I thought so. I handed my 9.8 on to a needy friend.
Kal |
I think that obsessing over switches is silly.
The MX121 was not demonstrated but was on display. It will have MultEQ XT32.
Kal |
Both the 5508 and 80.3 will get you superior audio compared with the 9.8 as well as permit 3D passthrough, although that will not be required with the dual HDMI outputs from the Oppo. However, you might consider the BDP-93 since the only major distinction between the 93 and 95 is the latter's superior analog outputs. You would be best off using the HDMI with any of the three mentioned prepros (including the 9.8) anyway.
There is nothing else I would recommend under $5k.
Kal |
Hard to say what it will do for you but I think the overall sound of the 80.2 plus that of XT32 make it a significant improvement for me. The only way to know is to compare them. I have published my observations.
Kal |
Bacardi-
I cannot believe that you find the analog from the 95 via the 885 is superior to HDMI since the 9.8 (equivalent of the 885) has mediocre analog inputs which would compromise that arrangement. Had you said that you were using an 80.2 or 80.3 I would accept that as a possibility (although I would not agree). In fact, the analog inputs are one of the real improvements over the first generation prepros. There are others.
Kal |
01-01-12: Bacardi
I am using the analogue in the Oppo. Yes but are you running it through the mediocre analog of the 885? Kal |
C'mon. What is the Oppo connected to? Directly to the power amp or via a decent analog preamp? If so, that is quite different from going via the 885.
I found that the weakest feature of the 9.8 (885) is the analog in/out, even direct.
Kal |
Of course you are. The input stage of the Onkyo, its volume control circuitry and its output stage. I have no doubt that the 95 analog output is superb but it is constrained by the Onkyo which, in my experience, is not great. With a better prepro or analog preamp, I might use that but with the 885/9.8, I would prefer HDMI.
Kal |
The P7 is, imho, the best choice now. There are some others that one can seek but are hard to find: McCormack MAP-1, McIntosh C45, Audio Research MP-1 and, my favorite, the Bel Canto Pre6.
Kal |
Wish I could help but I have never heard/used the RDC-7.1. I think it is a pretty rare device.
Kal |
I am familiar with it, on paper, because I was considering getting one. Never heard one. |
Is that a significant difference? IMHO, the advance to MultEQ XT32 is a significant difference.
Kal |
OTOH, the 80.2 does sound better than the 9.8.
Kal |
I cannot predict what will turn up at CES but it is less than a week away and the bloggers will reveal all rapidly. In general, though, the $5-10K processor do not offer more features.
Kal
P.S.: No need for email as this is better discussed out in the open. ;-) |
Yes. I prefer to use HDMI. The difference between all analog (via the 80.2) and via HDMI are small. OTOH, the ability to use the 80.2's DSP (including roomEQ) makes for a substantive advantage over the all-analog path.
Kal |
Fplanner2010-
Your dealer is misinformed. None of the Integras will digitize the MCH analog inputs and, therefore, none will be able to apply Audyssey to that input. Besides, you would loose any of the advantages of the Oppo analog output by redigitizing it.
Kal |
I am not sure that would work. What you might consider is a switch that would connect it to the 2-channel preamp for stereo and the Integra for MCH.
Kal |
1. You cannot "just carry over the sub settings manually when I re-connect the sub to my 2-channel preamp" because the new configuration will affect the overall transfer function due to whatever filters are in place in the the latter.
2. Da capo: Get the 80.2/3 or the 5508.
Kal |
Nope. I am suggesting you take advantage of the superior analog audio of the newer models in lieu of your more complex configuration. |
Wait a minute,Ridom. You get only analog from the analog output, not PCM and not DSD.
If you want DSD, you use a prepro (like the 80.2/3) that can accept DSD. It can then do Audyssey/Bass Management although it will convert the DSD to PCM for that purpose. The 80.2/3 can provide this for both DSD and PCM sources. |
I am here.
It is impossible for me to know how the 80.2/3 would sound compared to anyone's analog 2 channel setup, even my own (since it is in a different house). The Carys have all had excellent analog sound but, imho, fail as adequate digital MCH audio processors for a number of reasons. Since almost all of my listening is digital MCH, I prefer the Integra and, if it doesn't float your boat for stereo analog, get a good 2 channel preamp (with an HT bypass), like a Cary, for that. |
