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

[vicenzo_del_paris]

Great thread here. Despite the title, I am thinking of replacing my AVR with a MiniDSP Flex HT (As a preamp). Wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything. I am doing it because, based on reviews and numbers, this seems like a top-level DAC that fits my needs at a fraction of the cost of what high-end multichannel preamps cost.


- I have a 5.2 system; in the future, I might go 2.x but never more than 7 channels.

- All sources I use can output PCM (apple TV/ Blu-ray Player)

- I don't care about extra remotes. I have a Logitech remote that I should be able to program for the Flex HT / Any HDMI switch I add.

- I have never really used any of the smart features of an AVR before. I don't really upmix anything. I listen to 2.0 content in 2.2 stereo and multichannel content in 5.2.

- I am familiar with MiniDSP products, REW, and have a UMIK. I’ve used the 2x4HD for many years.

- I have an Arcana HDFury to extract audio from HDMI sources.


Based on everything I have read, it makes sense that this niche product paired with an amplifier should work well for me, but I wanted to make sure I haven't overlooked anything. Thanks for your help!

I was in the exact same case / configuration and Flex HT has perfectly done the job !

 

[Genstruktur]

Great thread here. Despite the title, I am thinking of replacing my AVR with a MiniDSP Flex HT (As a preamp). Wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything. I am doing it because, based on reviews and numbers, this seems like a top-level DAC that fits my needs at a fraction of the cost of what high-end multichannel preamps cost.


- I have a 5.2 system; in the future, I might go 2.x but never more than 7 channels.

- All sources I use can output PCM (apple TV/ Blu-ray Player)

- I don't care about extra remotes. I have a Logitech remote that I should be able to program for the Flex HT / Any HDMI switch I add.

- I have never really used any of the smart features of an AVR before. I don't really upmix anything. I listen to 2.0 content in 2.2 stereo and multichannel content in 5.2.

- I am familiar with MiniDSP products, REW, and have a UMIK. I’ve used the 2x4HD for many years.

- I have an Arcana HDFury to extract audio from HDMI sources.


Based on everything I have read, it makes sense that this niche product paired with an amplifier should work well for me, but I wanted to make sure I haven't overlooked anything. Thanks for your help!

Im really happy with my Flex and think the audio quality is awesome. The thought has crossed my mind to replace my AVR. But does this solution actually work as flawless as an AVR? Does it work evertime you sit down with popcorn and a beer in your hand and just want to watch a movie this instance? No hdmi handshake issues etc? Restarting units for it to work and youre popcorn is getting cold and beer is getting warm?

Im just curious to know beacuse im a bit reluctant to think this solution has no issues.

I know you havent tried it yet but maybe someone who have this solution can shed a light?

 

[danstahl]

Im really happy with my Flex and think the audio quality is awesome. The thought has crossed my mind to replace my AVR. But does this solution actually work as flawless as an AVR? Does it work evertime you sit down with popcorn and a beer in your hand and just want to watch a movie this instance? No hdmi handshake issues etc? Restarting units for it to work and youre popcorn is getting cold and beer is getting warm?

Im just curious to know beacuse im a bit reluctant to think this solution has no issues.

I know you havent tried it yet but maybe someone who have this solution can shed a light?

No issues since I removed cec. Cec did cause issues when switching stereo / surround.

 

[Genstruktur]

No issues since I removed cec. Cec did cause issues when switching stereo / surround.

Ok great!

I do not think it would be a cheaper solution for me though since it would have to buy amplifiers for surround and Atmos + Arcana hd Fury. But its a thrilling tought .

 

[Jojo10]

Hello

I'm also thinking about changing from old DENON3806 modified looped in Flex (two way active speaker) to Flex HTx with Buckeye Amp.
Three questions:
1. Does the HTx meanwhile have the PEQs on the input? The current manual shows them.

2. For my Center and Surround Backs channels I need to filter low frequencies. This is done by the bass management. The low frequency signal is routed to LFE Channel, which I don't have. Is it also possible to route it to the front Channels, or more precise to the woofer driver channel? Here Bass Mgmt activated for L Front and R Front?

3. How do you manage the selection of the inputs at the HTx? Apple TV Remote doesn't do it. CEC isn't doing it? Harmony Remote is dying soon....... I need to switch between two inputs eARC (Apple TV) and optical (Streamer).

Thanks

 

[Mort]

#1 yes
#2 I would do that in the place one sets crossover and just add a low shelf to those two channels.
#3 htx remote is the only way I have found

 

[rirelien]

#1 yes
#2 I would do that in the place one sets crossover and just add a low shelf to those two channels.
#3 htx remote is the only way I have found

You can change source on the unit itself. Push the volume knob to cycle between changing presets, changing inputs etc. I mostly do this.

 

[Jojo10]

Thanks

To 2.: Using Crossover with Low Shelf would through away the low frequencies of these channels, right? Question is, if this is a problem at all.
To 3.: I'm currently trying to figure out, how to select the input via Home Assistant integration, either by controlling the HTx over network or using Broadlink IR sender. Let's see.

Thanks

 

[rirelien]

To 3.: I'm currently trying to figure out, how to select the input via Home Assistant integration, either by controlling the HTx over network or using Broadlink IR sender. Let's see.

Ah, sorry. As far as I know there's no discrete codes for a given input -- you just cycle through, which is terrible for automation of course.

Edit: glad to see I am wrong, see below.

But if you can connect via USB, I believe something like this will help: https://minidsp-rs.pages.dev/cli/

 

[vicenzo_del_paris]

Ah, sorry. As far as I know there's no discrete codes for a given input -- you just cycle through, which is terrible for automation of course.

But if you can connect via USB, I believe something like this will help: https://minidsp-rs.pages.dev/cli/

There are discrete codes as Logitech harmony integration allows to select each individual inputs (btw hdmi for flex HT uses same code as BT on Flex)

 

[Jojo10]

Hello

I saw the minidsp-rs, but I'm not capable of bringing this into Home Assitant on my own. There is already an Minidsp SHD Integration available in HACS which I would try with my current Flex, if it works. But this needs Network connection with WI-DG, which will arrive today with me and could be cumbersome, when I read the posts about it. So controlling the Flex (HTx) over USB over Home Assistant would be the nicest solution.
Backup is than to use my Harmony codes with the Broadlink RM4C mini.
Anybody some Idea for MiniDSP-RS integration noob edition in HA?

Thanks