Post by AudioHTIT on May 29, 2016 22:57:36 GMT -5
The Atmos upgrade for the XMC-1 got me thinking. I might have to add a DAC between the XMC and my Zone (whole house) amp because the upgraded XMC-1 will no longer have analog Zone 2 outputs, but the Digital Outputs will now be assignable between the Main Zone and Zone 2. Now I might be able to use the Tape Output because I always select 'Follow Main' for Zone 2, but my experience in the past with the UMC-1 leads me to believe the output will be too low and I'd have to crank the amp to full to get decent output (the Zone 2 output has adjustable gain).
This started me thinking that although my Zone amp (a Nuvo NV-4) has served me well for almost 15 years, it's the least controllable part of my system. CAT-5 keypads at each location select inputs and adjust the output, but I can't integrate it into my Harmony Ultimate Home remote because there is no one place that accepts all IR commands. It seems I should consider a new Zone amp with more modern features that could solve a few different problems.
Foremost is control, IP is preferred, but wired IR is also very useful, and a single IR receiver would also work – it must integrate with my Harmony system which could handle the IP/IR translation. With iPhone control I wouldn't really need the keypads. Six stereo channels would be good, I currently have four but the house is wired for six and I'd like to hook them up. Then there's the DAC, why not have it built in?
So with that I came up with a list of requirements, though being flexible, some are just 'desirable'. I've done a little searching and may have found a unit that does all this, but it's pricy, around $3600, seems a lot for what's often background music.
Since I doubt this is on Big Dan's list of 31 new products (though I'd bet he'd build a great unit), I thought I'd ask here in the Lounge if you've seen any products like this, or have other ideas that meet my needs? Here's my list:
Zone Amp Requirements / Desirables
• 6 Stereo Zones Minimum (12 channels of amplification)
• 25 WPC Minimum (50 WPC Class D preferred)
• IP control of all functions (RJ45 Preferred or WiFi)
• IR control of all functions (Wired In/Out preferred)
• Integration with Harmony Hub (typically trivial)
• iOS App for Operation/Setup/Fine Tuning (iPad preferred)
• No keypads required
• Independent Volume, Bass & Treble (or Eq) for each Zone
• (1) Stereo Analog input (2 Stereo RCA preferred)
• (1) Stereo Digital input (1 TOSLink & 1 Coax preferred)
• Each Zone can select any input (analog or digital)
• Maximum size 19" W x 3RU H x 19" D (preferably a single unit)
• Minimal or no integrator required
I look forward to your thoughts - Bruce
This started me thinking that although my Zone amp (a Nuvo NV-4) has served me well for almost 15 years, it's the least controllable part of my system. CAT-5 keypads at each location select inputs and adjust the output, but I can't integrate it into my Harmony Ultimate Home remote because there is no one place that accepts all IR commands. It seems I should consider a new Zone amp with more modern features that could solve a few different problems.
Foremost is control, IP is preferred, but wired IR is also very useful, and a single IR receiver would also work – it must integrate with my Harmony system which could handle the IP/IR translation. With iPhone control I wouldn't really need the keypads. Six stereo channels would be good, I currently have four but the house is wired for six and I'd like to hook them up. Then there's the DAC, why not have it built in?
So with that I came up with a list of requirements, though being flexible, some are just 'desirable'. I've done a little searching and may have found a unit that does all this, but it's pricy, around $3600, seems a lot for what's often background music.
Since I doubt this is on Big Dan's list of 31 new products (though I'd bet he'd build a great unit), I thought I'd ask here in the Lounge if you've seen any products like this, or have other ideas that meet my needs? Here's my list:
Zone Amp Requirements / Desirables
• 6 Stereo Zones Minimum (12 channels of amplification)
• 25 WPC Minimum (50 WPC Class D preferred)
• IP control of all functions (RJ45 Preferred or WiFi)
• IR control of all functions (Wired In/Out preferred)
• Integration with Harmony Hub (typically trivial)
• iOS App for Operation/Setup/Fine Tuning (iPad preferred)
• No keypads required
• Independent Volume, Bass & Treble (or Eq) for each Zone
• (1) Stereo Analog input (2 Stereo RCA preferred)
• (1) Stereo Digital input (1 TOSLink & 1 Coax preferred)
• Each Zone can select any input (analog or digital)
• Maximum size 19" W x 3RU H x 19" D (preferably a single unit)
• Minimal or no integrator required
I look forward to your thoughts - Bruce
