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2 channel to 5 channel question(s)

I've been enjoying my 2 channel set up for years. I'm now getting the itch to expand to 5 channel
but I'm a little confused. I feel like I'm close but missing something. 
Currently using an Oppo BDP-93 Universal Player, Parasound Halo P5 preamp(which has HT Bypass), Krell KAV-2250 2ch
Amp powering Def Tech BP7002 Dipole Towers. I have another Amp (KAV-2250/3} 3 channel Amp in the waiting.Also Rear Surrounds.
I`m also considering purchasing the Oppo UDP-205 Player to replace the BDP-93. I know I'm missing a 5.1 
preamp but do I need it?  Also, I feel I don't need a Sub because the Def Techs have built In Subs. 
I do have some Concert Blu-Rays but my main desire is to explore SACD's as well as listening to 2 ch.
Any suggestions?

Thank You,
Jeff Swanson
audioslain02
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
You can use the analog outputs of the 205 into an amp(s) and use the 205's digital volume control (no separate preamp required). You can also use the Parasound P5 by setting the output from the 205 to fixed.
ricred1
2,064 posts
 
I believe your system will benefit from a AV preamp. I was in a similar situation as you, but I decided to have a 2/5 channel system. My priority is 2-channel. My system: Jeff Rowland 625 S2 amp that always powers my two front speakers. My ATI AT523NC 3 channel amp powers my center and rears when I’m using my projector. I use my Jeff Rowland Corus preamp for 2-channel and the HT bypass with my Marantz AV 7702 mkII for 5.1 surround sound. I use an OPPO UDP 203
mgattmch
576 posts
 
I use an Oppo UDP-205 feeding a Krell HTS 7.1 into a Krell TAS. The results on video and audio are excellent. I have no plans to upgrade this system. In my case, the Krell HTS 7.1 is simply acting as a glorified volume control (processing is done in the Oppo with analog out to the Krell). I suspect if I used the Oppo volume control and fed the analog output directly into the Krell TAS, results would be similar, possibly better.
audioslain02 OP
18 posts
 
I could actually experiment with using the Oppo as a preamp.
My BDP-93 has 7.1 analog outs with a volume control. Never tried it, a bit leary.  Besides that, I'm hearing nothing but good things about the Krell HTS 7.1. How old is this model?
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