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2 channel to 5 channel question(s)

I've been enjoying my 2 channel set up for years. I'm now getting the itch to expand to 5 channel
but I'm a little confused. I feel like I'm close but missing something. 
Currently using an Oppo BDP-93 Universal Player, Parasound Halo P5 preamp(which has HT Bypass), Krell KAV-2250 2ch
Amp powering Def Tech BP7002 Dipole Towers. I have another Amp (KAV-2250/3} 3 channel Amp in the waiting.Also Rear Surrounds.
I`m also considering purchasing the Oppo UDP-205 Player to replace the BDP-93. I know I'm missing a 5.1 
preamp but do I need it?  Also, I feel I don't need a Sub because the Def Techs have built In Subs. 
I do have some Concert Blu-Rays but my main desire is to explore SACD's as well as listening to 2 ch.
Any suggestions?

Thank You,
Jeff Swanson
audioslain02
ricred1
2,053 posts
 
I believe your system will benefit from a AV preamp. I was in a similar situation as you, but I decided to have a 2/5 channel system. My priority is 2-channel. My system: Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp that always powers my two front speakers. My ATI AT523NC 3 channel amp powers my center and rears when I’m using my projector. I use my Jeff Rowland Corus preamp for 2-channel and the HT bypass with my Marantz AV 7702 mkII for 5.1 surround sound. I use an OPPO UDP 203
mgattmch
573 posts
 
I use an Oppo UDP-205 feeding a Krell HTS 7.1 into a Krell TAS. The results on video and audio are excellent. I have no plans to upgrade this system. In my case, the Krell HTS 7.1 is simply acting as a glorified volume control (processing is done in the Oppo with analog out to the Krell). I suspect if I used the Oppo volume control and fed the analog output directly into the Krell TAS, results would be similar, possibly better.
audioslain02 OP
18 posts
 
I could actually experiment with using the Oppo as a preamp.
My BDP-93 has 7.1 analog outs with a volume control. Never tried it, a bit leary.  Besides that, I'm hearing nothing but good things about the Krell HTS 7.1. How old is this model?
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
FWIW, I was in a similar predicament years ago. I solved it by using zone 2 of my processor for 2 channel listening with a dedicated amp and the main zone is powered by a separate 5 channel amp. Both sets of speakers are located in my dedicated listening room. A push a a button can get me to concert dvd or 2 channel listening. A bonus is I can play 4 front L/R speakers during dvd concert or really any input I desire

erik_squires
16,245 posts
 
You know, I use the Halo P7. It is by some accounts a better pre than the P5, and has full 7.1 in/outs. It works like a dream.

You could consider trading in your P5. :)

Best,

E
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