"I'd be curious how many people have a dual-use system for both HT and 2-channel music though. I have my 2-channel rig in a separate room from the HT, and I don't do any music listening in the HT room."
Hello tutetibimperes,
I have a dual use system for both ht and 2-ch music in my living room. The Oppo 105 is the device that makes it all possible. I'm not sure how common this is.
For 2-ch music, I use the 105 and a 2 TB NAS (containing my entire CD collection as 16/44 files and a growing number of 24/96 FLAC files that were recorded direct to digital) with both connected via ethernet cables to my Xfinity cable router/modem. I use a wireless laptop running JRiver to control playback from the NAS and streaming audio sites. The 105 is used as a preamp and DAC for these functions with the main l+r stereo analog outputs connected directly to my mono-blocks via XLR cables.
For ht, I use the 105 to playback 1080p Bluray discs and stream content from Netflix, Amazon Prime and Xfinity on Demand. I use the 105's internal surround processor with the analog 5.1 surround channel outputs connected directly to separate amps via rca cables.
I was considering getting the Oppo 205 and a 4K OLED hdtv when I heard about Oppo getting out of the market. I was thinking I could just swap out the 105 with the 205 and things would function just as well as they do with the 105 but have the added benefits of 4K , HDR10 and Dolby Vision . I now understand that even if I manage to buy a 205, I'll need to buy some added hardware to have things operate as well with the 4K 205 as they have with the 1080p 105.
Now, I'm starting to realize I may be better off just being satisfied with my 1080p 105 and plasma hdtv. I know the 4K is unlikely to be a significant improvement for me due to my 12-14 ft. viewing distance. The main benefits I'll perceive are improved colors with the new HDR10 and Dolby Vision mostly with future content. However, I'll be sacrificing audio quality and convenience by using the 205 unless I Jerry-rig some extra hardware to my system.
So, I need to determine whether to spend about $3,000 on an Oppo 205, 65" LG B7 OLED hdtv and a Roku or similar device for improved color reproduction and keeping my current functionality with streaming music and video OR keep the $3K,remain satisfied with a 1080p 105 and plasma for another 5-10 yrs and await the next technological breakthroughs in audio/video reproduction.
I'm seriously leaning toward the latter option right now.
Tim