2. home-theater
  3. 1391188767

Help me choose amp for 2-channel HT

I've been using a Panasonic XA-45 AV receiver for the past 9 or 10 years in my TV system. HT only and two-channel only. No video goes through the Panasonic, just digital audio from the TiVo via Toslink and the DVD player (Oppo 95) via coax. It's worked fine, but I want to explore making a change in the interests of getting better sound. I was running Rega RS-5 speakers for quite a while but now have Revel M106, though that could change. Let's say a budget of around $1K.

I'm assuming I can get an integrated amp rather than an AV receiver, since it's only two channel. Would like sub out and headphone jack.

Should I get an analog integrated amp and let the TiVo and Oppo do the D2A conversion? How good are their built-in DACs? (I'm thinking NAD 326BEE or 356BEE, for example.)

Or should I get an integrated with DAC built in? Something from Peachtree perhaps.

If I got a new Oppo (103 probably) I could feed the TiVo's HDMI to it and let it handle all the video and audio processing, then feed the Oppo's (analog) audio out to the integrated amp or its (digital) audio out to the integrated if that has a built-in DAC.

I hope this is clear. I'm sure all of these options can work, but I have no feeling for whether there's a clear best path.

Dan
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Showing 4 responses by drubin

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drubin OP
3,265 posts
 
Why 105 vs 103, apart from the headphone facility?
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drubin OP
3,265 posts
 
Marty's comment slipped in. Thanks, very helpful.

I have no analog sources in this setup. I do appreciate the potential of room correction and EQ as well as 2.1, though the Oppo can support subwoofer out with two main channels, I believe. The Oppo 105 with something like a modest Emotiva stereo amp might be a good solution here, though absent the more advanced EQ functions.
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drubin OP
3,265 posts
 
I understand. But since this system is used mostly for cable TV and Netflix streaming and some DVD, I'm not sure that better audio is worth the price difference.

As for driving a power amp directly, is the Oppo's volume control up to the task in terms of sound quality and control from a remote?

With the 103, however, I'd be stuck without headphone capability, which is probably a deal breaker.
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drubin OP
3,265 posts
 
I'm thinking about the HK. It's a bit large (may not fit in my media cabinet) and definitely pricey, but the good reviews are duly noted. Another approach is to get an Oppo 105 and attach a stereo power amp. The Oppo provides some bass management and sub out and has what I suspect is a better DAC and analog section than the HK (though perhaps not), but no EQ.
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