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136.1.1.113
Hi all,
I bought an Oppo 105 3 years ago, but have only used it for 2 channel so far. I'd like to get into multichannel as I have enough SACD's with 5.1 mixes that I'd like to hear now. So, I've been looking at ways to make that work. Since I'd like to run both the Oppo and a turntable, that rules out running the Oppo's outputs directly into a multichannel amp. I'd like to keep the preamp+amp budget under $2000 if possible. The Sony TA-P9000 is out of production now, it looks like the Nuforce MCP-18 was discontinued after a short production run. I haven't had any luck finding a multichannel analog preamp, at least not anywhere near my budget. Even a lot of the AV processor/preamps have been discontinued. I could consider used gear, but I really would like to be able to hear whatever I end up with before being committed to buying it.
Am I stuck being only able to consider an AV receiver with this budget or have I missed some important products? I'd like to make use of the Oppo's analog outputs and so many of the AV receivers seem bloated with extra digital processing I don't need. But if the sound quality is there and the price is right I guess having unneeded extras isn't so bad. I'd just like to try to make sure the money is going toward the features I actually want to buy if that makes sense.
thanks,
Dan
Follow Ups:
I was wondering whether he was aware of or possibly considering the Emotiva XMC 1 - currently I use their UMC 200 pre/pro and find it quite flexible and a very decent sounding unit. No doubt he could find some lightly used units for a more reasonable price. Currently the XMC 1 sells for 2,500.00 and the UMC 200 was around 600.00, although it looks to be discontinued.
Hi unplugged,
Thanks for the response. The XMC-1 looks to be out of my price range, but I do see some used UMC 200's around in the $400-600 range. That may be a good option for me. I have also seen some used Parasound P7's show up on audiogon which seem like a good option on the used market. Finally after reading up some more on the volume control of the Sabre DACs, I'm even considering using two identical stereo integrated amps for the front channels and one of the stereo receivers I have sitting around for the surrounds.
Dan
i use an AVR as an AVP. my Onkyo TX-NR818 is being used as an avp, the 130 watt amp channels just sit idle. i run all out the analog outputs with great success. i provide all other amp channels outboard.
then there is the outlaw 975 for $549! :
https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/975.html
keep looking around and there are others.
...regards...tr
I run my Oppo directly into my amplifiers. When I want to listen to LPs, I just switch the cables for the front channels.
I tried it with preamps, but preferred the sound directly into the amps. I tried a Conrad Johnson MET-1 multichannel tubed preamp but there too preferred the sound direct into the amps.
You can do level and distance adjustments in the Oppo, but in my system the speakers are equidistant and levels are within one db so I use unprocessed DSD from the Oppo, which to my ear usually sounds better (although I must admit I'm not always sure which I prefer) . Levels can also be adjusted with high quality attenuators if necessary, which I also have, but don't currently need to use.
...'multichannel' AND 'preamp', in substantial contrast to MANY others who write in the Asylum. Way to go, Dan.
:-)
----------
Tin-eared audiofool, large-scale-Classical music lover, and damned-amateur fotografer.
William Bruce Cameron: "...not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
That makes it easy for everyone to help him.
I have the same player as you and the Parasound P7. It's a great multi-channel preamp. Give it a try, it's in your budget.The levels are all set in the Oppo for the multi-channel level matching.
The Parasound P7 really doesn't seem to have any character, just a pass through with a volume control. Plus it has a great phono preamp.
I have a collection of DACs hooked to the Oppo Digital outputs and the differences between them can be heard with the Parasound P7. It's a good bit of audio fun - and no video distraction!
David
Edits: 04/04/16
If I get this correctly, the Oppo would continue to be your Mch player and processor, though we understand it would be limited in functionality. If you were to get a new or used stereo preamp with HT Bypass, you could route the Oppo L & R front channels via the preamp, bypassing the preamp volume control for Mch in HT Bypass mode.For stereo, you would switch the preamp to phono, say, and it would play in stereo via the same L & R channel amps and speakers. Other stereo sources could also be connected to the preamp. The Oppo just becomes another stereo input for its L & R channels to the preamp, used in the preamp HT Bypass mode.
The main thing you would likely be missing is any subwoofer in stereo mode, since the Oppo has bass management and the stereo preamp does not.
Edits: 04/04/16 04/04/16
I also have the Oppo 105, and that's my setup. There are many nice stereo preamp with HT bypass, Rotel has a few reasonable prices ones. Thier new RC 1590 has everything plus sub output, for about $1500 new.
AB
You are probable limited to considering an AV receiver with your budget. AV receivers make sense for most people that want multichannel audio or home theater. For those who prefer to use separate amps and preamps, then a multiple amps and preamps works well. After all what is a multichannel receiver except for putting several amps and preamps into one box and adding a lot of convenience, bells and whistles. If this seems too complicated or expensive this is the main reason why AV receivers are so appealing.The vast majority of audiophiles want to have the best two channel audio system they can afford, so do that. If you want multichannel audio then add an AV receiver for the center and rear channels. If that is too much of a compromise add a separate preamp and amp for the center channel, then decide if you want to do the same for the rear channels.
If you want an elegant pure solution I believe Guy Hammel at Placette Audio can build you a multichannel passive preamp for around $7K or an active multichannel active preamp for much more. Since this is way outside of your budget, either stick with an AV receiver or add an AV receiver to your stereo system to control your center and rear speakers. I suggest getting the best Marantz AVR you can afford.
Edits: 04/03/16
Pretty much agree with you, this is a well-traveled road by me. I would suggest the Marantz AV7702 Mk2 pre-pro instead though. It is about as good as anything Marantz has made in this area recently, better than their much pricier product (8801) from only a couple years ago. Barely within the *full* budget though, it's not that hard to find a cheap mch amp to "make do" until you scrape some more $$ together.
I will not pretend that this comes close to even a "modest" (by AA standards...) analog *stereo* preamp though. Getting something in that league, to match a decent stereo one but in mch, is extremely expensive. I have not found one in fact under $20k that I would say is "equal" (IMO etc. etc,), and I do not begrudge the price after I thought about it for a while, it kind of makes sense.
Best to buy a S/hand SONY AVR STR-DA5400ES/ 6400ES and use the preamp out both have first class FM stages & MM phono sections never reviewed. Depending on speakers the amp section of the Sony AVR is also very good.
Edits: 04/01/16 04/01/16
I am sooooo HOT for Sony, - I just can't hardly stand it. Sometimes, late at night, I collect all my Sony components bring them in my room, just to have them close to me... Ooooh, so A-Mazing! They so turn me on, without even having to be turned on themselves...
"Asylums with doors open wide,
Where people had paid to see inside,
For entertainment they watch his body twist
Behind his eyes he says, 'I still exist.'"
In fact, they were all quite good for their time.
Currently, I use D100 DSD Recorder, 5400ES ( stock) and HAP Z1, in Precision Mode.
Signed, Dr. Sony.
Yes, I AM the President, and I'l post anywhere I want.
In fact, if you don't buy something from Sony today, well...
Being sarcastic is stoopid SONY IMO is best for AVR I have tried Marantz, Yamaha, Pioneer, Onkyo Arcam Cambridge not all models of course but Sony is easily the best for both SQ value & technology.
Sucking for Sony, - and not disclosing your affiliation.
"Asylums with doors open wide,
Where people had paid to see inside,
For entertainment they watch his body twist
Behind his eyes he says, 'I still exist.'"
Absolute nonsense , I have no affiliation with Sony, just a satisfied customer not caught out by all the high end rip-offs,
:-)
The Blonde looks OK, not so keen on the Brunette
McIntosh C45 is discontinued but you can get one for around $2.5K to $3K, a little more than your budget but worth looking into.
Vahe
The Audio Refinement was cheap but no phono section and they stopped making the analog pre 5.
Your budget won't due. The p7 which I agree w/Kal is a great solution alone is more than your budget. Then you need an amp and some speakers and maybe a sub too if you don't have one. Then there are interconnects and speaker wire.......Wait until you can do it right. Doing it on the cheap just to get mch SACD will backfire.
ET
Edits: 04/01/16
Hi Kal and Awe-d-O-file,
Thanks for the input! I've enjoyed your Music in the Round columns for years now Kal.
"Your budget won't due."
Well that's disappointing. :)
Yes, I was getting the sense the current market didn't have much to offer in my price range when the surround processors seemed to start around $2000+. The P7 does sound perfect. I noticed one for $1500 on audiogon so maybe stretching the budget upwards a bit could make things fit. I'm all set on speakers and wire. I roll my own speakers and have a triple sub array that I use with the current 2 channel setup. My budget is just for the preamp/amp at this point.
Dan
Maybe the used p7 and a three channel amp won't be too over budget. You have the speakers and subs all set.
ET
There were very few multichannel analog preamps ever made and, afaik, the only current one is the Parasound P7 which I recommend as perfect for you. It incorporates a quite decent phono stage and a remote control. I have seen them used and would urge you to consider one.An alternative would be the Parasound P5 which can bypass the L/R/Sub output from the Oppo while leaving the C/SL/SR straight through.
The NuForce MCP-18 or a well-priced used McCormack MAP-1 would also work but I prefer the P7.
Finally, you might also consider getting a switch that would permit you to select between the Oppo 5.1 output and the (to be added) stereo phono as long as each has a volume control.
Edits: 04/01/16 04/01/16
Hi Kal,
Can the P7's balanced stereo inputs be used when a multichannel input is selected? The Oppo 105 has balanced stereo outs that can also be assigned to the front left and right channels when playing multichannel audio. They get their own DAC separate from the 7.1 unbalanced outputs too. However can you make use of these with the P7 outside of stereo?
Dan
I will have to look it up in the manual when I get home (or you could). Now travelling in the UK.
Hi Kal,
Thanks for the response. I did have a quick look through the manual and didn't find anything on being able to reassign the balanced stereo ins to the front channels of the 7.1 inputs so I'm guessing the answer is no, but I figured I could have missed something.
Dan
Looking at the manual for the P7, it looks like it does not have a separate center channel level trim, is this correct? So you'd either need a center channel with the same sensitivity as the L/R mains or enable level control on the player?
Dan
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