Enchancing video, adding audio in the bedroom.


Current setup: Panasonic Plasma, about 8 years old. Panasonic Blu-Ray. Ideas for new setup: Oppo 105 darbee edition. Wharfedale 10.2 speakers. The amplification part is a bit more confusing for me. I’m a 2-channel analog guy, and when I see these A/V receivers with 9 channels and 90 connections on the back, it certainly changes my KEEP IT SIMPLE rule. I have a fair collection of Redbook CD’s, but as I understand it, Redbook is not the Oppo’s greatest strength. Price range for speakers is around the Wharfedales ($379) price. Amp around $1000, and of course, the 105 darbee is a proven contender in it’s price range. Goals are to get better video resolution, and I’m sure the Oppo will best my $259 BR player. Also better sound from TV/ Movies, but also be able to enjoy music. I have no intention to go 5 or 7 channel. A center channel in the future would be as far as I would venture.

fjn04

Showing 4 responses by fjn04

Music Direct suggested a Marantz A/V receiver. I believe SR7009 is the model. It's a $2,000 unit, marked down to $900. I wonder how it would compare sonically with a comparably priced 2-channel unit. I have also looked at the HEED Elixir Integrated. I had their Quasar phono in a 2nd system last year, and liked it a lot. The conversation with the  MD rep went a bit over my head, but in short, with an A/V receiver you bypass the cable box, giving better video performance.  


Thanks tls49- I would love to do this without getting in to a big, heavy A/V receiver. If I follow your recommendation above, would I also be able to watch TV/Movies with audio through the Wharfedales? I also stream Netflix, and watch Blu-Rays.
tls49- Thank You.

1) I will confirm, but I am 90% sure my Plasma has an HDMI input.

2) I use a Time Warner cable box, which does have an HDMI output.

3) I use my Panasonic Blu-Ray player to Stream Netflix. So if the Oppo doesn’t have that capability, I would have to explore an alternative option such as the Roku.

4) There will be times when I will want to listen to CD’s via the digital source, or at some point explore computer audio. Then at other times, simply watch a DVD or Blu-Ray.

I’m a little green when it comes to video, and also digital, beyond spinning a CD.

tls49- Very straightforward, as I had hoped. Thank you very much. A 2-channel Integrated is really the direction I wanted to go. I would think this gives an edge strictly for 2-channel audio. Then on video, better video resolution, better sound with TV, Blu-Ray.... Sounds like a win-win to me.