Enchancing video, adding audio in the bedroom.


Current setup: Panasonic Plasma, about 8 years old. Panasonic Blu-Ray. Ideas for new setup: Oppo 105 darbee edition. Wharfedale 10.2 speakers. The amplification part is a bit more confusing for me. I’m a 2-channel analog guy, and when I see these A/V receivers with 9 channels and 90 connections on the back, it certainly changes my KEEP IT SIMPLE rule. I have a fair collection of Redbook CD’s, but as I understand it, Redbook is not the Oppo’s greatest strength. Price range for speakers is around the Wharfedales ($379) price. Amp around $1000, and of course, the 105 darbee is a proven contender in it’s price range. Goals are to get better video resolution, and I’m sure the Oppo will best my $259 BR player. Also better sound from TV/ Movies, but also be able to enjoy music. I have no intention to go 5 or 7 channel. A center channel in the future would be as far as I would venture.

fjn04

Showing 3 responses by tls49


Forget the A/V receiver and use the Oppo's inputs as a control center. Then its video to the plasma and audio to a nice 2 channel integrated amp. Simple and the video direct to the plasma should be better than through an A/V receiver.


Hi fjn04,

Initially, I don’t see any issues, using the Oppo as a control center will send video to the plasma and sound to the speakers from anything connected to it, but a couple of questions just to be sure.

1) Since you are currently using Blu-ray, I assumed the plasma has an HDMI input, or at least a DVI using an adapter.

2) What other sources (cable box, etc.) will you be using and can I assume they have HDMI output?

3) How do you stream Netflix? Cable box, Apple TV, Chromecast, or Roku?

4) Once the system is in place will you use it 100% of the time or do you need the ability to just use the plasma only?

fjn04, I’m guessing your plasma (8 years old) should have HDMI since this became available on TV’s about 10 years ago. Assuming it does here’s the connections.

Cable box HDMI output to one of the HDMI inputs on the Oppo, then Oppo HDMI output to the plasma HDMI input. Oppo L&R audio output to an input on the integrated amp with amp’s output to the speakers. Amp’s VC will control volume as usual, but selection for source will be done on the Oppo. Also, the Oppo has inputs for computer audio and will stream Netflix. This should be reasonably simple to operate, using the amp’s VC to control volume and selecting the source (cable box, computer audio, Netflix, or any disc playing) on the Oppo. The amp’s selector will remain on the input for the Oppo.