Hi,

I think Bruce has covered most of your questions, and sorry to hear of your speaker troubles.

I'll just clarify that the G65 is really 5.1 only. While it can output 7.1 the side channels are 'matrixed' rather than discrete, so it can't handle a 7.1 discrete input from the UHD722. Only the 861 processor (V6 & V8 I think) can do full 7.1. No Meridian processor can handle any of the more recent formats, that's why they produced the 271 unit. That lack is a bit of an issue for many of us on here, but just why that's the case is for another discussion_ however, the kit 'does what it does' pretty well.

I think Meridian kit is a bit too tricky for 'tutorials' but there's plenty of help on this forum, so just ask away.

Personally I'm not familiar with the MiniDSP UMIK-1 but I'm sure I've seen some discussions, so I'm sure there are users with that experience around to help.

Brian

Main: G65, MD600 Sooloos, MC200 Roon Core, MS600, 210, 218, UHD722, DSP5200SE, DSP5200HCSE, M6 & DSW.2
System 2: AC200 MS200, WiiM Pro+, M6.
Other: DSP5000 (96/24v1), DSP3300.