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Help ref Oppo 105 with Marantz AV7005 set up

Hi. Really new to audio and would like some simple advice. Currently I have the following set up

Oppo 105
Marantz AV 7005
Rotel RMB 1075
Monitor Audio RX6
monitor audio radius 225 center
Linn 5110 gor rear speakers

Current problem i have connected Marantz to the Oppo 105 using 5.1 rca cables and HDMI cable and although sounds great am not utilizing DAC in Oppo 105. Is the sound i am generating the same as I would have with an Oppo 103?

Problem I have is both Oppo and Marantz have balanced inputs only. I purchased cable and realized mistake I had made as no balanced inputs.

Question is (1) With my current set up can I utilize the DAC? If dont use balanced input what can i do? Can i go another route? Obviously want to get best sound possible.
Can i get my Marantz updated to include balanced inputs instead of having to sell my existing av receiver?
(2) Do i need to change my Marantz AV receiver? What do you recommend but it has to handle both movie and for music. However a used Marantz AV 8801 has balanced inputs but cost used over $2000. Would it not sound better with spending money on better speakers. If so any recommendations for a suitable AV receiver?

My room is 15 by 15, wood floors. Use system a lot for streaming, 60% music and 40% movies.

Thanks in advance
morty74

Showing 1 response by doggiehowser

doggiehowser
672 posts
 
I guess it all depends on what you normally listen to and how you listen.

What - do you listen to a lot of surround music or just surround movies, or stereo music

How - do you use Pure Direct mode or do you engage Audyssey EQ?

If you engage any bass management or Audyssey, you are digitising the Oppo's analog output and then performing DSP on the signal, before using the Marantz's DAC anyway.

A. If you use the system for surround movies and stereo music primarily, here's what I'd recommend:

Stereo preamp with XLR inputs for stereo listening. Oppo's XLR stereo outputs are hooked directly to the stereo preamp. The Marantz's stereo pre out goes to the preamp's HT bypass input.

The AV8801 is a decent preamp but it won't IMHO outperform a reasonably good stereo preamp like my old Bel Canto Pre3.

For movies, use HDMI from the Oppo and engage Audyssey's room EQ.
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