Processor upgrade from Integra 9.8?

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).

Partial correction. I just spoke with Oppo and they told me that if the player's HDMI audio output is on and the prepro does not accept a DSD signal, then the player automatically converts DSD to PCM. Therefore, if you do not turn off the hdmi audio in the Oppo, the analog signal that outputs the player will be a DSD converted to PCM and then to analog.

Installed the Integra DHC-80.2 to replace my DTC-9.8. Money well spent. The sound is noticeably better (actually pretty amazing) as well as the room calibration/steering by the Audyssey 32 and other advanced DACs, etc.. Its close to a night and day difference - even greater than I had expected. Thanks all for your assistance.

I'm still using the video out of the Oppo, which is quite nice, although I'll probably experiment as time goes on with the 80.2 video. For now, couldn't ask for a better solution - had no idea this was such a no-brainer until doing the upgrade... :-)

BTW - plenty of bass from the 5 speakers, run as "full". Floor vibrates WITHOUT the SUB!! Easily able to supplement with low-bass from sub hooked up to 2-channel preamp as needed. Best of both worlds, w/o switches or brain damage.