Better 2-channel music

Thank you Elevick. I take your advice and hold on the Marantz AV8801 or AV8802 but try the Cambridge 851C first. Crutchfield has 60 days to try.

Zd542 and/or Elevick. How would you compare the quality of movie sound between the Marantz AV8801 and Marantz SR7007 using 7 channel output to a 7 channel power amp? Would the difference be significant?

I have no clue. If I'm using my 105, it would go direct to the pre and direct to the amp. The oppo would do all of the processing. Ideally, the 2 marantz units should sound identical....but we know how those things go.

Elevick, so you said it's unnecessary to upgrade from SR7007 using only 7 channel outputs to AV8801, unless I move to AV8802 for Dolby Atmos. It was my mistake to choose 103 instead of 105, but the Cambridge 851C should be as good as or even better than 105 just the CD player part.

A couple of things. First I did a comparison with two Oppos, the 95 and the 103 both as pre's to a 7 channel Outlaw amp. The 103 was underwhelming, and further research revealed that Oppo does not recommend it be used as a stand alone pre. My results bore this out.

Second, my experience with Emotiva is that their house sound tends to be bright. I note that because the OP mentions wanting some warmth. I actually ended up selling my three Emotiva components. Further to that, XMC owners are reporting occasional pops and clicks with Dirac, several have mentioned this on the AVS thread, and gotten slammed by Emo fanboys. I'd be cautious about that processor for now, and whatever the collective thinks on their forum.

My solution for two channel performance has been a separate system in another room. If that's not possible, 2 channel gear with theater bypass has proven to be a good compromise. You also need top notch speakers for best resolution, though. There is no free lunch.