Can I use an Oppo 103 as a pre-amp?

mgforshort

I'd like to reduce the clutter in our office. We have Polk Lsi15 speakers, an Emotiva XPA-2 amp, an Onkyo TX 8050 receiver, and a Yamaha S1700 DVD-SACD player.

The Onkyo works as a preamp. Regardless of volume or even if nothing is playing, it gets very warm, and we don't have lots of space to keep it apart from the other components. It gets just as warm as a preamp as previously, when it was used as a receiver without the amp. I did connect it correctly. It doesn't burn my hands, but pretty close to it.

If the Oppo 103 would work as a preamp and CD player, then I could remove the Onkyo and the Yamaha, and simplify the setup to two pieces only. The only thing is that the Oppo doesn't have any volume control without the remote. I also need to be able to play music from an USB thumbdrive; I beleive it supports this function (the Onkyo does it very well).

Other: there is an $ 800 price difference between the 103 and the 105. Is it worth it? This would be a strictly 2 channel system for audio, probably never used with a TV unless I need to setup the menu.

My other choice would be a Rotel RC 1570 preamp for $ 999 plus tax. The Rotel works with a USB thumbdrive, which I really want, but then again I still need a good CD player. The Yamaha we have is great, but has occasional problems with MP3 recorded CDs.

hochpt21

From research...not first hand experience mind you...

The 103 will not work as a preamp.

The 105 will...

hochpt21

Also, the 105 will have much better DAC's...if you are using it as a 2-ch only system, especially with SACD, I would day 105 all day...

Again, that info is from research only.

Thorton

If you want to save money, use a fan to remove heat from the Onkyo. Try Coolerguys.

tonyb

The dac has little to do with being able to use it as a pre amp. What you need is a volume control, connectivity. Not sure if the 103 has that, or your cdp.

The 103 doesn't have digital inputs either, so the cdp would have to be analog connections. The 105 I believe has dual hdmi and other digital inputs as well which would help take advantage of the better dacs in the oppo.

Geoff4rfc

I'd like to add that yes, the 103 can be used as a pre. When my AVR crapped out it's HDMI board and had to go in for surgery, the 103 stepped up to the plate. With my, at that time, five channels of amplifiers, I was able to connect the IC's from the amps to the pre-outs on the back of my 103.

The remote allows you to set up distance and trim. It also allows you to choose between 2ch, 5.1 and 7.1 set ups.

The draw back, was the hiss I got. When using my AVR there is no hiss. Maybe a more capable user could figure out how to eliminate the hiss.

But you know, for two weeks, the 103 stepped up to the plate and did a fine job as a pre.

Geoff4rfc

tonyb wrote: »

The dac has little to do with being able to use it as a pre amp. What you need is a volume control, connectivity. Not sure if the 103 has that, or your cdp.

The 103 doesn't have digital inputs either, so the cdp would have to be analog connections. The 105 I believe has dual hdmi and other digital inputs as well which would help take advantage of the better dacs in the oppo.

The 103 also has dual HDMI outs and two ins. It's proved to be a pretty capable BRP in my set up. Of course it's no 105, the 103 does stand up and take notice.

Geoff4rfc

DSkip wrote: »

I stand corrected. The boasting of the 105's volume control overshadowed the 103's same capability. I find it weird that the review I found considered it a viable preamp when there are no connections like tony mentioned. All it is is a digital/networking source with volume control and limited DSP.

What's up Skipper? You getting any snow up there???

I'm supposed to be visiting my folks this spring in S.A. I plan on filling my gut with plenty of Whataburgers, Taco cabana, Bill Miller BBQ and of course, as many TEXAS Rib eyes I can throw down my throat!!!

mgforshort

Thanks everyone for the quick reply. What do you think of the Rotel as a preamp? I do need analog and digital inputs and the capability to use the USB thumb drive.
Also, if there are any tube preamps in my price range, $ 1200?? with remote control, only new, please advise.

Geoff4rfc

DSkip wrote: »

No snow, just ice about 2.5 weeks ago. Took 2 weeks for it all to melt, even with multiple 60+ degree days. I'm sure San Anton didn't see any of that though.

I believe that! I remember how stinking cold it gets in Texas. I grew up deer hunting there..........bitter cold.

TNHNDYMAN

All the above is great advice; however, if you want to play cd's burned with mp3's then you are basically wasting your time anyways. Keep and ipod and earbuds for mp3 if necessary and setup you music collection in a non lossy format such as flac for more critical listening on a dedicated 2ch system.

Geoff4rfc

TNHNDYMAN wrote: »

All the above is great advice; however, if you want to play cd's burned with mp3's then you are basically wasting your time anyways. Keep and ipod and earbuds for mp3 if necessary and setup you music collection in a non lossy format such as flac for more critical listening on a dedicated 2ch system.

Another interesting point. The 103 also takes compressed music and converts it un-compressed.

But wait, that's not all.............it takes 2D material and coverts it to 3D

tonyb

Have you ever viewed a picture that was converted from 2d to 3d ? Not impressive in the least and an option I wouldn't be quick to point out. Just sayin'....

mgforshort

I need analog inputs because once I'm retired this system is going home with us to be used on the SDA 3.1 TL speakers, and I plan to use at least 3-4 various CD players, some can play SACDs, while others just regular CDs and MP3s as well. I collect more CD players than my wife has shoes, that is the problem. Just don't let her know; the doghouse gets cold in December, even here in Southern California. Thanks for all replies. I'm not smart enough to rip lossless format, but I will try when there is more time.

Geoff4rfc

tonyb wrote: »

Have you ever viewed a picture that was converted from 2d to 3d ? Not impressive in the least and an option I wouldn't be quick to point out. Just sayin'....

Lol, well since your just saying, it took me 5 posts to point it out so I figure I wasn't too quick :cheesygrin:

mgforshort

In order to close the subject I contacted Oppo tech support. It says much about the company that they replied on Christmas Day, not something I expected until after the Holiday. They say the Oppo 103 can work as a pre amp, but they don't recommend it because "a consistent hum will be heard".
The search continues. Merry Christmas to All.

Polkie2009

mgforshort wrote: »

In order to close the subject I contacted Oppo tech support. It says much about the company that they replied on Christmas Day, not something I expected until after the Holiday. They say the Oppo 103 can work as a pre amp, but they don't recommend it because "a consistent hum will be heard".
The search continues. Merry Christmas to All.

Thanks a lot for the post mgforshort, says volumes about Oppo's commitment to customer service. I've been aware that other 103 owners have tried running it as a preamp, but they too_ have mentioned the hum issue. Thought the hum issue was something that could be eliminated easily, but I guess not. Merry Christmas to all!

Tornado Red

mgforshort wrote: »

In order to close the subject I contacted Oppo tech support. It says much about the company that they replied on Christmas Day, not something I expected until after the Holiday. They say the Oppo 103 can work as a pre amp, but they don't recommend it because "a consistent hum will be heard".
The search continues. Merry Christmas to All.

I agree, I don't believe the hiss/hum issue ever got solved when using the 103 as a pre. That is the norm, but there were people who didn't have issues as well, but in the minority as I recall.