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Experiences with Blu-ray players

I'm starting to build a home theater and am investigating BD players. I could use some stories of experiences others have had.

I'd like to keep good 2-channel capability, but I do have a few multi-channel SACDs so I'd like to be able to play them as well. My 2-channel gear consists of Theta source, Cary preamp, Threshold amplification and Avalon speakers. Given that, I'm thinking that a BD player with analog audio outs and a multi-channel preamp might be best for my particular priorities. My wife would kill me if I brought home the Ayre, so I'm in the sub-$2k realm. The reading I've been doing brings the following manufacturers to mind as having products I could afford and might like:

Oppo: Seems to be the default player for the past couple of years. I like the 7.1 analog audio output and the universality of the transport. The high, generally positive traffic on the various forums seems a good sign, too. I am concerned about it's 2-channel audio performance, though.

Cambridge: Ditto with the 7.1 analog output. A bit more talk about the sound, but less about the video.

Marantz: The 7007 has only two-channel analog out, but 7006 has 7.1 analog audio out.

Arcam: Reliability problems? I haven't experienced any with my Arcam DVD, but I don't own any other Arcam gear, so my experience is limited.
128x128macdonj
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,703 posts
 
There is no SACD output via digital coax from any consumer product. Coax conveys the RedBook layer only, afaik.
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
846 posts
 
Yes, but it reads and plays them, which works for me having as the poster does only a few of them anyway.
audionuts
74 posts
 
In you price range, Oppo 105 is top choice. Solid universal player with good dac, great picture, act ok as a digital preamp. On top of that you got 30 days trial. Can not beat that.
noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
Gammajo,
I'm also looking to add a BD player to my HT and I've been researching via the internet sites and forums and came to the conclusion that the Oppos seem like a good solution. They just came out with 2 new models: the 103 and 105. These replace the prior 93 and 95 models. The 95 and 105 supposedly offer better audio performance than the 93 and 103. I should tell you, though, that I have no firsthand experience with any BD players and have no affiliation with Oppo. No disrespect intended for the prior OP's suggestion of the Sony.

You're right, you'll need a prepro (preamp/processor) with multi-channel inputs to properly incorporate the BD player with your current 2-channel system. You'll also need HT passthru on your Cary preamp if you want to have the option of listening to 2-channel, multi-channel audio and HT surround all on the same system. You didn't mention it but I'm assuming your TV/Projector has atleast 1 HDMI input.

If you need to make this more financially acceptable to your wife, you could always buy a good used prepro either here or from another site. I could give you plenty of suggestions on what would work well for you. My prepro just conked out on me and I just researched and bought a very good unit for little dough on the internet. Let me know. Good luck.
dsremer
210 posts
 
cambridge audio 751bd great video along with stunning audio when you read the reviews you will find that the build quality is superior. Also currently on sale for appox $900.00 (I am a cambridge audio dealer)
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