Lets you connect sound from an AV source, or a TV with ARC, to the amplifier. In stereo, of course.muljao said:What does hdmi do in a stereo system?
It can also be useful if you use SACDs as you are limited to CD quality via optival or coaxial out.muljao said:What does hdmi do in a stereo system?
If I'm correct Naim's HDMI option is for passthrough only - actually HDMI ARC input for TV.Leeps said:Fair play, although the power ratings are "creative" to say the least: 2 x 160 W (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 1%, 1 channel driven)
If anyone's thinking of driving one channel only in a stereo amp at 1% THD, then it could be the ideal product. Your speakers may not think so of course. At least when you blow the first speaker, you'll have a spare one at the ready. Any why would you want to play MUSIC? Surely it's far more satisfying to play test tones at 1 KHz.
For HDMI stereo, also see Naim's latest Uniti range (£100 cost option), the Arcam SR250 & Linn Sneaky DSM. Or any multi-channel AVR of course.
As a hifi related magazine they create the buzz and excitement so people buy the magazine. Sales sales sales is the goal at any cost.Leeps said:I know I was taking the mick above, but actually it's a jolly useful product. There ought to be more like this from Onkyo's competitors. On board Tidal, internet radio and HDMI make this a real Swiss Army Knife amp.
The main advantage with multiple HDMI inputs and one ARC-HDMI output is the you only need one connecting lead between the amp & TV. Without this all HDMI sources have their own leads to the TV, then optical out to your stereo amp. This can get messy if you want to wall-mount your TV.
So, a handy product. Just more realistic power ratings please. Noticed WHF review doesn't help, "320w total power output"!! Really? You'd expect that from a non-tech newspaper review, but WHF should add some kind of disclaimer before quoting gumpf like that.