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Help ref Oppo 105 with Marantz AV7005 set up

Hi. Really new to audio and would like some simple advice. Currently I have the following set up

Oppo 105
Marantz AV 7005
Rotel RMB 1075
Monitor Audio RX6
monitor audio radius 225 center
Linn 5110 gor rear speakers

Current problem i have connected Marantz to the Oppo 105 using 5.1 rca cables and HDMI cable and although sounds great am not utilizing DAC in Oppo 105. Is the sound i am generating the same as I would have with an Oppo 103?

Problem I have is both Oppo and Marantz have balanced inputs only. I purchased cable and realized mistake I had made as no balanced inputs.

Question is (1) With my current set up can I utilize the DAC? If dont use balanced input what can i do? Can i go another route? Obviously want to get best sound possible.
Can i get my Marantz updated to include balanced inputs instead of having to sell my existing av receiver?
(2) Do i need to change my Marantz AV receiver? What do you recommend but it has to handle both movie and for music. However a used Marantz AV 8801 has balanced inputs but cost used over $2000. Would it not sound better with spending money on better speakers. If so any recommendations for a suitable AV receiver?

My room is 15 by 15, wood floors. Use system a lot for streaming, 60% music and 40% movies.

Thanks in advance
morty74

Showing 5 responses by dbphd

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dbphd
1,615 posts
 
If you have connected both 5.1 RCA and HDMI outputs from the 105 to the 7005, both are active and either should be selectable by switching among the 7005 inputs. When you select the 5.1 RCA inputs, you are using the DACs in the 105; when you select the HDMI input, you are using the DACs of the 7005. There is no advantage to using balanced cables unless the 105 is a very long distance from the 7005. Consult the 105 manual about using the stereo outputs for the front LR channels of 5.1 so you take advantage of the superior DACs.

You should be able to compare the sound with the 105 DACs to that with the 7005 DACs just by switching among the 7005 inputs. Be aware that there is a bug in the speaker distance settings of the 105, so it's easiest to start by setting all the distances to 0. A fix is said to be on its way soon, and if you have the 105 connected to the internet as it should be and you set the menu to update firmware, you'll get a notice when new firmware is available.

Finally, if you don't have analog sources, you might consider using the 105 direct to your amps and selling the 7005. At least you should try bypassing the 7005. The 105 can provide speaker configuration, bass management, and fine volume control.

db
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dbphd
1,615 posts
 
According to Oppo there is no sonic difference between the single ended (RCA) and balanced (XLR) outputs except for the level of the XLR being 3 dB higher. If that 3 dB is important for the following equipment, there is no reason not to use XLR if connections are compatible. If Dopoque is using analog from the 105 to the line stage, then the line stage must be coloring the sound in a way he prefers; if he is using a digital connection, then he must prefer the analog processing of his line stage to that of the 105.

Morty74 might want to connect the output of his cable, satellite, or TV to the HDMI input on the rear of the 105 so that source can benefit from the superior DACs of the 105, and use the input selection button on the 105 remote.

db
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dbphd
1,615 posts
 
A bit snarky, Dopogue. I was just pointing out two explanations for your preference, not criticizing it. Do you really perceive the sound from an unmodded 105 as bleak and threadbare?

db
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dbphd
1,615 posts
 
Dopogue, I think I prefer the sound of my 105 through my Parasound JC-2, but it's a close call. The JC-2 seems to take just a bit of edge off the 105, making it sound smoother and more elegant. But, of course, that means the JC-2 colors the sound in a way I prefer. My other sources are a Sony XA5400ES and a JC-3 phono stage (Thorens TD 124, SME Series III, Ortofon SME 30H).

I switched from balanced to single ended because I use unbalanced KEF KUBE's with my 107/2 mains and 102 surround. The Jensen ISO-MAX transformers I used to go through the XLR-SE transition added too much clutter, given that noise remained inaudible with the SE cables I got from LA Pro Audio.

db
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dbphd
1,615 posts
 
There is a flaw in the observation made in my 4-26-14 post. The output of the JC-2 preamp goes through the KEF KUBE, whereas direct from the 105 does not. The KEF Reference 107/2s were designed to be used with the KUBE. My observation about taking the edge off may be more likely attributed to KUBE/no KUBE rather that preamp/direct.

db
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