Your opinion needed! HDMI Switch or new stereo w/ HDMI?

[Username02]

Hi all ~ thanks for looking.

I was interested in some opinions for my set up as I have been out of the amp/stereo scene for quite a while.

One of my current TV set ups includes:
- HDTV w/ 2 HDMI inputs
- Mac Mini (connected via s-video)
- PS3 (connected via HDMI)
- Apple TV (connected via HDMI)
- Klipsch ProMedia GMX Speakers connected to analog TV audio out (http://www.klipsch.com/promedia-gmx-a-2-1-computer-speaker-system)

I am interested in connecting the Mac via HDMI now that I am using it more for content, however, to do this, I would need to buy an HDMI switch or a stereo amp/receiver with HDMI.

I would prefer to get a nice HDMI capable stereo amp, but one challenge is that the Klipsch are powered computer speakers and I do not think they would be compatible with the audio out on most stereo amps. I am not sure if this is true.

I am not so interested in getting rid of the speakers if I don't have to.

What would you all do in my situation?
Get the HDMI switch?
Find a stereo amp/receiver that would allow me to keep my speakers (if they even make this)?

Thanks for any insight.

 

[S.B.G]

I would try the HDMI switch first and see if it fits your needs before spending a lot more on a stereo receiver.

 

[Username02]

Thanks for your reply.
Money is not an issue.

I would certainly prefer a stereo but not at the expense of effort in needing to sell the current powered speakers that are currently hooked to the tv.

any thoughts if this is even feasible are appreciated. if its not possible, I would most likely just opt for the switch.

 

[posnera]

I would prefer to get a nice HDMI capable stereo amp, but one challenge is that the Klipsch are powered computer speakers and I do not think they would be compatible with the audio out on most stereo amps. I am not sure if this is true.

I am not so interested in getting rid of the speakers if I don't have to.

What would you all do in my situation?
Get the HDMI switch?
Find a stereo amp/receiver that would allow me to keep my speakers (if they even make this)?

Thanks for any insight.

You could always send the output from the headphone jack of your stereo. That should take care of the compatibility issue.

 

[chown33]

I would prefer to get a nice HDMI capable stereo amp, but one challenge is that the Klipsch are powered computer speakers and I do not think they would be compatible with the audio out on most stereo amps. I am not sure if this is true.

Most analog audio (especially over RCA connectors) uses relatively standard levels. It's something around 1V peak-to-peak. The common term is "line level", as distinct from "mic level" (much lower) or "speaker level" (much higher).

Many nicer amps have a discrete preamp output, or a preamp-out to power-amp-in loopback. The preamp output is usually compatible with the 1V p-p line levels.

I looked at the Kilpsh specs and didn't see what the input levels are spec'ed at. But if they work with line-level outputs from a TV (which is what every TV I know of outputs on its RCA jacks), then they're almost certainly line-level inputs.

If the Klipsch speakers came with a printed sheet, look for what the input specs are and post them.

 

[Username02]

You could always send the output from the headphone jack of your stereo. That should take care of the compatibility issue.

Wow! This is a great suggestion. Very simple which I like. Since the speakers are powered there shouldn't be any issue getting decent sound out of the headphone jack is there?

Is there an HDMI compatible system you would recommend? I don't really need much else other than your standard inputs, etc. If I could find one without a radio tuner I would prefer that also.

Thanks so much for your insight.

Most analog audio (especially over RCA connectors) uses relatively standard levels. It's something around 1V peak-to-peak. The common term is "line level", as distinct from "mic level" (much lower) or "speaker level" (much higher).

Many nicer amps have a discrete preamp output, or a preamp-out to power-amp-in loopback. The preamp output is usually compatible with the 1V p-p line levels.

I looked at the Kilpsh specs and didn't see what the input levels are spec'ed at. But if they work with line-level outputs from a TV (which is what every TV I know of outputs on its RCA jacks), then they're almost certainly line-level inputs.

If the Klipsch speakers came with a printed sheet, look for what the input specs are and post them.

Thanks so much for your reply. I checked the instruction manual but the input level specs are not present, not sure if there was other paperwork included.

I do know that the RCA input is spec'd as being for a 'game system' in the instruction manual if that helps.

In terms of hardware, is there a specific unit you would recommend? I just need some inputs, HDMI and RCA. No radio tuner is preferable.

Some of the brands I like are Dennon, Sony and Onkyo

 

[shaotse]

For a very reasonable price, you should get this - http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S730...UIIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310664587&sr=8-1

Ditch the 2 channel speakers and set them up with an airport express somewhere else.

 

[Username02]

For a very reasonable price, you should get this - http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-S730...UIIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310664587&sr=8-1

Ditch the 2 channel speakers and set them up with an airport express somewhere else.

That is a great price!
Thanks for the suggestion ~ I would certainly love to have that and would buy it in an instant, but this setup I am describing is just the TV in the bedroom.

Unfortunately, it is a NYC sized bedroom at that so I don't think I could even find a place for all those speakers!

That picture will give me nice dreams though.