Elevick,
Thanks for the suggestions regarding the Oppo. As I see it, if the current Oppo player I have allows the DSD signal to pass via HDMI then perhaps the preamp/DAC combo is a consideration. I do want to have the ability to listen to different sources (non-digital) hence the reason for a preamp instead of just the Oppo acting as a pre. As for the 5 amps I have each amp powering separate speakers which are bi-amped (my Dahlquist speakers have two modules top/bottom). My Audioquest Argent cables are configured (had this done by AQ years ago) to use the silver wire for the mid/treble section and copper for the bass modules so a 5 channel amp is not the best option for my system configuration. I have read the suggestions above and appreciate the feedback. However, I don't have the desire to reconfigure my entire system simply to allow for the bass frequencies to route to the sub when listening to 2 channel. It is here I was looking for some guidance. It seems the two options I have are:
1. Route both the main L/R signals out of the Oppo to an external crossover. If said crossover allows for inputs I can"select", then I could feed the main L/R signals to one input and the actual subwoofer signal to a second input allowing for both the filtered low frequencies from the two channel and the separate subwoofer channel to go to the sub. The downside is this means more wires and probably would have to go between the Oppo and my current preamp (I haven't had the chance to look into the Bryston Auxinput suggested to see how it works exactly, but sounds promising).
2. Get a new preamp that has HDMI inputs and processes DSD. I would then use the HDMI 2 out of the Oppo which Auxinput pointed out carries the DSD signal, effectively making the Oppo a transport. Of course this gets me back to a situation where I would have to get an all digital preamp but the benefit would be less cables and a sound upgrade to the other digital sources I have. Again, my concern going this route is I am effectively left with a preamp perpetually stuck with "2017 technology" (I have rarely seen a digital unit be upgradable over the years, contrary to manufacturers claims). Going this route effectively cancels out any upgrades I may want to make to the Oppo (to another "latest/greatest" Oppo model or any other brand in the future) as it would be effectively rendered a transport.
This leads me back to my original post/question as to a preamp that has a bass management feature (read crossover options for all channels) but operates in pure analogue mode hence allowing me, when I intend to upgrade my digital source, to only have to replace that single component. This would be my preferred solution as opposed to either an external crossover or all digital preamp. To this end I will look at the Emotiva and the Marantz (I know the Krell is out of my price range) but if there are any other preamp suggestions out there (or something else I haven't thought of) I am all ears.
Thanks for the suggestions regarding the Oppo. As I see it, if the current Oppo player I have allows the DSD signal to pass via HDMI then perhaps the preamp/DAC combo is a consideration. I do want to have the ability to listen to different sources (non-digital) hence the reason for a preamp instead of just the Oppo acting as a pre. As for the 5 amps I have each amp powering separate speakers which are bi-amped (my Dahlquist speakers have two modules top/bottom). My Audioquest Argent cables are configured (had this done by AQ years ago) to use the silver wire for the mid/treble section and copper for the bass modules so a 5 channel amp is not the best option for my system configuration. I have read the suggestions above and appreciate the feedback. However, I don't have the desire to reconfigure my entire system simply to allow for the bass frequencies to route to the sub when listening to 2 channel. It is here I was looking for some guidance. It seems the two options I have are:
1. Route both the main L/R signals out of the Oppo to an external crossover. If said crossover allows for inputs I can"select", then I could feed the main L/R signals to one input and the actual subwoofer signal to a second input allowing for both the filtered low frequencies from the two channel and the separate subwoofer channel to go to the sub. The downside is this means more wires and probably would have to go between the Oppo and my current preamp (I haven't had the chance to look into the Bryston Auxinput suggested to see how it works exactly, but sounds promising).
2. Get a new preamp that has HDMI inputs and processes DSD. I would then use the HDMI 2 out of the Oppo which Auxinput pointed out carries the DSD signal, effectively making the Oppo a transport. Of course this gets me back to a situation where I would have to get an all digital preamp but the benefit would be less cables and a sound upgrade to the other digital sources I have. Again, my concern going this route is I am effectively left with a preamp perpetually stuck with "2017 technology" (I have rarely seen a digital unit be upgradable over the years, contrary to manufacturers claims). Going this route effectively cancels out any upgrades I may want to make to the Oppo (to another "latest/greatest" Oppo model or any other brand in the future) as it would be effectively rendered a transport.
This leads me back to my original post/question as to a preamp that has a bass management feature (read crossover options for all channels) but operates in pure analogue mode hence allowing me, when I intend to upgrade my digital source, to only have to replace that single component. This would be my preferred solution as opposed to either an external crossover or all digital preamp. To this end I will look at the Emotiva and the Marantz (I know the Krell is out of my price range) but if there are any other preamp suggestions out there (or something else I haven't thought of) I am all ears.