You need to determine if the old receiver digitizes the 5.1 analog and apply room correction, bass management etc. The Oppo can do the bass management, but I do not think it does the room correction. Most receivers do not do room correction on the analog inputs. Because the Meridian is all digital, maybe it does. Also, does the Meridian have 5.1 or 7.1 RCAs or does it use a proprietary connection?
Meridian also has, at least to me, a characteristic sound that is much more digital than analog. You need to decide if you like that sound or not, especially for 2 channel music.
Meridian also has, at least to me, a characteristic sound that is much more digital than analog. You need to decide if you like that sound or not, especially for 2 channel music.