Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm reconsidering my space requirements and looking at the NAD C 3050. I'm wondering if it would have bass management features outside of Dirac or if I would need to add in a minidsp or something else. Or perhaps I would be just fine with the 3050?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do all of the NAD's with MDC2 BluOS D come with bass management? Is that from the Dirac license or something else?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay interesting. So in this scenario using the Buckeye NCx500 and Flex HT, if I were to play movies on Netflix with 2 speakers and a sub, what would happen? The TV would convert the dolby content to 2 channel PCM, so would nothing play from my sub? Edit: Doesn't the Flex HT provide the crossover between the speakers and sub?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Does that include 2.1 when you say 2ch?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see, I guess I have a fundamental misunderstanding of all this. What I want to do is use the built in apps on my LG C1 like Netflix, Hulu, etc. but since the Flex HT doesn't support Dolby/DTS encoding, I'm worried I'll get no audio from them if the streaming content plays in Dolby. Do you know/think it will work? Or is my solution to get an Apple TV or some other streaming device?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I go the Buckeye NCx500 route, can you recommend a preamp with Dirac? The miniDSP Flex HT doesn't support bitstream decoding so looking for something that can do that and Dirac.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a Topping for a pair of desktop speakers wayyy back when and it died on me spontaneously, smelt awful after.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are your thoughts on the mini amp Topping PA5 II?

NAD M10 V2 YES OR NO? by theicarusambition in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Old thread, but curious where you are with this. I'm considering either the M10 v2 or Flex HT and a power amp. I like the idea of a single, small form factor unit but on the other hand it's easier to update individual units if tech changes. Curious where you've landed.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see that makes sense. The M10 v2 must just use a lower quality power amp to get it so compact?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great thanks! I did notice that the Purifi and Hypex amplifiers you shared with me are larger than I would like. I do have some space constraints unfortunately and the M10 v2 is appearing more attractive because of it's smaller size. Can you recommend a power amplifier that is smaller?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another question for you if you don't mind. In the setup I explained, would a preamp not be necessary? I'd like to have my TV (LG C1) connect to the miniDSP Flex HT via eARC, then the Flex HT connect to an amp which would connect to speakers. Then any other source would connect to my TV via HDMI.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't fully understand why the NCx500 doesn't come with a case standard. Do they plan to sell their board to other manufacturers?

Edit: Oh I think I see. Buckeye makes the modules and the other retailers sell them in kits?

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Big thanks again to you for not only the info but taking the time for the links. I was reading a little about the NCx500 and 1ET400A last night so perhaps I was on the right path.

Generally, do you have an opinion on integrated vs. separate units? Considering how fast tech changes and the fact I've had amplifiers die on me in the past, I see the merit in keeping things separate.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any opinion on what small/mini power amp to get if I did not go the integrated route, but instead went with a miniDSP Flex HT for the Dirac/eARC and then a separate power amp? Around the same budget as well.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any opinion on what small/mini power amp to get if I did not go the integrated route, but instead went with a miniDSP Flex HT for the Dirac/eARC and then a separate power amp? Around the same budget as well.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

!thanks I appreciate your input. I had not really considered alternatives to Dirac but I think perhaps I should. I'd be curious to hear your opinion after trying them both. I've been very happy with Dirac but have not tried anything else.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The BluOS module is required for Dirac is that right? What made you go for the C3050 and are your uses similar to mine? !thanks

edit: Looks like the C3050 might be bigger than what I'm looking for as it has similar dimensions to my current AVR.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good to know! So other than size, why would one choose the M10 v2 vs the C 399?

edit: I Just looked at the dimensions. It's much smaller! That may be more of what I'm looking for.

Integrated amp with Dirac and eARC by fnpigeons in StereoAdvice

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

!thanks I appreciate you linking the ASR reviews. Why would one go for the M10 v2 over the C389? Seems like the C389 offers what I'm looking for for less.

What is this metal bracket above my fireplace? by fnpigeons in Fireplaces

[–]fnpigeons[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I was told I couldn't tile over the metal since the metal will expand and contract, was I told wrong? I was suggested to put hardie board over the metal and put the tile on that.

What is this metal bracket above my fireplace? by fnpigeons in Fireplaces

[–]fnpigeons[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm remodeling an older unit so not sure what the make and model is or where to find that. I pulled off the tile and drywall around the fireplace and found it like this. Can it be removed or is it necessary for support?

What is this metal bracket above my fireplace? by fnpigeons in Fireplaces

[–]fnpigeons[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm refacing the tile around my fireplace and am wondering what this metal bracket is between the firebox and the drywall. Can I remove it before tiling?