Looking for music streamer with HDMI ARC around £1k
Discussion
Hi,
I've been using a pair of Sonos Play 1s for the past 5 years (currently with Amazon HD service) and I've been content with it for the most part. Although I'd now like something I can plug the TV into. I understand HDMI is preferable to an optical input in that the music player will automatically play something, rather than you having to manually turn the device on and off each time.
I've settled on Dali for my bookshelf speakers (probably Oberon 1s) as I like natural sound with minimal bass.
I've spent crazy hours researching an appropriate system though - and now I'm at the point where I'm probably over thinking it.
I've looked into.
Sonos Amp - reviews say TV sound quality great but music quality not as good as rivals.
Bluesound Powernode 2 - reviews say better sound than Sonos amp but user reviews say bluesound app isn't great with Amazon HD.
Marantz Pm7000n - reviews say better sound than Sonos and Bluesound but no HDMI ARC
Klipsch the Fives - did initially appeal but of the reviews I've read the sound is apparently a bit on the saturated side and bass heavy.
KEF LSX - no HDMI ARC.
I've also looked into 'network receivers' like the Denon DRA800h and Marantz NR1200, which appear to my eyes as great value but there's very few reviews on them.
I'm thinking my budget means that everything is going to have some form of limitation so I'm leaning towards the Bluesound. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best system?
I've been using a pair of Sonos Play 1s for the past 5 years (currently with Amazon HD service) and I've been content with it for the most part. Although I'd now like something I can plug the TV into. I understand HDMI is preferable to an optical input in that the music player will automatically play something, rather than you having to manually turn the device on and off each time.
I've settled on Dali for my bookshelf speakers (probably Oberon 1s) as I like natural sound with minimal bass.
I've spent crazy hours researching an appropriate system though - and now I'm at the point where I'm probably over thinking it.
I've looked into.
Sonos Amp - reviews say TV sound quality great but music quality not as good as rivals.
Bluesound Powernode 2 - reviews say better sound than Sonos amp but user reviews say bluesound app isn't great with Amazon HD.
Marantz Pm7000n - reviews say better sound than Sonos and Bluesound but no HDMI ARC
Klipsch the Fives - did initially appeal but of the reviews I've read the sound is apparently a bit on the saturated side and bass heavy.
KEF LSX - no HDMI ARC.
I've also looked into 'network receivers' like the Denon DRA800h and Marantz NR1200, which appear to my eyes as great value but there's very few reviews on them.
I'm thinking my budget means that everything is going to have some form of limitation so I'm leaning towards the Bluesound. Does anyone have any thoughts on the best system?
Can the Sonos Play 1 actually play HD music streams? I have a Sonos Connect, old I know but it doesn't.
I would be looking at the app for each device as an equally important feature to the HDMI ARC support. I am looking for a decent streamer myself but finding a decent one without a flaky app is proving to be a challenge.
As you found or not HDMI support does seem to be supported by the devices you are looking, is digital (optical or copper) not an option?
Just thinking for a moment why would a music streamer even want to support HDMI which is a video interface, the ARC is effectively an after thought feature developed to support video streaming rather than music streaming.
I would be looking at the app for each device as an equally important feature to the HDMI ARC support. I am looking for a decent streamer myself but finding a decent one without a flaky app is proving to be a challenge.
As you found or not HDMI support does seem to be supported by the devices you are looking, is digital (optical or copper) not an option?
Just thinking for a moment why would a music streamer even want to support HDMI which is a video interface, the ARC is effectively an after thought feature developed to support video streaming rather than music streaming.
Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 13th December 14:26
Thanks. I don't think the Play 1s do support HD but I pay a comparable monthly price to Spotify Premium and have some hi def headphones so justify Amazon on that basis
Yeah I think the Sonos app is streets ahead of rivals going by user feedback. The other consideration is the lifespan of these products - £1000 is a lot (to me) to spend on something that may not be supported in 5 years. I think Sonos is probably the safest bet for longevity, it's just the views on sound quality that put me off the amp.
HDMI not essential, but seems worthwhile if you want it with a TV often.
And I love the looks of the Naim and would blow the budget for it. It's just that my furniture layout can't accommodate an all in one system next to the TV.
Weybridge Audio are doing a Powernode 2 and Dali Oberon 1 package for £1049 which is a £100 saving over rrp. I'm thinking that or Sonos.
Yeah I think the Sonos app is streets ahead of rivals going by user feedback. The other consideration is the lifespan of these products - £1000 is a lot (to me) to spend on something that may not be supported in 5 years. I think Sonos is probably the safest bet for longevity, it's just the views on sound quality that put me off the amp.
HDMI not essential, but seems worthwhile if you want it with a TV often.
And I love the looks of the Naim and would blow the budget for it. It's just that my furniture layout can't accommodate an all in one system next to the TV.
Weybridge Audio are doing a Powernode 2 and Dali Oberon 1 package for £1049 which is a £100 saving over rrp. I'm thinking that or Sonos.
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