2. amps-preamps
  3. 125345-117

Enchancing video, adding audio in the bedroom.

Current setup: Panasonic Plasma, about 8 years old. Panasonic Blu-Ray. Ideas for new setup: Oppo 105 darbee edition. Wharfedale 10.2 speakers. The amplification part is a bit more confusing for me. I’m a 2-channel analog guy, and when I see these A/V receivers with 9 channels and 90 connections on the back, it certainly changes my KEEP IT SIMPLE rule. I have a fair collection of Redbook CD’s, but as I understand it, Redbook is not the Oppo’s greatest strength. Price range for speakers is around the Wharfedales ($379) price. Amp around $1000, and of course, the 105 darbee is a proven contender in it’s price range. Goals are to get better video resolution, and I’m sure the Oppo will best my $259 BR player. Also better sound from TV/ Movies, but also be able to enjoy music. I have no intention to go 5 or 7 channel. A center channel in the future would be as far as I would venture.

fjn04
mesch
3,530 posts
 
I use 2-channel systems for video/audio in my living room and think it does all I need. If going with the 10.2 speakers i would think a NAD 326BEE  ($550 retail) would be all the amp you would need. Has subwoofer output, however no center channel one. With savings one could up the ante on speakers, or help to add a sub for movies. Of course you would have to use the analog outs with the Oppo with that amp. 
fjn04 OP
1,561 posts
 

Music Direct suggested a Marantz A/V receiver. I believe SR7009 is the model. It's a $2,000 unit, marked down to $900. I wonder how it would compare sonically with a comparably priced 2-channel unit. I have also looked at the HEED Elixir Integrated. I had their Quasar phono in a 2nd system last year, and liked it a lot. The conversation with the  MD rep went a bit over my head, but in short, with an A/V receiver you bypass the cable box, giving better video performance.  


tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Forget the A/V receiver and use the Oppo's inputs as a control center. Then its video to the plasma and audio to a nice 2 channel integrated amp. Simple and the video direct to the plasma should be better than through an A/V receiver.

More to discover