OPPO 83SE vs Anthem D1 DACS

I'd suggest you wait a bit to get more feedback on the performance of the Oppo 83SE. I'm a 2 channel guy, and in general I would suspect that for 2 channel, most DACs in the $500-$1000 range would perform as well, or better than something like the Anthem.

I'm not a big fan of using HT processors for 2 channel. IMO, A separate preamp and DAC will give much better 2 channel performance at a lower cost.

As for me, I'm waiting to hear how the new Wyred 4 Sound DAC with the Sabre32 chipset turns out.

Bob, I mostly listen to music and not movie soundtracks. Nor do I listen to multi-channel SACD. I appreciate where you're coming from, but I've found many HT preamps are too much of a compromise for me.

In general, IMO, a $3K stereo preamp will typically have better sonics than the stereo preamp section of a $3K HT unit (for 2 CH). I also prefer tubed preamps and there are not many available in HT units.

My speakers are dipolar, including the active crossed subwoofers, and I have little room interaction The performance on 2CH movie soundtracks I get with my system is good enough to suit me.

That’s just my view and opinion. I respect that many people enjoy their HT systems, and I am happy that they do so.

The Oppo looks very nice, but I believe it uses op amps in the output stage. I’d rather go with a DAC unit that has a discrete analog stage. I’m waiting to see how the new Wyred 4 Sound DAC featuring the Sabre32 turns out. Hi-rez 2 CH music via USB looks promising to me.