Denon AVR-X6800H now released.

[middlemarch]

I have to say, I thought I knew a little bit about home theater and AVR. I admit I just read your post and have no idea what most of your reply even means!

Stick around, you'll get an education just by osmosis

 

[rocknroll]

Hi all. I am looking to add a music streamer to my HT setup, hoping to keep cost under $1K. I am looking at the Eversolo DMP-A6, the WiiM Ultra, and the Bluesound Node Icon (new, due out in December). I am wondering what the best connection between devices would yield the best sound quality. The A6 is the only one that has an hdmi out port, so that would go to 'media player' in hdmi port on 6800. Otherwise, possibilities include spdif (toslink) out of streamer to which port on 6800? Manual shows rca input or coaxial cable to coaxial input number 2 on 6800. The 6800 has 2 optical (toslink) inputs: number one for tv audio, number 2 for cd-could I use this one? Or just run a coaxial cable out/in...is that as good as optical? 3rd option is to run rca cables out/in.
If I wanted to use the onboard dac in the streamer, my understanding is that the analog output (rca) is only way to do that. But will the 6800 then process that signal with its own dac unless 6800 is in 'direct' or 'pure direct' mode? And I'm pretty sure that pure direct mode means no subwoofer which is no bueno! Thanks!

 

[ban25]

Hi all. I am looking to add a music streamer to my HT setup, hoping to keep cost under $1K. I am looking at the Eversolo DMP-A6, the WiiM Ultra, and the Bluesound Node Icon (new, due out in December). I am wondering what the best connection between devices would yield the best sound quality. The A6 is the only one that has an hdmi out port, so that would go to 'media player' in hdmi port on 6800. Otherwise, possibilities include spdif (toslink) out of streamer to which port on 6800? Manual shows rca input or coaxial cable to coaxial input number 2 on 6800. The 6800 has 2 optical (toslink) inputs: number one for tv audio, number 2 for cd-could I use this one? Or just run a coaxial cable out/in...is that as good as optical? 3rd option is to run rca cables out/in.
If I wanted to use the onboard dac in the streamer, my understanding is that the analog output (rca) is only way to do that. But will the 6800 then process that signal with its own dac unless 6800 is in 'direct' or 'pure direct' mode? And I'm pretty sure that pure direct mode means no subwoofer which is no bueno! Thanks!

If you want digital multi-channel output, the Eversolo is the only option from the list provided. If you're content with the Node Icon, you really only need the base Node or Node X, since you already have room correction through the 6800. You definitely don't want to use analog output because you will just end up doing an additional analog to digital conversion once inside the 6800. The other advantage of using HDMI or optical is that you will get signal sensing so you can just stream without messing with the source button the the remote of the 6800.

 

[rocknroll]

If you want digital multi-channel output, the Eversolo is the only option from the list provided. If you're content with the Node Icon, you really only need the base Node or Node X, since you already have room correction through the 6800. You definitely don't want to use analog output because you will just end up doing an additional analog to digital conversion once inside the 6800. The other advantage of using HDMI or optical is that you will get signal sensing so you can just stream without messing with the source button the the remote of the 6800.

Thank you for the reply. If I used optical, not sure which input to use on the 6800 (see original post). I think I will try hdmi and see how that goes, which means A6 (surprised others do not offer hdmi out).

 

[rocknroll]

There's a couple of facts that may help you understand what works best.
1. The AVR will always sound better with Audyssey. You won't want to run in direct mode and there is ABSOLUTELY no need to use the DAC in the streamer.
2. You don't need a Wiim Ultra when a Wiim mini with optical out to the AVR will do a great job.
3. Don't over think adding a streamer to an AVR. It's simple and spending more won't provide better sound quality.

Thank you for the information. If I use optical (toslink), that would give me more options as to which streamer to buy (they all offer that). Which input on back of 6800 would I plug into? From my original post: 'The 6800 has 2 optical (toslink) inputs: number one for tv audio, number 2 for cd-could I use this one? Or just run a coaxial cable out/in...is that as good as optical?' You make good points, and yes, I do tend to overthink things!

 

[sheninat0r]

Thank you for the information. If I use optical (toslink), that would give me more options as to which streamer to buy (they all offer that). Which input on back of 6800 would I plug into? From my original post: 'The 6800 has 2 optical (toslink) inputs: number one for tv audio, number 2 for cd-could I use this one? Or just run a coaxial cable out/in...is that as good as optical?' You make good points, and yes, I do tend to overthink things!

You can use either one of the optical ports, they can be freely assigned to any of the named inputs (Media Player, CBL/SAT, Game1, etc.) in the menus: https://manuals.denon.com/avrx6800h/na/en/GFNFSYicezyjvb.php

Port 1 for TV Audio and port 2 for CD is merely the default configuration that ships from the factory, as seen in the screenshot in the manual.

 

[ban25]

Thank you for the reply. If I used optical, not sure which input to use on the 6800 (see original post). I think I will try hdmi and see how that goes, which means A6 (surprised others do not offer hdmi out).

At the top left of the back plate of the unit, there are two optical toslink inputs. However, they generally are only good for 2-channel stereo PCM (or old-school lossy DD 5.1). If you want multi-channel streaming, say DD+/DTS, you'll need to use HDMI.

 

[rocknroll]

You can use either one of the optical ports, they can be freely assigned to any of the named inputs (Media Player, CBL/SAT, Game1, etc.) in the menus: https://manuals.denon.com/avrx6800h/na/en/GFNFSYicezyjvb.php

Port 1 for TV Audio and port 2 for CD is merely the default configuration that ships from the factory, as seen in the screenshot in the manual.

Thank you!

 

[rocknroll]

I don't know what devices you plan to run to the 6800H but plugging the Wiim mini into the optical CD input is totally acceptable. If you have a CD player you also plan to use I would plug it into the CBL Coaxial input such as a Denon 900NE. But you may find it rare to use a CD player once you have a streamer connected. You also have the option to rename the inputs on the Denon if that helps. Many of us use a computer as the streamer with the Denon UPnP wifi streaming option. If you have an old laptop laying around this can offer it a new purpose for streaming Qobuz or Tidal to the AVR with Audirvana installed. It can play ripped CD's as well as stream Qobuz. So many options are available. Pick the one that works best for you. You really don't need to spend $400 - $800 on a streamer. It won't sound better. It just empties the wallet when so many low cost options are available and you probably already have a laptop laying around the house.

You make a lot of good points. Thanks.

 

[rocknroll]

At the top left of the back plate of the unit, there are two optical toslink inputs. However, they generally are only good for 2-channel stereo PCM (or old-school lossy DD 5.1). If you want multi-channel streaming, say DD+/DTS, you'll need to use HDMI.

Thank you. I think I will be fine with 2 channel for streaming. I have several sacd discs with 5.1 mix, but I use another device to play those.

 

[peng]

Thank you. I think I will be fine with 2 channel for streaming. I have several sacd discs with 5.1 mix, but I use another device to play those.

I don't know what features for the Bluesound things can justify their price point but that's just me. Why not try to use the 6800 without adding any device, so you can clearly figure out what are the missing features, and then choose the one that fits your need? Regardless, from the 3 you listed, the Eversolo has the best specs on paper, but in terms of audibility, the best WiiM Ultra may be the best value, unless you have the "golden ears". Bluesound, like Bose lol, don't know why people would pay more for the same or even less in some cases, may be for the look, or just the effects of superb marketing.., though at least the icon model does offer a good DAC IC that the other models don't.

 

[rocknroll]

I don't know what features for the Bluesound things can justify their price point but that's just me. Why not try to use the 6800 without adding any device, so you can clearly figure out what are the missing features, and then choose the one that fits your need? Regardless, from the 3 you listed, the Eversolo has the best specs on paper, but in terms of audibility, the best WiiM Ultra may be the best value, unless you have the "golden ears". Bluesound, like Bose lol, don't know why people would pay more for the same or even less in some cases, may be for the look, or just the effects of superb marketing.., though at least the icon model does offer a good DAC IC that the other models don't.

Thanks for your input. At this point, I am leaning toward the WiiM Pro. I have decided I don't need a screen, since I won't really be able to see it from 16 ft away at my listening position, and the app will be on my Ipad. And, as others have pointed out, I will be using the 6800 onboard dac (ES 9017s) which should sound very good.

 

[SoundsGood64]

Thank you. I think I will be fine with 2 channel for streaming. I have several sacd discs with 5.1 mix, but I use another device to play those.

For 2ch streaming, why not start with the HEOS already built into the AVR-X6800H? It has a tablet/ipad app and you won't need to worry about any other hardware or cables for an external streamer.

 

[rocknroll]

For 2ch streaming, why not start with the HEOS already built into the AVR-X6800H? It has a tablet/ipad app and you won't need to worry about any other hardware or cables for an external streamer.

Hmmm, I guess I will have to pull up the manual and read all about HEOS and what it has to offer. Thanks!

 

[SoundsGood64]

Hmmm, I guess I will have to pull up the manual and read all about HEOS and what it has to offer. Thanks!

You are welcome. Enjoy your AVR-X6800H, it has a lot. I use 3 different streaming software; each fills a specific use-case/need. Of the 3, HEOS has the interface that allows me to navigate most easily to what I want to listen to, although I haven't done an exhaustive comparison to what's available. HEOS also works well for playing music in different zones (Main Zone, Zone 2, Zone 3) and has support for many different file formats. One important feature missing from HEOS though is multi-channel support, which is the whole point of an AVR with 11 channels + subs.

 

[Newman]

One important feature missing from HEOS though is multi-channel support, which is the whole point of an AVR with 11 channels + subs.

What the???

 

[Magestic]

So the pricing of the 6800 is coming down (just above 2000 euro) in the Netherlands and I'm close to picking one up in the Black Friday sale. Should be a nice upgrade from my 7200WA. Do you guys have any advice on the following:

I have a 5.2 set-up with 2 B&W DB4S subs. They have their own (iOS app based) equalizing capabilities. Currently I've first run the B&W set-up, followed by Audessey. Would it be wise, when using Dirac on the 6800, to do the same or to let Dirac handle all the measurements?

 

[KenMasters]

So the pricing of the 6800 is coming down (just above 2000 euro) in the Netherlands and I'm close to picking one up in the Black Friday sale. Should be a nice upgrade from my 7200WA. Do you guys have any advice on the following:

I have a 5.2 set-up with 2 B&W DB4S subs. They have their own (iOS app based) equalizing capabilities. Currently I've first run the B&W set-up, followed by Audessey. Would it be wise, when using Dirac on the 6800, to do the same or to let Dirac handle all the measurements?

I would let Dirac handle all correction.

 

[ban25]

So the pricing of the 6800 is coming down (just above 2000 euro) in the Netherlands and I'm close to picking one up in the Black Friday sale. Should be a nice upgrade from my 7200WA. Do you guys have any advice on the following:

I have a 5.2 set-up with 2 B&W DB4S subs. They have their own (iOS app based) equalizing capabilities. Currently I've first run the B&W set-up, followed by Audessey. Would it be wise, when using Dirac on the 6800, to do the same or to let Dirac handle all the measurements?

You'll want to turn off as much of that in-sub DSP as possible because its only going to add latency which will make it harder for Dirac to time-align your speakers.

 

[anioq]

So the pricing of the 6800 is coming down (just above 2000 euro) in the Netherlands and I'm close to picking one up in the Black Friday sale. Should be a nice upgrade from my 7200WA. Do you guys have any advice on the following:

I have a 5.2 set-up with 2 B&W DB4S subs. They have their own (iOS app based) equalizing capabilities. Currently I've first run the B&W set-up, followed by Audessey. Would it be wise, when using Dirac on the 6800, to do the same or to let Dirac handle all the measurements?

Try A1 Evo, it is really good. You get to keep DynamicEQ(loudness curve), which Dirac doesn't have.