the unit as it is pretty much similar/same as last generations. Here is the back panel...

www.audiosciencereview.com

As Denon DRH-800h, both try to give you too many options for low budget at the cost of poor quality components. 85dB… seriously?

X3800h has room correction (Audyssey XT32) which is very important.
85dB for Amp is perfectly fine

 

[Apesbrain]

Marantz Stereo 70s seems like it has all you need:

 

[delta76]

Marantz Stereo 70s seems like it has all you need:
View attachment 511038

This is equivalent to Denon x1800h IIRC. The problem with it (and higher 60 and Denon x2800h) is they only has Audyssey XT, not Xt32. But maybe XT is enough for 2.1/3.1 setup

 

[90sNintendoKid]

I agree with @staticV3 and may I also suggest the Denon 3800H. I have the 3800H and use external amplification and Dirac ART, A1 Evo Acoustix for EQ.

 

[Chanur]

I'd buy a WiiM Amp Pro/Amp Ultra, or a WiiM Ultra with an external Amp if desired.

TV connected via HDMI ARC.

All HDMI sources connected to the TV.

CD Player connected via Optical/Coax SPDIF

Turntable connected via Phono in/Line in with external Phono Pre/SPDIF in via external Phono pre + miniDSP PocketADC/SPDIF in via Parks Audio Waxwing.

The WiiM will automatically switch inputs to the currently active source device.

Room correction can be applied regardless of source.

When watching TV, volume can be controlled from the TV remote.

WiiM turns itself on and off automatically.

Music can be streamed to the WiiM w/o having to turn on the TV.

The WiiM Home App makes subwoofer integration super easy as you can adjust crossover, level, phase etc. from your phone.

The issue with these is I have a Roku, Blue Ray player, and a PlayStation. TV only has two HDMI ports in. That's why a stereo receiver with HDMI ports was my Holy Grail. Only it seems they are bottom rung AVRs minus the extra channels and twice the price.

 

[DVDdoug]

Only it seems they are bottom rung AVRs minus the extra channels and twice the price.

I believe all AVRs can be configured to downmix to stereo. They can also decode all of the surround/movie formats so you can get the "point one" LFE channel for a subwoofer. (The LFE is not included in the regular stereo downmix.)

 

[popej]

Or really is the AVR just the ultimate way to go even when multi channel is off the table?

You can find stereo amps with HDMI, which usually are stripped down AVR design. What is weird, price is not lower. IMHO go for AVR even for 2.0, if you have TV nearby. Personally I would choose something with good room correction, like Pioneer LX305, Onkyo RZ30 or Denon x3800h.

 

[Chanur]

Just found this. Seems like the measurements on the Stereo 70 are better than the two competitors I mentioned above. Maybe I'm just not understanding this correctly though, as I'm new to it. If so this seems like a winner for me.

Marantz Stereo 70s Review « 7Review

All in one! That seems to be the motto of the new Marantz Stereo 70s. It is supposed to impress as a stereo amplifier and as a central component of a home

7review.com

Good signal-to-noise ratio of 105/104 dB (Analog/Digital, at 10 V) with low distortion (THD+N 0.01% at 1 W). At low output levels, the signal mainly contains odd-order distortion. Phono section with unremarkable measurements: 36 dB gain against line, input capacitance 47 kΩ/240 pF, SNR 76 dB with standard system.

 

[delta76]

Seems like the measurements on the Stereo 70 are better than the two competitors I mentioned above. Maybe I'm just not understanding this correctly though, as I'm new to it. If so this seems like a winner for me.

Marantz Stereo 70s Review « 7Review

All in one! That seems to be the motto of the new Marantz Stereo 70s. It is supposed to impress as a stereo amplifier and as a central component of a home

7review.com

Denon and Marantz are same company so it would make senses for this and x1800h to have essentially identical interior. Also measurements can only be compared under same protocols.

 

[Chanur]

Denon and Marantz are same company so it would make senses for this and x1800h to have essentially identical interior. Also measurements can only be compared under same protocols.

I would think this would be more comparable to the Denon DRA-900H. The 800H was reviewed here and was pretty terrible.

Denon DRA-800H Review (Stereo Receiver)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Denon DRA-800H Stereo AV Receiver. It was kindly purchased used by a member and drop shipped to me. It costs new US $599 from Amazon including Prime shipping. The front looks like any multi-channel receiver: Then you look in the back and...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[pppebakerb]

In my opinion, with multiple HDMI sources, a stereo HDMI receiver, such as the Marantz Stereo 70s or Denon DRA-900H, is the most practical choice and will work great with your BMR Tower.

The difference you see in the measurements is unlikely to be audible, and using a separate amplifier and HDMI switcher only adds cost and complexity with no clear advantage.

 

[popej]

Do I see correctly, Maranz Stereo 70s is $1200, while Cinema 70s is $1300? I guess stereo include audiphile tax

 

[Ellebob]

There are a few deciding points and comes down to ease of use vs sound quality.

1. Using an HDMI switch with audio output you can use whatever DAC/amp/combo unit you want and will give the best performance inspecs. You do have to control the switch and the other separates as well as your devices and TV. Although some have EQ available most do not. I think a good choice for this price range would be Lyngdorf TDA-1120 with and HDMI switcher with audio. Room perfect is a good EQ system and easy to use and set up. Although a ton of options!

2. AVR (or stereo with built in switching) acts as switch and all in one unit. Definitely less components and easier to use. In general not as good for performance. One advantage it might have in performance is EQ like Audyssey, Dirac, etc. So, while its specs won't be as good as the separates it might have better sound due to EQ. I would look for a unit with some type of EQ. I would avoind somwthing like the Stereo 70 if it doesn't have EQ and get a regular AVR and just use 2 channels. you have a decent budget there are lots of receivers that can do this.

 

[delta76]

Do I see correctly, Maranz Stereo 70s is $1200, while Cinema 70s is $1300? I guess stereo include audiphile tax

Same chasis same design just cut off channels. I don't have the number but Cinema likely sells a lot more, so it needs less margin to break even

 

[90sNintendoKid]

I would personally spend a bit more and get a Denon/Marantz AVR that has Dirac.

I did exactly that and I bought a Denon 3800H.

I do use external amplification and the 3800H is in Preamplifier mode.