Recommendation for 2.1 w/HDMI and Dirac Live

[lennon_68]

Hi All!

I've dabbled with audio for years but am looking to buy my first serious setup. It will be used in my living room for just general use but I would like to have stellar performance for music when called upon.

My setup includes two high efficiency DIY passive speakers and a DIY active sub. I'm looking for something with at least one HDMI input, subwoofer management, and quality room correction. I don't believe I need much power but I understand that more power can help with dynamics…. That said I like to play it very loud…

I've been reading a ton and have a bunch of options on my watch list but I'm all over the place and would like some help whittling down options. I have a decent budget with some room - $1500-$2500. Some optionsI've looked at with rough thoughts on what my thoughts:

Denon X3800H (or X4800H or X6800H)
NAD C3050
NAD M10 v2
NAD M33
MiniDSP Flex HT + some amp
Wiim Amp Ultra
Wiim Ultra + Vibelink amp


Denon - I would use multiple HDMI inputs but don't need them. This is maybe quite adequate for my needs... but it's not very sexy. I don't mind it not being sexy if others on this list won't outperform it though.

Minidsp Flex HT - this is compelling with lots of flexibility. I actually went to order it once until the tariffs scared me off. This could maybe be the centerpiece preamp for a very ver long time?

The others - I don't really need a music streamer... They're mostly on my list because they have HDMI eARC which I'll need.


Help - I strongly suspect I have products for like three VERY different usages picked out here... but I don't know how to sort out which will perform best for me for music!

 

[l_lama]

Arcam SA35 or SA45 all-in-one boxes has DIRAC, also new Onkyo ICON has it too.
You may need DLBC support and license for better subwoofer optimization: https://www.dirac.com/products/bass-control

 

[lennon_68]

I’m definitely open to stretching my budget for the arcam sa35 if that would be a clear winner for the price!

 

[Mort]

Denon X3800H (or X4800H or X6800H)
NAD C3050
NAD M10 v2
NAD M33
MiniDSP Flex HT + some amp
Wiim Amp Ultra
Wiim Ultra + Vibelink amp

This is a pretty nice line up. I have owned the Denon X4800h, Wiim Ultra and the Mini DSP Htx.

I could not tell the difference between them blind. However I went with the minidsp long term because of the features and specs.

 

[lennon_68]

This is a pretty nice line up. I have owned the Denon X4800h, Wiim Ultra and the Mini DSP Htx.

I could not tell the difference between them blind. However I went with the minidsp long term because of the features and specs.

Thank you! This is the practical advice I was looking for. I ordered the WiiM amp ultra this morning on sale.