New or Upgrading Pre - Pro

Audiojan: Thanks for clarifying that about the decoding of the new high resolution formats. I wasn't 100% sure if both the source and processor had to decode. Question, in addition to the analog inputs as you mentioned, wouldn't it also work using an HDMI cable?

Another option to consider in that price range is the Anthem MRX300 receiver, to use mainly as a pre/pro, you could use some of the amps for extra surrounds or a second zone.
I was looking for pre/pros <5k and ended up with one. It comes with a slightly slimmed down version of ARC that's in their 6k+ pre/pros. Unlike the non-pro versions of Audyssey, it comes with a calibrated mic and uses a laptop for the calculations instead of the DSP in the unit itself.
It digitizes all inputs so ARC can be used, so it wouldn't work well if you want to use the DAC in your Oppo.

Your decision revolves around whether or not you want to go down the room correction path. If so, I would get a decent $2K new SSP with HDMI. This technology progresses fast and the older SSP just don't have the features you need.

The alternative approach is the focus on the 2 channel signal path. The 95 has excellent DACs, so no issue there. A good 2 channel preamp with HT bypass will definitely improve performance. Next you could get a good stereo amp or monoblocks.

Before deciding which way to go I would get a copy of the free REW (Room EQ Wizard), and measure your room. If it appears you have significant room mode issues the room correction path is probably preferable. If not, I would go the 2 channel sans EQ optimization route.

Keep in mind that if you are a savvy audiogon shopper, you can get a used preamp at a good price. If you don't think it does enough for your 2 channel system you just sell it and lose may be $50 worht of shipping and transaction cost. You can do the same with 2 channel poweramp.

If a new SSP does not work out the way you are expecting you end up taking a bit more of a hit.

PDN: yes, HDMI would work as well, but rarely will you get better sound than if you let the Oppo BDP95 do the decoding and output via 7.1 analog instead decode and output via HDMI

Yeah, Audiojan,

And you get the beauty of clutter with 7 cables instead of a single HDMI cable.

db