TOPIC:

Note: I require the whatever unit is recommended to have  HDMI ‘in’ and preferably HDMI ‘out’ (although I could live with a non-HDMI ‘out’ provided it is digital (not interested at all in ‘analog’ outputs)).

edit: Only interested in two-channel listening (actually 2.2 (I am running two subs))


Thank you!

No one has any thoughts?

Would the Flex  HT fix your use case? 

Yea, I was looking at the digital only version of that one. I think it will work but I will have to buy an HDMI to toslink/spidf convertor/adaptor in order to connect it to the Apple TV 4K (which has only one output connection (with that one being HDMI)…………VERY aggravating/unfortunate drawback but such is life

Nonetheless, really appreciate you getting back to me!

Thinking again about this, what exactly is your goal?  I’m wondering if you’re inviting a world of analysis paralysis and financial pain?
 

Yes indeed, Apple’s approach to connectivity is very much “our way or the highway”, but I must say that I’ve had a 4K version for a couple of year now and it works quite well with my new LG OLED and Onkyo RZ740 - which for my use case lacks only accommodations for separate EQ/time delay alignment for multiple subs. For that reason, I recently acquired a 2x4HD and am beginning the learning curve - which at 72yrs can be very slow. 
Back to my previous question, and at the risk of insulting your expertise, but what exactly is the goal that can’t be achieved with your current AVR’s internal DSP? 
 It’s my understanding that the newer Yammies have very comprehensive PEQ functionality, and highly respected reviewers have great affection for the latest generation of Anthem ARC Genesis. 

Excellent question, My AVR is a Yamaha TSR-700. Unfortunately, the auto-eq functionality (YPAO) leaves a lot to be desired and the manual eq functionality is limited to a 7 band GEQ. The MiniDSP 2X4.HD is a great product but I want to introduce an equalizer into the digital portion of my audio system (as opposed to the analog side).

Additionally, the two sub outputs inherent to the TSR-700 are wired parallel to each other (i.e. NOT independent); therefore, I am need of setting delays/alignment between my two subs, as well as subs to mains……..hence my need for a DSP.

Finally, while Apple never ceases to antagonize its customer base my true indignation resides with MiniDSP in that MiniDSP previously produced a product call the ‘nanoAVR HD’ but MiniDSP decided that product wasn’t cool anymore so they summarily killed it. 

see attached: www.minidsp.com/images/documents/Product%20Brief-nanoAVR.pdf 

While I definitely don’t declare to be an expert in the advanced level AV world,  I’m thinking this might well be a case of “rock, meet hard place” . 
Your particular receiver appears to be one of those value oriented models with very limited functionality for integrating additional components, specifically lacking of line outputs to accommodate third party external power amps. My current receiver Onkyo RZ740 allows for that, and I’m currently using external amps for the front row three and dual subwoofers. Were I to determine the need for more flexibility of EQ without starting all over, I’d be inclined to install the required devices between the receiver ( now essentially a surround processor only), and live with the extra layer of ADC at the front end of the DSP, before its final conversion back to analog feeding the amps. 

FWIW,  and this is based on two systems in which all content is streamed - both audio only and movies, etc, as well as  over 60yrs in this hobby - it’s my opinion that considering the numerous occurrences of signal processing, lossy compression, up and down sampling likely to occur upstream, my aged ears would be hard pressed to detect any theoretical or even measurable loss of definition that wasn’t swamped by the combination of variable audio mixing and predominance of visual input on the viewing experience. 
Of course, there’s gotta be qualified boffins viewing this thread waiting to jump in with their corrections; we await your advice with gleeful anticipation. 
cheers 

Fair points.

By the way, the TSR-700 actually does have  Left and Right (main) pre-outs.

I am currently running an Emotiva Bas-X 2 channel external amplifier in my 2.2 channel system located in my garage; no way the tiny amps in my TSR-700 could ever dream of driving my Klipsch RP-8000F (first gen) tower speakers to the decibel levels needed to satisfy my hearing impaired needs. I listen to music at damn near reference levels when in my garage working out therefore creating a vicious circle of every increasing volume needs as my hearing impairment worsens at a commensurate rate due to the excessive volume (in other words not even remotely OSHA compliant)

In case you are interested, here is my 2.2 (garage) system

(i) Apple 4K connected via HDMI to (ii) TSR-700 connected to (via RCA) (iii) Emotiva BAS-X 2 external amplifier connected to (iv) Klipsch RP--8000F (Gen I) tower speakers/(1)SVS PB-1000 subwoofer/(1) Klipsch R-120SWi subwoofer


On a completely unrelated note (and I have no idea why you would be interested in my home theater system save the fact you are an audio nut like me) here is my home theater setup (which is not the topic of discussion here)

Receiver: Denon 8500HA (powering L/R Main Surround speakers; Top Front speakers; Top Rear speakers; Back surround Left/Right speakers)
External Amps: Three Outlaw Audio 2220 monoblocks (powering Main L/R/C speakers)
Speakers: (A) Bed Layer (7 spkrs) - (i) Front L/R: Revel Proforma3 F208; (ii) Center: Klipsch R-5800-W II (behind an acoustically transparent projection screen); (iii) Main Surround L/R: ELAC Debut 2.0 OW4.2; (iv) Rear Surround L/R: Dayton Audio MK442T; ( Height Layer (4 spkrs) - (i) Top Front L/R: Revel IW65; (ii) Top Rear L/R: Klipsch AW-400; (C) Subwoofers (4 spkrs) - SVS PB-1000 with a minidsp 2X4 HD acting as the DSP
Gaming Console: XBOX Series X; Blu-ray Player: Sony UBP- X700(M); Projector: Sony VPL-VW325ES; Streaming Device: Apple TV (2021 gen)


 

“Unspoken assumptions are the enemy of effective communication”

A lot to unpack from your last post - the equipment listed and the far more elaborate use case for your main system than my own indicates you certainly don’t need any additional amateurish advice.  
It wasn’t clear from your initial query, but if the little Yammie’s stereo line outs are sufficient for the workshop system, perhaps you could just grit your teeth and put up with the extra ADC step of using another 2x4HD for the 2.2 configuration?

No more from me on that subject, but I would like to inquire as to your satisfaction with the multi sub implementation in your main surround system, and any special procedures you may have followed. I’m just dipping my toe in that pond, and need to wade in the shallow end before diving headfirst, so I may likely populate these fora with inane newbie questions.

Happy to help in any way I can. Can you give me a run down of your system(s)?

In terms of your suggestion to place a MiniDSP 2X4 HD (in an ‘analog’ capacity) between the TSR-700 and Emotiva external amplifier I have considered it but given the fact in order to use the Mini DSP 2X4 HD in such a manner I would have to cede control of the crossover points (between mains and subs) to the MiniDSP unit (due to the fact the MiniDSP 2X4 HD has only two ‘inputs’) I thought it would be easier to insert a DSP unit between the Apple TV and AVR (thus having the TSR-700 retain control of all bass management activities); nevertheless, I haven’t ruled out using a MiniDSP 2X4 HD in a pure a analog fashion (thus bearing with the additional delay inherent to a MiniDSP used in an analog capacity).

You’ve made your intended goal clear, and there are no doubt other users far more competent to address whether or how to achieve it in the manner described. As you indicated the system in question is a 2.2 system, I thought that was something easily achievable with a single 2x4HD -  in what is described somewhere in their literature as a FAST system - something with which I do have some familiarity in my past life as an minor player in the DIY speaker building arena. 

As for my own rig, it’s certainly far simpler than the main one you described earlier:
Firstly, I’ve long ago dispensed with all physical media in both my music only and home theatre systems. All content is streamed (“cable”, AppleTV+, Netflix, PrimeTV, Disney+, YouTube) , or in the case of music Spotify and some from files previously ripped from CDs and served from a MacMini over WiFi to a BlueSound Node into a Neurochrome Modulus 286 power amp. 
Secondly, all speakers are DIY builds, as are three power amps(kits, actually, but still) - the above noted Modulus 286 in music system, a 2 channel Hypex UCD180 for passive subs, and 3 channels of ICEPower AC200 for main front row trio in 5.1.4 Atmos system. 
TV is LG 77” OLED; sources are AppleTV, 4K MacMini and cable provider’s  4K TV player box (Arris Xi6); AVR is Onkyo RZ740 ( sort of a goldilocks piece to my thinking I. terms of value for the money); HT speakers are three models Mark Audio full range drivers for the front row, front height and rear surrounds, with cheapie Monolith in ceiling 2-ways for the top mid Atmos spot, and recycled 7” woofers for subs (weakest link, I’m sure).  
At the age of 72 my hearing ain’t what it used to be, which is why I’m sure I couldn’t resolve the issue of one additional layer of ADC that would be inherent in using the analog inputs of the miniDSP in my proposed configuration. 
With average listening levels of well below 90dB, and with the assistance of Oticon hearing aids, it’s almost sufficient for my needs - which is where the 2x4HD enters the conversation. I’ve come to be a fan of the idea of multiple subs - in my case 2 - to attempt to “tame” the bass.  As noted above, I’m just dipping my toe into the shallow end of the pool - no platform diving for this scrawny cowboy - and am looking forward to enjoying the learning curves for both the REW and miniDSP Device Console.  
As it turns out, the 2x4HD I’m using is one I’d bought over 7years ago, ended up not using at the time and loaned to a friend. He ended up buying a newer DDRC24 and returned the original to me, so now all I need to do is download the appropriate plugin and go to town. No doubt I’ll have questions along the way. 

Stop being Coy! These amps are Very impressive! I think it is you who is the master and I the grasshopper!

In terms of rthe 2X4 Minidsp HD I believe your receiver allows for up to 30 ft in terms of the subwoofer distance (please confirm) therefore this may create an obstacle in terms of aligning your subs with mains. When using REWs alignment tool be very mindful if the total delay you are creating 

watch these four videos (to start hahaha)

Still working on compiling measurements to experiment with REW generating filter curves. First couple of attempts came back with signal levels too  and a couple of error messages still a bit obtuse foe me.  Could take another cuppa coffee or so. 

cheers 

edit, FWIW, here's the starting point for each sub and average