Anyone using an Oppo 105D as a preamp?

btown1985

I know its not ideal but I currently don't have a dedicated piece of equipment for processing. My room isn't the best setup for surround but been tossing up scenarios. 705's and 706c soon to be front 3. Sig below has my current list of gear. Any opinions on whats available now for use as 2 channel and surround processing? Thanks in advance for any feedback

hochpt21

I used a regular 105 as a pre for a 2-channel rig and it was ok but didn't last too long. Even a $500 pre (parasound) bested it.

btown1985

hochpt21 wrote: »

I used a regular 105 as a pre for a 2-channel rig and it was ok but didn't last too long. Even a $500 pre (parasound) bested it.

Looks like you no longer have that piece? What model parasound were you using and what do you have currently, the music fidelity a308?

hochpt21

Parasound Halo P3. Really nice pre for low budget.

Yes currently have the MF.

hochpt21

Sold the 105 for funds for the MF. Great piece but not necessarily as a dedicated pre.

btown1985

Nice, thanks man

mikeyb128

I used my oppo 93 as a pre. It did work, but was really underwhelming. I understand the 105 is a much better player, but once I got a dedicated pre in the mix, things jumped to another level.

btown1985

Sounds decent but I know that missing piece...tubes would definitely be the beginning of the end!

PSOVLSK

I use mine as a pre- with a Sunfire Grand Cinema. Unit is in my HT, so it's 5 channel. I'm sure a dedicated pre- would be better, but I'm very happy with the sound. I also love the simplicity.

btown1985

PSOVLSK wrote: »

I use mine as a pre- with a Sunfire Grand Cinema. Unit is in my HT, so it's 5 channel. I'm sure a dedicated pre- would be better, but I'm very happy with the sound. I also love the simplicity.

Thats cool to hear that another user has this setup as well and is content with the surround performance also. I might be crazy (maybe I have K-9 ears or something) but do you ever hear feedback from the Oppo during start-up, between songs or playback stages of bluray like previews to menu to movie, etc? I know the ideal setup from a marketing standpoint from Oppo was not usage as a preamp and I am probably being very critical...any thoughts?

aboroth00

I currently use an Oppo 105 with Revel Ultimas and ATI AT2000 amp. Sounds good but yeah a dedicated pre sounds better. I had a BAT tube pre I used with the Oppo 105 before for a 2ch setup, but my priority switched from 2ch to multi ch. By no means does it sound bad but no it doesn't sound as rich as my dedicated pre. I don't need to many inputs so the 105 just made it simpler. Just make sure you use the balanced outs on the Oppo, it has its own signal path away from the multich stuff.

PSOVLSK

btown1985 wrote: »

PSOVLSK wrote: »

I use mine as a pre- with a Sunfire Grand Cinema. Unit is in my HT, so it's 5 channel. I'm sure a dedicated pre- would be better, but I'm very happy with the sound. I also love the simplicity.

Thats cool to hear that another user has this setup as well and is content with the surround performance also. I might be crazy (maybe I have K-9 ears or something) but do you ever hear feedback from the Oppo during start-up, between songs or playback stages of bluray like previews to menu to movie, etc? I know the ideal setup from a marketing standpoint from Oppo was not usage as a preamp and I am probably being very critical...any thoughts?

If I start hearing feedback during start up or between songs I'm gonna be p-i-s-s-e-d at you!

PSOVLSK

aboroth00 wrote: »

...Just make sure you use the balanced outs on the Oppo, ...

Do you mean for 2-channel? I just have mine hooked up 5.1 to my amp and sub using RCA cables.

btown1985

@PSOVLSK-Sorry man, thats usually how it happens?! I am also using the unbalanced analog pre outs right now.

btown1985

aboroth00 wrote: »

I currently use an Oppo 105 with Revel Ultimas and ATI AT2000 amp. Sounds good but yeah a dedicated pre sounds better. I had a BAT tube pre I used with the Oppo 105 before for a 2ch setup, but my priority switched from 2ch to multi ch. By no means does it sound bad but no it doesn't sound as rich as my dedicated pre. I don't need to many inputs so the 105 just made it simpler. Just make sure you use the balanced outs on the Oppo, it has its own signal path away from the multich stuff.

I have been pondering the balanced 2 channel setup...just the Adcom 5500 is unbalanced only. Thinking about trying to find an older high end preamp to mediate this issue. Only concern, once you start balanced output doesn't the entire path need to be balanced...Source-preamp-amplifier?

btown1985

Any ideas on a preamp guys? I know its an 'oldie but a goodie' so to speak but hows the Anthem AVM 20 fare in discussion around here? Great reviews on 2 channel and surround and I will use the Oppo 105 for the processing, analogs out. Found one in crazy good shape with everything including the box for a few hundred...pull the trigger?

btown1985

Thanks for that suggestion, I'll definitely check it out! Anything for great performance on both 2 channel and surround? Prob 70/30 split for music and movies on my listening...

btown1985

Reading up on some Sunfire products as well. Theater Grand III tickle anyone's fancy?

aboroth00

btown1985 wrote: »

aboroth00 wrote: »

I currently use an Oppo 105 with Revel Ultimas and ATI AT2000 amp. Sounds good but yeah a dedicated pre sounds better. I had a BAT tube pre I used with the Oppo 105 before for a 2ch setup, but my priority switched from 2ch to multi ch. By no means does it sound bad but no it doesn't sound as rich as my dedicated pre. I don't need to many inputs so the 105 just made it simpler. Just make sure you use the balanced outs on the Oppo, it has its own signal path away from the multich stuff.

I have been pondering the balanced 2 channel setup...just the Adcom 5500 is unbalanced only. Thinking about trying to find an older high end preamp to mediate this issue. Only concern, once you start balanced output doesn't the entire path need to be balanced...Source-preamp-amplifier?

Sorry for the confusion. It's 5.1 with the AT2000 which is balanced handling the front 3. It's certainly worth it in my opinion to stay balanced in the signal pathway with the Oppo 105 and a truly balanced amp.

I didn't bother with an HT processor if you want to stick with HT because it just complicates things, doubles the cables, doubles the clutter and the gains you'll get for HT would not be worth it IMO. If you want gains in 2ch then yes absolutely, a tube pre/balanced pre would be a significant difference. But then if you want to keep your HT setup you'd have to run it through HT bypass

btown1985

I am enjoying the minimalistic approach as well. After reading, the thought all of the cabling/connecting isn't very appealing!

btown1985

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas everyone, lots to consider

aboroth00

btown1985 wrote: »

I am enjoying the minimalistic approach as well. After reading, the thought all of the cabling/connecting isn't very appealing!

I def hear you about the cabling! I'm pretty sure if I get an HT processor it would be superior as a volume control and signal path for that purpose. But in my circumstance, I don't need HDMI switching or a DAC for DTS-MA/TrueHD processing because the Oppo's Sabre Dac's deliver that in in spades for HT. I rather have the processing stay with the Oppo than the processor. The only big downside is that the Oppo is handling the volume control and is inferior in that regard compared to a dedicated processor.

btown1985

Quick update, found a great deal on an Anthem AVM20 that was practically brand new in appearance. No more noise issues and actually sounds wonderful! I know that it is considered antiquated but only needed the preamp functions and very happy with the quality.

btown1985

Researching balanced connections now. Not sure if its worth it but gotta love this hobby!

tonyb

btown1985 wrote: »

Quick update, found a great deal on an Anthem AVM20 that was practically brand new in appearance. No more noise issues and actually sounds wonderful! I know that it is considered antiquated but only needed the preamp functions and very happy with the quality.

Good for you, glad you got some good tunes flowing. I've always recommended these older higher end processors, for the coin, make excellent 2 channel SS pre's.

btown1985

tonyb wrote: »

btown1985 wrote: »

Quick update, found a great deal on an Anthem AVM20 that was practically brand new in appearance. No more noise issues and actually sounds wonderful! I know that it is considered antiquated but only needed the preamp functions and very happy with the quality.

Good for you, glad you got some good tunes flowing. I've always recommended these older higher end processors, for the coin, make excellent 2 channel SS pre's.

Yeah man, tons of options but could be overwhelming to a novice. I just can't imagine much of the processing for my usage, 2/6 channel analog as you mentioned, has changed that much. Most have the addition of HDMI and high def audio/video functionality. Even the appearance is almost identical. I am very content and would encourage others to add them to the list when researching and building as well.

btown1985

@tonyb I see you have Legacy's! How is life with those? Grew up where those are produced and my buddy and I have always dreamt of the day

tonyb

Love mine, they do everything well no matter what genre of music you throw at them. Which, is important to me because I listen to a lot of different stuff.