kr4

Responses from kr4

INTEGRA DHC-80.3 Surround Processor
What are the more advanced features in the 80.3 than the 80.2?"Kal 
can this fact be accurate?
If this statement really is a fact (which I cannot confirm or deny), it is accurate. ;-)Kal 
INTEGRA DHC-80.3 Surround Processor
What I have to say in general about the Integra 80.2 is that it is the standard-setter for (how shall I put this?) non-high-end processors. I have not used the 80.3 nor the Onkyo equivalents. All other general comments are in my columns about the ... 
INTEGRA DBS-30.2 VS. OPPO BDP-93
I fail to see what advantage, other than cosmetics, accrue from matching brands of player and prepro. 
Emotiva UMC-1, Onkyo TX-NR809, or Denon AVR3312CI
The reason they are so cheap is that they are archaic. If you can tolerate the lack of up-to-date features, some of them are excellent. I wouldn't recommend that, though, and would prefer the Onkyo and Denon you mention over all the others.Kal 
Oppo 95 with external DAC
The packaging/unpackaging of the signals for transmission via S/PDIF or HDMI adds jitter not present with on-chassis data transmission.Kal 
Oppo 95 with external DAC
Probably a toss-up. If you choose to use a very high-end external DAC, you also encumber the jitter imposed by the digital interface.Kal 
Advice for Pre Amp/Processor
The M15HD lacks XLR outputs. 
Advice for Pre Amp/Processor
Plenty fill your requirements except that I do not know what you mean by "balanced speaker outputs." Can we assume you mean balanced preamp output? Onkyo PR-SC5508, 5509Integra DHC-80.2, 80.3Marantz AV7005Anthem AVM-50v 
oppo 95 or marantz sa8004?
Umm. Stereo/Mch? Analog/digital output? 
oppo 95 or marantz sa8004?
Can you tell how and with what you are going to use it? 
Best Record You Have Ever heard
Hard to remember. ;-) 
Amp Switch Box?
Any non-shorting speaker switch can be used backwards and should not compromise the sound. However, there are no "ICs out of the box into the amps." There should be 2 sets of speaker cables out of the amps into the box if you are switching between... 
Oppo 95 worth the up grade from Oppo 83 SE?
My comments here: http://www.stereophile.com/content/music-round-50-0 
Help with choosing 5 channel amp
Seems to me you need a 3 channel amp for fronts and center. Why ask about 5 channel amps?The XPA-5 is a great choice IF you need the power and have a limited budget. The other two are more but justify it.Kal