Want it Incorporate video into current audio only system,


I have a rather large room which I use for watching TV and listening to music. I would like to be able to connect my smart TV to a preamp/ AV controller that could support a CD/DVD player, turntable, etc. I am not that interested in multi-channel operation but if that was the option I would not it rule it out. My primary concern is the best sound when listening to music. Current analog is Bryston pre, Levinson power, Revel speakers, Thorens turntable. Digital is Oppo 205. Considering Mac MX121/122. Is that overkill?
128x128jokomo
Hello jokomo,

     If you want to try 5.1 surround sound, you just would need 3 channels of amplification, one for the center channel and two for the pair of rear surround channels.  I'd suggest using a 3 channel class D amp for simplicity, reasonable price and good performance. I'd recommend just googling "3 channel class D amp" or "3 channel class D amp reviews" to get an idea of what's available.   I know that D-Sonic are high quality amps at reasonable prices. 
      I'm assuming your sub has its own built-in amp.  You would just connect the outputs on the back of your 205 to the 3 ch amp using standard rca cables and the amp is connected to the speakers using regular speaker wire.  To connect the sub to the 205, you'd just need a single standard rca cable.
     You also have the option of using what's called a "phantom center channel".  This uses your l+r main speakers to create the perception of a center channel without actually using a discrete center channel speaker.  This may work well for your purposes. You can read about this, and how to configure it on your 205, in your Oppo 205 manual.

Best wishes,
   Tim
      
Thanks noble100 for the clear and concise answer.  That will be the way I will go. I didn't mention before but I have some used b&w surrounds and sub I picked up for a song a few years ago.  If I did want to X with 5.1, any suggestions for amps/control.  Integrated?
I also have the Oppo 205 and I have Xfinity cable tv. I connect the 4K cable box to the 205's input using an HDMI cable. Then I use another HDMI cable to connect the 205's #1 video output, which is the output from the 205's internal video processor, to the TV.
      I then connect the 205's main left + right balanced xlr audio outputs to my preamp's left + right balanced xlr home theater (HT) inputs using a pair of balanced xlr cables. If your preamp only has unbalanced rca inputs, you can also use a pair of standard rca cables from the 205 to the preamp. The 205 has both xlr and rca left + right analog audio outputs.    
     If you just want to hear tv sound through your main speakers, you need to next go into the 205's Setup Menu and configure the settings on the Audio Output Setup and Audio Processing sections. Once this is completed, you'll need to turn the volume completely down on your tv,select the proper input on the 205 and your preamp and use the 205's remote to control the volume. Following the above steps will result in obtaining the most basic TV and HT audio from your system.
      If you'd like, however, you can utilize the full capabilities of the 205 and setup a complete 5.1 or 7.1 HT audio surround system. I utilize my 205 in a combination music and 5.1 HT audio surround sound system. Creating a full 5.1 audio surround system requires the addition of a center channel speaker, a pair of rear surround channel speakers and 1 or more subwoofers, along with the separate amp channels to drive them. A 7.1 audio surround system requires the addition of side left and right channel speakers and the separate amp or amps to drive them. The main speakers double as left + right stereo channels for music and left + right front channels for HT. These full audio surround systems are very impressive and enjoyable for HT listening to most with the noted exception of millercarbon.
     If you want an idea of what these type of combo stereo music and HT surround systems look like you can look at my profile and system pics.  

Best wishes,
    Tim
Your Oppo clearly has a better DAC than any TV.  For that reason I would use either digital or hdmi from the TV to the Oppo.  The Oppo is already connected to your pre, so you are good to go.  The tv should output all smart sources to the Oppo, including cable.  Just check "external speakers" on your tv set up.

    jokomo,
     Yes, it seems like you have everything you need, except for a cable or two, to do what you want  But I need answers to the following questions before I can describe exactly how to do it:

1.  What is the model number of your Bryston preamp?
2.  What source do you use for tv- antenna,cable, internet or satellite?
3.  What type of cables do you currently use to connect your current tv source to your Oppo 205 and tv?
    
Tim
Yeah, if you’re truly just “watching TV” I’d just make whatever connection you need (as above) to what you have and be done with it.  If, however, you watch movies and would like to make that significantly more entertaining without changing your 2-channel setup at all there’s an easy and relatively inexpensive way to do that as well — just depends on what you want. 
^^^  What he said. The best way to connect video audio to a high end audio system is simply run the two channels into the high end system. Anything A/V (multi-channel) related will ruin the sound quality. Use a DAC as above if absolutely necessary. The results you can get with this "minimalist" approach can be impressive.  https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/8367
If your goal is to listen to TV output through your 2-channel system, you likely already have everything you need (except possilby a cable).

Your SmartTV, or cable/satellite receiver likely has RCA analog outputs, or digital coax/toslink outputs. If you have analog outputs (L&R RCA jacks), just plug them into an unused input on your existing system. If the TV or cable/satellite receiver doesn't have analog outputs, but has digital outputs (coax/toslink optical), buy an inexpensive DAC to go between the TV/receiver box and you current system. Use any available analog input on your existing pre-amp.

Also, your Oppo 205 has digital inputs. You can connect a digital cable (coax or toslink optical) from your TV or receiver box and use the DAC built into your Oppo 205 to perform the digital to analog conversion.

You should not need to buy anything, except whatever cable (Digital or analog) you need to connect your TV or cable/satellite receiver to your existing equipment.