I’m replacing my Savant system. I’ve got most of it planned out but I’m torn on the the whole audio amp. These are the options I’m considering. A full Rpi/Amp solution will not work for my usecase.
DAX88 - I like this choice for the 8 zones. Would require a serial controller (I’d probably get a Global Caché GC-100 since I’ll be needing IR control of a couple of devices). Also available for quick delivery.
WS66i - Only 6 zones but has network control built in. Still would probably use GC-100 for IR control so I can have serial option for possible use later. Not necessarily quick delivery.
HTD MCA-66. Also only 6 zones. Includes serial controller, and WiiM Mini. Newer integration. Lowest cost.
I’m kind of leanind towards the HTD now (I was about to pull the trigger on the WS66i when I found it). Mainly because of the extra pieces, and a new integration actively being developed with the manufacturer. At the same time, the WS66i is a core integration, so there’s that.
Some questions -
If you have one of these amps, how easy was the setup? How well does it work for you? Pros/Cons?
Is there something other than the GC-100 I can use for centralized IR control? I’ve already got wires run from other rooms becuase of the IR controller from the Savant. I’d rather get a single device than multiple devices for each location.
#1 is rs232 and will be a pain to control in HA. #2 has an ip interface should be technically controllable (monoprice clone) #3 my data says HTD was developing an actual HA integration. But I have no info beyond that and Jo I own none of these.
That said because integration of music is important. I personally would pick Sonos or Denon and of those two Sonos because my wife uses Spotify and it’s been painful with Denon. Or at the very least make sure your gear is supported by something Music Assistant can use.
In short yes pay attention to your audio quality. But also see what is actually controllable or you’ll be back in the technical debt arena like you currently are fixing with your move out of Savant
Thanks. My use doesn’t really work for a shift to Sonos. I don’t see a Denon that fits the need. A requirement is to continue to use the in-ceiling speakers.
Along with that is some Apple TV inputs that use that for the audio in those room. This is why I’m looking at these amps. Video is already distributed over Cat5e. I’ll split the audio out into the amps for the rooms that need it and fgive them each their own AppleTV (I’ll only need one more).
While music needs be playable (family uses Apple Music, and we have a Plex server. I’ve also set up LMS pointing at the same folder), it’s not the primary thing my family uses.
I linked to the HTD integration that came out in January. I think of the 3 choices I put out, they are the only one that specifically say they work with Home Assistant.
There a few reasons I’m dropping Savant. The main one is the inability to add/change things easily. While I have acess to the software on the host, I can’t get new profiles without paying an integrator. The equipment I have is also no longer supported which means a massive upgrade. One of the pieces is failing. I upgraded the main host a few years ago, so I’ll be getting an M1 Mac Mini to use for something else once I finish the change over.
Good then based on that I wouldn’t even consider the other two. Just the one with the integration…
Why - you will (not may) eventually get into a situation where you want to control media. Apple TV or that plex server or any other number of things based on other stuff going on. I don’t know about you, but my AV stack switches all manner of inputs. (I even have it switch audio to the AI assistant to redirect through the speakers when active) If HA can’t do that switching it might as well not be controllable at all.
So if I’m picking AV gear. I pick your targets that satisfy your base requirements. Then disqualify any that won’t work with HA for everything INCLUDING switching, casting and at least supports one of the player providers from MA. Repeat until you have a few to compare and then do. Of those I’m picking the HTD if it meets my audio requirements
