Do I need a preamp/processor?
@blindjim - I see that you are really pushing the idea of a AVR Receiver. I don’t think this is really in autre’s best interests as he already has a Red Dragon S500 amp. If he is wanting to improve the sound, I would suggest a dedicated HT Processor instead of an AVR. Sure, the AVR is a great band-for-the-buck one-size-fits-all solution, but it is a compromise when compared to separates and also the OP here is not in that situation. The money spend on a receiver could be better spent towards an HT Processor that would yield better results for his amplifiers (better audio stages, better power supply, XLR outputs, etc.). I am trying to respond to the OPs exact questions instead of going into an entirely different direction. I do agree that the Oppo players are a good solution, but if you look way back to my first post, I recommend an Oppo player PLUS a Parasound P7 preamp (multi-channel preamp). The Oppo by itself can be used to drive an amp directly, but the sound will be somewhat on the dry side and the Oppo does not exactly have the output gain that a preamp will have. So, for autre’s recommendation, I would either say a nice HT Processor or an Oppo + Parasound P7. In either case, he has the ability to grow with adding a center channel speaker/amp if he wants to. @autre - with regards to Oppo 105 vs 203. I would say that the 105 would have better sound because of linear power supply and fully balanced left/right outputs. That being said, if you get the 203 and upgrade it with a linear power supply (i.e. OPPOMOD), it may be VERY close to the 105 sound quality and has the ability to support 4K modes. However, keep in mind that the 203 does not support streaming services directly (such as Spotify, Pandora, Netflix, etc.) |
There is really no technical reson not to do this.The backend of the unit is just a high quality DAC with volume control and stereo outputs. That could be quite interesting, or simply searching the threads for something similar already posted should help. One box solutions in an Audio first and always forum often meets less than enthusiastic responses especially when it comes to the audio section of an HT system. Then a default to separates is the normal bent. HT recs are simply met with dismissive attitudes a lot. In HT forums, it is not this way. As a solution they are accepted as a viable path from which to begin quite regularly. http://www.parsaya.com |
My source for the 105 doesn’t have it anymore bummer. So my question now is, does the 4K of the 203 outweigh the drop in audio quality? Or posed differently, does the audio quality of the 105 outweigh the 4K of the 203? By the way, I spoke with Red Dragon Audio and they said that the Oppo works brilliantly hooked up directly to the S500! The input buffer allows for higher input impedance, and the Oppo falls within that range. |
That's a question you will have to answer yourself, as it is totally apples vs. oranges. For me, the audio quality of the 105 would trump. I don't care about 4K because my 1080p projector is excellent as it is. You really don't need 4K for a panel, in my opinion. You really just need a very high quality panel/projector. In todays market, almost everything is 4K anyways. |
