Is Anyone Using The Oppo 105 As A Preamp?

I briefly tried out my BDP105 as a preamp -- but since I am doing multichannel, I had to run the 6-channel SE outs to my Parasound Halo A51. The A51 has a reputation for sounding better when its balanced, XLR inputs are used, and this seemed to affect my results. The sound was a bit more coarse or harsh, and emphasized the high-frequency part of the spectrum. This had the immediate effect of increasing the "presence" and "air", but ultimately I didn't find it pleasant or well-balanced. (I did not experiment with the Oppo's balanced outs directly into the A51.)

So I went back to using my old Anthem AVM20 as an analogue preamp, and running its balanced outs into my Halo A51. This sounds better to my ears. The negative effect of running it through a preamp seems to be offset, in this case, by the positive influence of sending a balanced signal to this particular amp.

I am thinking, though, that I will replace the AVM20 with a Halo P7 and probably get a still cleaner, nicer signal from Oppo to amp to speakers.

I think the Oppo BDP-105 is better without a preamp. Another component out of the signal should be better, no? My McIntosh C2300 is my pride and joy, but it is used only for vinyl now as the Oppo BDP-105 runs with XLR's directly into Classe' CA-101 amp. YMMV, but try it, no preamp for me!

I have been using it for a couple weeks, running it through Bryston 4b-st for fronts, 3B bridged for center and 4b for rears all feeding Paradigm Studio 80 front & Paradigm cc series for center. I have been experimenting all kinds of 'settings' but not getting the sound I want - was using Onko SR 803 as a preamp before and to my ears the Obkyo still sounds better. Just like Larsmusik said, the sound is coarse or harsh, and emphasized the high-frequency part of the spectrum (very certainly). I am thinking of returning the unit.