Hello all. I have a rather simple and modest dual Stereo/AVR living room setup, but something is amiss in my connection strategy for a living room with two amps, which forces me to use a not-so-clear strategy for playback when using certain sources.
One practical example: I use a Western Digital streamer for much of my music and movie playback. The streamer is connected to the AVR with HDMI for movies, no problem there. But for music playback on the HK3490, I have to use an analog RCA connection: The stereo's two digital ports are already occupied by a link to a DVD player with a Toslink and to my SACD capable BD player using Digital CoAx, so I cannot use the WD's Toslink connection. The big caveat is that my streamer does not sport a good DAC like the stereo does, so sound quality is sacrificed, lest I use my optical disc media.
I'm about to change the audio gear stand, requiring a full dismantling and re-connect. I need help to connect my two amplifiers together, each as a possible digital source for the other. So I won't have to suffer with this problem anymore. Below is all the details I believe to be relevant. I'm hoping someone with a "fresh look" could identify an angle on this which could resolve my problem by changing the interconnects, or better yet, explaining to my how to properly cross-link my two amps so they both can be used as pre-amps for the other.
I have tried at one point to connect them using the "zone 2" of the AVR into one of the HK's analog inputs set to "Tape monitor", and I never got it to work. I'm usually pretty good with connecting gear, but I'm in a rut and need fresh eyes on this, even if it wounds my pride.
Here's my gear:
My Stereo setup:
* Harman Kardon HK3490
* 2 X JBL Studio 38II
* 2 X Reference Audio R50S
- Pioneer Rondo 2000 Turntable
- LG LGD435 DVD player.
My Home Theater:
* Harman Kardon AVR3600
* 4 X JBL Northridge E-60
* Reference Audio R550C
* 8" JBL Northridge SUB
- Sony BDP S5100
- Samsung BD-P1600
- WD TV Live media Hub 1TB #1
- Digital Cable & PVR box
- (Via SMB network) WD TV Live media Hub 1TB #2
- (Via Toslink) Creative SB X-Fi 5.1 USB
Here's how it's currently connected
Here the rear end of both devices:
I will subscribe to this post and closely monitor what happens here. Don't be fooled by my low post-count; I will be back and no answer or suggestion will go unread. Thanks to all who try to help.
:confused:
Edit:
Just did some test on the AVR --> HK connexion.
- Tried connecting AVR3600's digital coax out to HK3490's coax input, then reassigned one of HK inputs for coax input. No dice.
- Tried using AVR3600's preamp L+R outputs to HK's "tape monitor". again, No dice.
- Using AVR3600's analog "Tape OUT" to HK's "tape monitor" works, but it's a "hack" in my book. The signal is not affected by the AVR's volume or mute, but it is positively submitted to the AVR's tone and EQ settings.