Processor upgrade from Integra 9.8?

The Oppos provide LPCM only if you are using HDMI audio output. If you want DSD coming from them you need to turn off HDMI audio output and send the signal through the analog multichannel connection (I don't know if in stereo is also the same). Normally the prepros (at least my Anthem and also the Integras) do not apply room correction or bass management to an analog signal unless they convert it again to digital. So you have to rely on SACD on the Oppo bass management.

I would check out the NAD T175HD, M15, or the new T187. I think they are considered one of the better prepros for audio quality.

Wait a minute,Ridom. You get only analog from the analog output, not PCM and not DSD.

If you want DSD, you use a prepro (like the 80.2/3) that can accept DSD. It can then do Audyssey/Bass Management although it will convert the DSD to PCM for that purpose. The 80.2/3 can provide this for both DSD and PCM sources.

Oppo has been very helpful. To achieve bass management playing SACDs through my Cary 11a, I need to use analog output and set the speakers to small in the Oppo setup menu. In that configuration, the Oppo can provide bass management.

I think, but am not sure, that Kal may have answered my question. I assume he meant that the 80.2/3 can direct LF to the subs even with DSD that does not carry bass management information or with LPCM that does.

Kal, is the audio quality of the 80.2/3 good enough to make using it with a preamp or DAC passthrough moot? My impression was that the audio quality of the 80.1 was not in the same league with the Cary 11a, but there were confounding factors (different setup) in my audition of the 80.1.

db

You're right, Kal, I made a mistake. Effectively the Oppo converts the DSD internally and then send an analog signal to its analog outputs. The only thing that could bother you a little is that if your Oppo’s hdmi audio output is turned on and your prepro does not decode dsd, you will read in the Oppo screen that the player is sending a pcm signal instead of dsd. According to Oppo, the point is that the player will be sending both: converted dsd into analog through its analog connections and pcm through its hdmi (and pcm just because my prepro –Anthem D2V- does not convert dsd).