Center Channel on an Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Hi Shawn.

Yes, more or less. : )

Here are some additional 'things' to consider.

It may be time to upgrade your BDP. Higher models will provide analog out, which may allow you to avoid purchasing a processor. And if you are going that route, it might be wise to go with a UDP/UHD player so that you are more future proof.

I'd also check to see what is output via Optical/Toslink. Some sources will allow for multichannel output, but MOST are only 2.1.

As I said earlier, the most cost effective way to move forward is to purchase an AVR which will provide you with up to date processing, can serve as a hub/switch, and offers you amplification.

Otherwise you are looking at a number of components and the needed extra cabling. This is a good path, just one that is more expensive.

@david_ten - Great, I understand. Thanks for the advice and clarification! 
And if I were to upgrade by Blu-ray Player you would recommend the Oppo player? 

I think I am going to take your advice! I will get a receiver - Looking into Pioneer Elite receivers unless you guys have other opinions on what I should get. 

To connect to the receiver I will go from my blu-ray to the receiver with an HDMI cable, and that will allow for the multi-channel output. 
And I will use the receiver's pre-outs to connect the front speaker outputs to my PrimaLuna which will send the signal to my main speakers, and have a separate connection from the receiver to the center channel. 
And an HDMI out from the receiver to the TV for video. 

@shawnpmathew:

Hi Shawn. OPPO is a good choice, but there are others as well. It depends on the feature set you are looking for and your budget. If you go the AVR route then you don't have to spend as much on the player. On the audio end, the main difference in choice will be whether you want to utilize the onboard DAC in the player or the DAC in the AVR.

I've had good luck with Panasonic and Sony, but ended up becoming a dedicated OPPO user due to their 'higher end' audiophile players. In terms of OPPO, which I am currently familiar with, the 203 will be a good choice if you go the AVR route. Other companies also have good offerings for about the same or less (in price).

If you skip the AVR, then I would recommend trying out the 205. OPPO has a very reasonable return policy and you can test the 205s performance for CD playback, computer based audio, etc., and its DAC vs your current Simaudio DAC and streamer, and  CD/BD player.

You might be very surprised. If that makes it happen for you, you can keep the 205 and get an older previously high-end AVR for pennies on the dollar and use it for amplification purposes only. And then bring in the center channel.

If I were making the decision, this is the route I would take. If the OPPO outperforms your current components you will have One Box replace Three Boxes. If it doesn't, return it and you are likely only out shipping fees.

The above is in relation to audio alone. In addition, you will be getting top of the line Video processing as well as a truly universal disk player.

On the current AVR side, there are many well reviewed choices across a wide budget range.

In terms of AVRs, I haven't been  familiar with Pioneer Elites for years now. My last AVR was a Marantz. Before that Sony ES and before that Yamaha. I think you will have a number of good choices. One I would recommend looking into is Anthem.

@david_ten - Just a little confused...
Why should I upgrade my blu-ray player? Are you saying my current one doesn't have the ability to have its audio output multi-channel formats? 
If I get a receiver with HDMI in's and out that will be able to carry video and audio, so I should be able to get my multi-channel sound through that, right? If that's true, then I might not need to upgrade my Blu-ray player yet. 

Anthem's are expensive! Great reviews though...