Buying a new receiver in an "odd" setup.

[TSullivanM]

Hi!

Is there anyone who can help me with some recommendations for a new receiver in my kinda odd setup?
I run an HTPC and I only have 3 speakers, front LR and center (plus subwoofer). And they are all active and only have XLR connections.

I want to connect everything to my HTPC running Plex. Preferably if it has an inbuilt DAC too.

I guess there might not be a receiver that has only what im looking for so if it has more channels that I wont use for now I guess that is fine.

 

[staticV3]

Do you want to use the HTPC like it was a BD Player or Apple TV, so just plug it into the receiver via HDMI and it handles decoding, processing, volume control etc?

Or is the HTPC used like a computer, with decoding, processing, volume control all handled on it?

 

[Ruediger]

There are AV pre-processors without amps. And of course AVRs that can be put into pre-amp mode. And RCA to XLR cabling is also a thing.

What about budget?

 

[TSullivanM]

Do you want to use the HTPC like it was a BD Player or Apple TV, so just plug it into the receiver via HDMI and it handles decoding, processing, volume control etc?

Or is the HTPC used like a computer, with decoding, processing, volume control all handled on it?

Im open to suggestions but so far ive let the computer do all the decoding.

 

[TSullivanM]

There are AV pre-processors without amps. And of course AVRs that can be put into pre-amp mode. And RCA to XLR cabling is also a thing.

What about budget?

Preferably I dont wanna go RCA to XLR and I dont want to pay for the amp part since I dont need it.
Budget is not set in stone but maybe no more than $2000.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Preferably I dont wanna go RCA to XLR and I dont want to pay for the amp part since I dont need it.
Budget is not set in stone but maybe no more than $2000.

I would look at used AV processors in your budget that meet your requirements and desires.

I second the recommendation to consider RCA to XLR cabling - to expand the range of options within your budget.

 

[Ruediger]

When I put this into AI I get some Yamaha and Marantz pre-pros without amps and with XLR. Their prices on the used market all within that budget.

The higher ranks of AVR and AVP have XLR, but also a lot of channels/amps and are out of budget.

To chose something you will have to put up more criterias. LCR active XLR ok, but how about the formats coming via HDMI. Video and audio. 4k, 8k, dv, hdr - audio decoded or passthrough, uncompressed formats? Do you want specific processing presets?

 

[staticV3]

Im open to suggestions but so far ive let the computer do all the decoding.

Then all you need is a multichannel DAC.

Something like the Topping DM7 or Okto dac8 Pro.

 

[TSullivanM]

I would look at used AV processors in your budget that meet your requirements and desires.

I second the recommendation to consider RCA to XLR cabling - to expand the range of options within your budget.

Yeah im looking at the used market also. But I still prefer XLR to XLR, maybe im just picky.

 

[TSullivanM]

When I put this into AI I get some Yamaha and Marantz pre-pros without amps and with XLR. Their prices on the used market all within that budget.

The higher ranks of AVR and AVP have XLR, but also a lot of channels/amps and are out of budget.

To chose something you will have to put up more criterias. LCR active XLR ok, but how about the formats coming via HDMI. Video and audio. 4k, 8k, dv, hdr - audio decoded or passthrough, uncompressed formats? Do you want specific processing presets?

I want to formats coming out correctly from Plex but if it is the HTPC or the amp who processes it doesnt really matter to me as long as it sounds good.

 

[TSullivanM]

Then all you need is a multichannel DAC.

Something like the Topping DM7 or Okto dac8 Pro.

The Okto dac8 Pro looks promising but how do I set it all up with correct audioformats then? So that the correct sounds are sent to the correct channels.

 

[staticV3]

The Okto dac8 Pro looks promising but how do I set it all up with correct audioformats then? So that the correct sounds are sent to the correct channels.

In Plex you set the playback device to your DAC and playback channels to 3.1 (if that is an option):

Audio Configuration

Looking for a basic primer on digital audio? Audio configuration settings are advanced settings. You’ll configure audio settings under: Navigate...

support.plex.tv

Then you can play a Dolby channel test sound and plug every speaker into the right Line out so that it plays its respective channel.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Yeah im looking at the used market also. But I still prefer XLR to XLR, maybe im just picky.

Understood.

A current AVR - used as an AVP - can bring the option of deploying newer technologies like Dirac room correction and/or Atmos decoding.

 

[Ruediger]

The Okto dac8 Pro looks promising but how do I set it all up with correct audioformats then? So that the correct sounds are sent to the correct channels.

That will work, but it puts the HTPC in a tight corner otherwise. It will have to decode everything. Are you sure Plex can and will do all you want and baking that into bought hardware is the right path? It can be, certainly.

The same argument the other way round. An AV processor does a lot and you have this big, expensive box. Which measures worse than a DAC. But you can feed it almost anything, no HTPC requirement.

 

[Svend P]

For that budget, I would get a Denon AVC X3800H. Then you can add dirac later.

It will make your life easier:

I replaced my AVR with a Flex HT, but don't recommend it.

My holiday project and present to myself was to replace a Denon x4800h with a MiniDSP Flex HT system for 5.2 home theater. I had a blast doing this project and I’m sticking with the Flex HT. I like the MiniDSP tools much more and I like managing and tinkering with the system. Should you...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[TSullivanM]

In Plex you set the playback device to your DAC and playback channels to 3.1 (if that is an option):

Audio Configuration

Looking for a basic primer on digital audio? Audio configuration settings are advanced settings. You’ll configure audio settings under: Navigate...

support.plex.tv

Then you can play a Dolby channel test sound and plug every speaker into the right Line out so that it plays its respective channel.

I have to look this up, if it works it might be a good idea but I dont wanna buy hardware before I know for certain.

 

[TSullivanM]

That will work, but it puts the HTPC in a tight corner otherwise. It will have to decode everything. Are you sure Plex can and will do all you want and baking that into bought hardware is the right path? It can be, certainly.

The same argument the other way round. An AV processor does a lot and you have this big, expensive box. Which measures worse than a DAC. But you can feed it almost anything, no HTPC requirement.

Yeah I dont know, If I can get it to work this is probably what would sound the best. As long as all the different sound formats are accepted and decoded correctly. The only connection between DAC and PC is the USB-cable.

 

[TSullivanM]

For that budget, I would get a Denon AVC X3800H. Then you can add dirac later.

It will make your life easier:

I replaced my AVR with a Flex HT, but don't recommend it.

My holiday project and present to myself was to replace a Denon x4800h with a MiniDSP Flex HT system for 5.2 home theater. I had a blast doing this project and I’m sticking with the Flex HT. I like the MiniDSP tools much more and I like managing and tinkering with the system. Should you...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Might work but it would be better if it were just a processor and not a whole receiver. Seems like im paying for a lot that I wont use.

 

[DY2]

Get an AV7704 or something similar, they are available at good prices, do their job wonderfully and don't fail.

 

[Ruediger]

Might work but it would be better if it were just a processor and not a whole receiver. Seems like im paying for a lot that I wont use.

If you can still get a X3800H... it was heavily discounted for a while, <1000 €. The successor X3900H is much nearer it's advertised price and has a new DAC.

I don't think you are overpaying anything with these units. Processors without amps aren't cheaper. But these AVRs would require the RCA-XLR cabling and you would want to check required line voltages of your speakers first.

The AV7704 is a much better option as it has all. Only reason for me not to get it nowadays would be the limit of 4k60. The X3800H is already 4k120/8k. And that is year 2022.