Oppo for HT & stereo without a processor?


Given not only my antipathy toward AV processors in general, but also my meager shelf space, I'm thinking of dispensing with an AV processor entirely and running the unbalanced outputs of my Oppo BDP-105 directly to the power amps.

In favor of this idea are the facts that the Oppo's audio processing is at least marginally up to date, the option reduces the shelf space, cost, and wiring required.  Additionally, and in general for audio, simpler is better.  I don't need any more than 5.1 in my room, and the Oppo should suffice without much ado.

Against this idea is the fact that the Oppo, while capable of driving the power amps directly, may not be the ideal tool for this job.  For one thing, the Oppo's digital volume control has the theoretical potential to truncate bit length.  For another, the buffer amps in the Oppo's outputs aren't (or at least don't seem to me) to be as robust as those in dedicated preamps and processors.

I hope to ameliorate the latter by using a tube buffer (probably the ubiquitous Yaqin SD-CD3) between the Oppo & the power amps, at least on the stereo R/L front channels.

Are there any logical reasons to accept, reject, or modify this course of action?

Thanks - Boomzilla

128x128boomzilla
Well, I tried it last night for the first time, and I didn't think that it sounded quite right either.  The Yaqin tube buffer might have done better but for its hum.  I may have to start lopping off grounding plugs to achieve a "star ground" for the system.

Should I ground through the Oppo or through the power amp?  I'm suspecting the former since the signal voltages are lower there?

For 2 channel it may be best to have a direct connection but for 5.1 surround sound movie applications, you want impact, a good and exaggerated surround field, clear vocals on the center channel, chest shaking bass, and most importantly, a calibrated system that an AV processor can provide.  
The Oppo's outputs do best @ 100% output.  So I need a preamp (preferably, with HT bypass, but can work around if not).  

Other than Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, & McIntosh, who else has good tube preamps AND enough stability to be sure they'll be around if I ever need service?

Issue resolved - I've gotten a CJ ET-3 preamp (has HT bypass) to handle stereo duty.  Now I'll be able to turn the Oppo outputs to 100% & attenuate in the CJ.