brucew5828,
I just wanted to add that many class D amps have a choice of inputs (XLR balanced or RCA unbalanced). I use XLR from the Oppo's outputs to my front l+r mono-blocks and RCA for all other amps.
As for space considerations, if you decide to go separates your likely to gain space because:
1. You won't have to devote space to a class A/B HT receiver which tend to be larger, heavier and require extra space on all sides for adequate ventilation for cooling. No need for a separate surround processor, either.
2. If you opt for class D mono-blocks for the l+r mains, each amp is relatively small and can easily be hidden behind each l+r main speaker. This has the added advantage of allowing your speaker runs to each main being very short although your single XLR or RCA cable to each would likely need to be longer (typically a trade-off that improves performance) .
3. Class D amps for your center and rear channels don't require large berths for adequate cooling so positioning them on a traditional audio rack is not necessary.
Once I had the Oppo and class D amps, it allowed me to seriously streamline my entire 2-ch/5.1 HT combo system. I now use a 5' wide and 18" tall metal equipment rack, topped with a 5' wide walnut platform and extra shelving space below behind hinged doors, that contains all my gear. I wall mounted a 5'W x 3'H hdtv above this rack, leaving about 1' between the top of the rack's wood top platform and the bottom of the tv.
The result is a streamlined system that is symmetrical and a breath of fresh air. The Oppo is centered on the rack's top wood platform, flanked at each end by a mono-block on a small maple isolation platform on spiked brass footers. All other equipment (2 class D amps, a 1.000 watt class A/B amp driving 4 subs, 10 TB NAS, 10 TB backup hard-drive, internet router and a cable box) is hidden behind hinged doors below.
I'm not familiar with your system but I described my system to relate how using class D amps, using a different equipment rack while also eliminating a HT receiver or surround processor can result in significant space saving and streamlining. However, I believe you could save space and streamline even if you use class A/B amps as long as you don't use a HT receiver or separate processor and utilize class A/B mono-blocks that are not too large positioned behind your main speakers. It would just be easier, and your system would likely perform better, if class D amps were used.
I hope this gave you some useful alternatives to a class A/B HT receiver behemoth.
Good luck,
Darth (Tim)
I just wanted to add that many class D amps have a choice of inputs (XLR balanced or RCA unbalanced). I use XLR from the Oppo's outputs to my front l+r mono-blocks and RCA for all other amps.
As for space considerations, if you decide to go separates your likely to gain space because:
1. You won't have to devote space to a class A/B HT receiver which tend to be larger, heavier and require extra space on all sides for adequate ventilation for cooling. No need for a separate surround processor, either.
2. If you opt for class D mono-blocks for the l+r mains, each amp is relatively small and can easily be hidden behind each l+r main speaker. This has the added advantage of allowing your speaker runs to each main being very short although your single XLR or RCA cable to each would likely need to be longer (typically a trade-off that improves performance) .
3. Class D amps for your center and rear channels don't require large berths for adequate cooling so positioning them on a traditional audio rack is not necessary.
Once I had the Oppo and class D amps, it allowed me to seriously streamline my entire 2-ch/5.1 HT combo system. I now use a 5' wide and 18" tall metal equipment rack, topped with a 5' wide walnut platform and extra shelving space below behind hinged doors, that contains all my gear. I wall mounted a 5'W x 3'H hdtv above this rack, leaving about 1' between the top of the rack's wood top platform and the bottom of the tv.
The result is a streamlined system that is symmetrical and a breath of fresh air. The Oppo is centered on the rack's top wood platform, flanked at each end by a mono-block on a small maple isolation platform on spiked brass footers. All other equipment (2 class D amps, a 1.000 watt class A/B amp driving 4 subs, 10 TB NAS, 10 TB backup hard-drive, internet router and a cable box) is hidden behind hinged doors below.
I'm not familiar with your system but I described my system to relate how using class D amps, using a different equipment rack while also eliminating a HT receiver or surround processor can result in significant space saving and streamlining. However, I believe you could save space and streamline even if you use class A/B amps as long as you don't use a HT receiver or separate processor and utilize class A/B mono-blocks that are not too large positioned behind your main speakers. It would just be easier, and your system would likely perform better, if class D amps were used.
I hope this gave you some useful alternatives to a class A/B HT receiver behemoth.
Good luck,
Darth (Tim)