Do I need a preamp/processor?

Autre > I was planning on upgrading my preamp anyway, and it was suggested that a HT preamp/processor might be a good alternative. It sounds very appealing since it would do double duty for me. However I’m still vacillating between the two choices since some nice 2 channel preamps pop up every so often.

Blindjim > Hi!! Looks like its time to choose, for the short or long term, huh?

Need, or want? let's see.

Nothing is cast into stone. Regardless the choice you make today on pre vs proc, you can alter this later.

The first thing you said is you want to listen to movies, DVDs, etc.

The simplest way is via an HT receiver. Yeah it doesn’t carry the audio freak credentials a dedicated processor does, BUT, its cheaper and enables many many things and one thing a dedicated proc does not… amplification.

I’ve owned both dedicated Procs on varying levels. HT receivers too again on varying levels. Having the factor of amplification is very nice.

Yes, but there’s that audio quality factor too! Not really.

I’ve had Anthem proc, Sony ES rec, Onkyo HT rec, Integra HT proc and the level of sound quality from one to another is marginal. At best! Use the right power cord and signal cables and any of them will sound great for film or music. No question.

Versatility is the key now for you, IMHO.

There’s more to the HT deal than merely multi ch audio. Or, now, 4K video.

The ‘dull’ sound from a DAC can be easily fixed. The CATV box hooked to your DAC is likely passing PCM only. Greater bandwidth is available via the HD audio streams. Not knowing the setup config you are using I can’t say more.

Adding a proc adds decoding for the HD and multi ch audio now available. DTS & DOLBY Master audio and bit stream info. Any recent HT rec or proc should offer these feature sets. I have a DAC connected to my integra Proc via RCA for digital file playback from a NAS PC or internet PCM streaming.

An Apple TV and CATV box connects to the integra too.

As you said, there are some nice preamps available on the ‘gon. There always will be as well.

Getting an Oppo BDP XXX would be a step in the right direction but there is a caveat if you forsee attempting to use it as a pre/pro. Oppo does not endorse or advise this activity. Truth! Call ‘em and ask. You’ll see. But it will afford you the versatility you seem to desire. Buying a pre-owned ver shouldn’t hurt too much if 4K video is no biggie. Depending on model. They’ll do all else. Your CATV box wil sound better and look better too thru one… if you have a comparable HD screen/TV and HDMI ins and outs.

The biggest impact after the mains is a sub. Period and paragraph.

I’ve spent over a grand on my last center ch speaker. Nearly as much on others. I’ve also ‘gohsted’ center ch for darn near ever. No center speaker? Nope. Ho hum.

No sub? Now, that’s a very big deal!! Every multi ch audio format has a dedicated low end audio stream. Presently, you ain’t getting it fully.

Adding a sub to do flicks is like watching black and white films or watching hD color movies. Its that dramatic.

Again, my onkyo rec and integra Proc IMO can not be picked out in a blind A B test based purely on video or audio. Despite what threads around here say, the proc in the onkyos is or was just as good as was the Integras procs. Current models may be more widely separated however I’ll remain moot on that point looking at the investment for each.

Sony likewise versions are a bit more tipped up on their top ends IMO, but both are very good. My next dedicated proc will likely be another Onk or Integ.

High end Meridian if I get the right six numbers some Saturday night.

For a grand you ought to be able to pick up a nice upper end HT rec with very good power. A few hundred for a nice Oppo BDP. Somewhere in between those two for a pretty nice sub. So two grand or less gets your system significantly greater versatility, deeper audio and video immersion, and allows further growth without the need to rush out and buy more amps. Immediately.

7.1 or 7.2 rigs usually allow for bi amping the mains too. So there is that. All I know of allow for adding amps if desired.

New HT recs will have loads more connectivity too. Blue tooth. Air play. Internet and or LAN connectivity. Second and third room audio and video transmission. Even their tuner sections offer HD quality for AM and FM and there are usually several channels for the more popular statons to choose from. . Wow. Way more versatility and functionality.

Or go with the nice preamp and an Oppo disc player and essentially be right where you are now.. albeit the Oppo will aid in decoding the CATV info better, IMHO.

I enjoy having as much flexibility as is possible. Going forward it is a tremendous aid.

If you do this process the other way around, at least look for the HT pass thru in what ever preamp you decide on as HT appears a fairly stong inclination.

Best of all possible luck in your trek.

One caveat…

Did you take a look at the costs of used HT receivers?

Sure, an Oppo 100 or 200 series is a no brainer addition, depending on features and needs.

The thing about the Oppo as versatile as it is with digital formats, streaming, spinning, etc. it is NOT an END ALL BE ALL PRE - PROCESSOR.

Trudging down this road years ago and seeing that volume control for all the analog outputs, I felt well, well. Here is the thing no one else is seeing and a really cheap short cut so I don’t have to invest into more stuff!

It seemed a no brainer. Cool. But then why wasn’t this feature and its obvious attributes expanded on more in the Oppo ads on their own website?

As well, why did I not see Oppos being used strickly in place of Pre Pros by many other members in their listed systems??

That’s why I called and asked them about running amps from it.

Their report was essentially, it can work but it is not advised as a constant use solution. They kept it short and sweet and I was left to draw my own conclusions.

I came away with this, given their input, one can only surmise although it does a ton of stuff,and most of it very well, working as a preamp pro is not one of its strengths if relied upon for daily operations. The preamp section must be a bare bones oh, by the way, affair. Channel matching, etc. Pressed into constant use could be a significant issue later.

A side ways step? As a stop gap, maybe so. Everyday? Not as sure.

Then too, there’s that question on SQ which right now seems a fairly important aspect OP is seeking to improve upon.

This is a question I’d ask the community – how many folks are using or have used the oppo as a pre pro running amps directly off of it on a daily basis?

That could be quite interesting, or simply searching the threads for something similar already posted should help.

One box solutions in an Audio first and always forum often meets less than enthusiastic responses especially when it comes to the audio section of an HT system. Then a default to separates is the normal bent. HT recs are simply met with dismissive attitudes a lot.

In HT forums, it is not this way. As a solution they are accepted as a viable path from which to begin quite regularly.

With an HT receiver
1 Break ins
Running in any gear using the HT rec gives longer life to the main gear. Wires, components, speakers, power cords, etc.

2 Break downs
Sure is nice to NOT be without a fall back system if some part of the main rig fails.

3. instant amplification means more channels!
Picking up bookshelf spkrs and merely using home Depot 12ga wire actually does work and adds to the movie watching experience. Most info in the rears is not tremendously crucial unless in Action, Adventure, Sci Fi, chases, battles, etc. often its only crickets flies, and frogs or dogs barking or cars passing by. Its all additive though.

4. one box solution
The preamp is as durable as are its other feature sets. Many late models are going to class D amps so their weight is down. Use the interior amps, or add your own as you are able.

5 they’re built to be THE stand alone solution
Durability. Functionality, versatility. Competency. A spring board for growth.

6 trickle down
Later on they move into other rooms of the home serving as well there as they did initially.

BTW, oppo outputs are all hot all the time. It enables multi connectivity to multiple devices.

As for available streaming services included or not, merely adding a Roku fixes that and they ain’t expensive either.

I would say go Apple but their updates have not been without significant problems in basic operations or in conjunction with 3rd party apps, Netflix, HBO, FOX, NFL, TNT, History, AMC, etc.

Their last OS 11 update has almost completely disabled my Gen 4 box so only youtube and Netflix still work OK, but not great.

All the best