Thanks. The plan is to use the 8c monitors as left / right speakers in a stereo set-up used for both music and TV / movies with the latter being a multi-channel to stereo downmix. Our main source is an Aries streamer that outputs AES, Coax and Optical but weve also got a few A/V sources that have HDMI outputs; e.g., Apple TV, Wii U etc. All of the A/V sources allow down-mixing to stereo output (over HDMI) but volume control isnt possible. The requirements then are:
1. Extract digital stereo output from the A/V sources
2. Allow input switching between the digital sources
3. Remote volume control (ideally via Harmony Remote)
4. Single box and simple to use
(The reason for item 3 is that I dont believe that the web-based app will be a solution that is usable by all family members). So, thinking this through, Ive come up with a few different solution options and am open to any and all advice.
1. Add A/V Pre-Pro to aggregate all sources and provide (volume controlled) analogue output to the monitors. (This option seems the simplest in terms of usability etc. but adds cost and Im not sure of the impact of the A/D).
2. Set A/V sources to stereo downmix and then extract digital audio (e.g., routing HDMI direct to TV and using TV optical output.) This would give me two digital sources (AES from Aries and Optical from TV / AV) so then Id need to a)
a. Use a digital solution for switching and volume control; e.g., Mini-DSP DDRC-2DD
b. Use a stereo DAC / pre and send volume control analogue signal to the monitors
3. Find the magic bullet that is an A/V Pre-Pro that has high-quality, volume control, digital out
4. Figure out how to control 8c volume control via Logitech Harmony remote
Itd be great to get input on these and other options. Note, something like the Kii Controller would be fabulous but my wife much prefers the aesthetic of the Dutch & Dutch so its about making these work in our family used set-up. Thanks in advance