[RKCRLR]

I think the main problem with tv playback is either the tv signal or if using a network tuner (hdhomerun) the network. I think if you are trying multiple recordings, you are expecting a lot. A TV signal amplifier might be more use.

I already have a signal amplifier.  I'm in a fringe reception area.  Most of the time I have a very strong signal and good SNR.  But atmospheric conditions sometimes impact the signal.  I can watch it drop like a rock and then come back a few minutes later (likely multipath problems). 

I sometimes have buffering problems even when I have good reception.  I'm hoping a more powerful processor and Gigabit ethernet will help (my box has been troublesome so it may be the box itself).  I'm using a HDHomerun Quatro so the tuner may be saturating the 100M lan on the S905W box when it is making multiple recordings while I'm watching TV.  

Is it reasonable to expect to be able to make multiple recordings while watching TV?

the only way to know for sure is buy a X96 max+ & try it. perhaps you could run two recordings on each device?

I don't think multiple Tvheadend servers would work since I record directly to a USB hard drive.  I'm also hoping a USB 3.0 port will help since my hard drive supports USB 3.0.