Using Oppo 205 instead of per amp processor

Hi Brian,

     Excellent choice.  I think you'll love it. Do you have a 4K hdtv?

     Can't you just hook-up both the Sony HAP1ZES and Oppo 205 via ethernet cables to your router?  Sorry, I'm not very familiar with the Sony. 
     
     For a single chassis 5 channel amp, you can either go with a big heavy class AB type like the Parasounds or go with a much smaller, lighter class D or H amp. They're just as powerful as the class AB amps but use significantly less electricity to operate and run much cooler.

     In my opinion, the class D amps I now use in my combo music and ht system equal or outperform my former class AB amps in every category I care about; better bass response, quieter, more dynamic, more detailed with a similar smooth and natural mid-range and treble.  They use so little electricity, in fact, that I just leave them on 24/7 so they're always warmed up.
     I decided to go with mono-block amps for my main l+r speakers and separate amps for my center and rear surrounds rather than a single 5 channel amp.  I did this mainly for the ease of making any possible amp changes I may want to make in the future.  You never know if an amazing new technology may be developed or you just get the urge to try something new or different. I paid a bit more overall but consider it worth it.  I thought you might appreciate this added flexibility.
        
     If you prefer class AB and are okay with the less than optimum bass response noted by some reviewers, I think the Parasound A52 Plus is a  good choice. 
     If you want to try class D or H, they're often sold internet direct and offer free in-home trial periods.  Most offer mono-block, stereo and multi-channel models.  Here are some high quality companies/options:

1. http://www.d-sonic.net/products/stereo-amplifiers/

2. https://wyred4sound.com/products/power-amps

3. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_745M27/NAD-Masters-Series-M27.html?tp=180&awkw=82787632105&awa... 

4. www.reddragonaudio.com/collections/amplifiers

    
     All these would easily fit in your rack.

Tim
     

Hi Tim,

Thanks for your feed back. I do have a 4K HDTV. It is a Sony XBR 55 850C. The Sony HAP1ZES has line outs and needs to be connected to a preamp or amp. I did not know if there was alternative hook up that i was not aware of. The ethernet connection is for transfering music from a computer. I had a chance to briefly listen to the NAD M27. I thought it sounded pretty good but, need more time with it. My dealer carry's both NAD and Parasound, so i am going to compare Parasound A51 and the new A52 plus with the NAD M27. The other brands you recommeded i will look into too. I am familiar with DSoinc and Wyred4Sound but, not Red Dragon Audio. Thanks again.

Brian

Hey Brian,

      If you're going to definitely buy the 205, I suggest you call Oppo Support at 650-961-1118 and ask them the best method to connect your  HAP1ZES to the 205 with the 205 acting as the preamp.
     Their product support is excellent; they really helped me out hooking up my NAS, laptop and JRiver software with the 105 for my computer audio setup.  Which, by the way, you could also setup with the 205 in the future if you'd like.  
     My guess is they'll suggest a usb connection between the two components but I'm not certain.

      " My dealer carry's both NAD and Parasound, so i am going to compare Parasound A51 and the new A52 plus with the NAD M27."

     That sounds ideal if they'll let you audition them in-home on your system.  Once you have the 205 and it's properly connected to the Sony, you'll be all set to compare the 3 amps.
     I think you'll discover that all 3 amps are very good performers.  In my experience with comparing the performance of good class AB and good class D amps, the most obvious differences I noticed were in the bass response, noise floor level and dynamic range.  I noticed other differences, such as detail levels and degree of neutrality, but these were not as obvious. 
    I'd also suggest playing your best engineered recordings  because a good recording will sound exceptionally good but a bad recording will definitely be noticed as such through a good class D amp.      
     Please keep us posted on your impressions.

Tim  

Hi all,
In resent times I had invested in high quality seperate components in an attempt to jag that which is most sort after of all.....
high fidelity sound
Except for the brand spanking new Oppo 205, the rest of the system ranges back to 2000 or so.
For those considering aging equipment based on the reputation of their greatness from back in the day,
let me say: consider with both amps and prepros that after 10 years you may be up for re capping multi channel amps and processors. Also compatibility issues with modern codecs are an issue for older prepros.
I got caught out here!
My gear: Meridian 558 5ch amp, meridian g68 AVD, 621hdmi switch, Dynaudio and now the Oppo 205.
My g68 is currently being fixed as it has developed an issue with the digital to anolg conversion.

The g68 has room correction and can connect up to hdmi v1.4,
But can’t process DD+ etc,
Question:
so do I...
leave the g68 in the system and use the oppo to LPCM into the Meridian via 621 switcher with hdmi
or
RCA unbalance from oppo into the 5 chanel in of the meridian g68 then 5 chanel out to the 558.
Either of the above give the advantage of room correction and preamp conectivity.
Or
remove the g68, get stuff all for it selling it, or use it in a 2 chanel music listening system in another room.
If I just use the oppo as the prepro,
I could use the xlr balanced for 2 front chanels direct to my 558 and hook up the rears and centre direct to the 558 via the rca unbalanced.
Naturaly the picture would go direct to my tv via hdmi.
Side note:
I have some solid silver 3 core conductor rca interconnects, would just need a pair of xlrs.