2. home-theater
  3. 133739-108350

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
8 responses Add your response
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
2,040 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
571 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?
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh
381 posts
 
FWIW, I was in a similar predicament years ago. I solved it by using zone 2 of my processor for 2 channel listening with a dedicated amp and the main zone is powered by a separate 5 channel amp. Both sets of speakers are located in my dedicated listening room. A push a a button can get me to concert dvd or 2 channel listening. A bonus is I can play 4 front L/R speakers during dvd concert or really any input I desire

erik_squires
16,121 posts
 
You know, I use the Halo P7. It is by some accounts a better pre than the P5, and has full 7.1 in/outs. It works like a dream.

You could consider trading in your P5. :)

Best,

E
audioslain02 OP
18 posts
 
Yes , exactly Erik. It just occured to me yesterday.  I JUST purchased 
this Halo P5 about 6 weeks ago from an AudioGon Seller. Fair price, no
regrets. At the time I wasn't thinking about 5.1/7.1. Exremely pleased
with the P5 as a 2ch preamp. I'm also not worried about digital inputs
(which I understand the P7 has none) because I have have a Essence
HDACC external DAC that has loads of ins/outs (including HDMI)

Thank You Sir,
Jeff Swanson
perkadin's avatar
perkadin
286 posts
 
Seems like you are missing a center channel and rear speakers.   I'd stick with Def Tech for system synergy.  Maybe a 4k TV if you upgrade to the 205?
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Wilson Audio XS
THX Select Powered Subwoofer
80x80
ADD-POWR Symphony I/O Deluxe
80x80
REL Acoustics HT 1205 MK1