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Help with processor decision

I've been using a Denon 3808 receiver as my processor ever since I purchased a Parasound A52 last year to power my system (B W 804d LR, htm62 center, M-1 LR surround, with b w 600 sub). I purchased an Oppo-105 a while back for the better video processing, DAC and multichannel out (for SACDs). I'm about 70% music, 30% ht/TV. I have started listening to a lot of vinyl recently, so I do need a more musical processor (and I don't really have room on my rack for a two channel preamp). I run a lot of music (usb) and video (hdmi) from my Mac mini server through the Oppo as well. I'm torn between the following processors:
-Parasound p7 (would lose the hdmi switching, but could use the Oppo)
-Marantz 8801
-Yamaha A5000
I currently use Audessey XT room correction with my 3808. My room is 14 w x 18 l x 9-10 h sloping ceiling with the LR speakers on the short wall, and it is untreated with suspended hardwood floors. I am a little indifferent regarding room correction, but given my room I think it's been helpful for HT. Between my cable box and a possible xbox purchase, I may need more hdmi switching than the Oppo provides...
Any advice would be greatly appreciated since I plan to follow-through with a purchase THIS WEEK!
P.S. This will probably be the first of several upgrades in the near future (adding 2 surrounds to get 7.1, adding more powerful amps for my LR, upgrading center and sub).
bebopmecha5
bebopmecha5 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks again for the input, and I've got the Radio Shack sound level meter on my short list in the near future. I'll definitely play around with the setup with my Oppo and will try to compare directly connecting it to my amp. I definitely use the Oppo dacs and analog outs for music (2 and multi channel), and use the hdmi for tv/movies. The Marantz should arrive next week so I'll circle back and let you know my thoughts. I just received my xlr cables from Blue Jeans Cables (talk about fast shipping!) so there will be some significant upgrades to my system soon!
jdub39
486 posts
 
Bebopmecha5

Here's what i've found to be the best method of getting outstanding performance between the 8801 and Oppo 105. Assign the 8801's Cd input to the XLR's for the Oppo's XLR outs for stereo and use the Pure Direct mode for 2/ch this way you can hear the outstanding 2/ch preamp abilities of the 8801 ( I find it a hidden gem) Also set the Oppo to bitstream for hdmi ( using the hdmi 2 out as hdmi 1 will not send DSD) and set to DSD as the 8801 will accept a native bitstream over hdmi after that and a good run of Audyssey you have a killer 2/ch preamp and multi/ch processor setup to die for !

Enjoy your new setup
bebopmecha5 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the advice Jdub39. I'm definitely using the xlr out on the Oppo so I can take advantage of the Oppo's dacs. I'm actually also using the multichannel analog outs on the Oppo for SACDs. I will definitely plan to try out the hdmi out for SACDs as well to compare the 8801 dacs with the Oppo's. I just figured I already had the analog cables from my previous setup and thought I'd just connect them all at once... I just ran the full Audessey setup and I've tried out a few bluerays (star wars 2, Dave Matthews at radio city music hall) at reference levels as well as an SACD (holst planets) and some vinyl (police, Chet Baker). I'm still getting used to the sound of the 8801 but so far I'm definitely getting the sense that there's a lot more definition in the sound and more control in the decay of notes. I've still got to figure out all the detailed settings for viewing and audessey, but so far so good! Any experience with burn in time for the 8801? I've noticed the 8801 gets pretty hot, even on my open rack, so I figure burn in time should be short... Will report more soon!
jdub39
486 posts
 
It took about as long as the 105 for burn in about 100hrs or so to gain its refinement, I found in comparing the two that it comes down to mood as you will have two very capable playback dac's to choose from and even via hdmi for stereo the 8801 will amaze at its handling of jitter when compared to rca or xlr for stereo, the 8801 does indeed have a nice rytm and pace that will have one's toe tapping, while the 105 will have that extra something you will like indeed. I will say a reference sacd via hdmi w/Audyssey for multi/ch is quite breathtaking and with the setup you now have you can enjoy playback option glore at the touch of a button.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dbphd
1,616 posts
 
Bebop, you don't need to use XLR to use the Oppo DACs. Consult the manual about optimizing stereo. At the bottom of the Audio Processing menu set Stereo Signal to Front Left/Right. Use the LR stereo outputs, either XLR or SE, and take the surround outputs to an amp or your processor. I suggest you visit the Oppo 105 owners' thread at AVS. I doubt the 8801 DACs are superior, but you may prefer acoustic room correction, and that would suggest HDMI-2 from the Oppo to the 8801.

db
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