[John Casler]

Well, it appears that I need to upgrade my 2-channel preamp.  Thanks again for all of the great information!

I think an Oppo BDP-83se and a good 3 channel amp would take you a long way.

The OPPO for all it does for both HT and 2 channel, and the 3 channel amp to give you the same thing for your frontal array.

Run the 2 channel system from the OPPO 2 channel analog out, and the HT from the 7.1 channel analog outs.  That way the OPPO and its ESS SABRE32 dac will be giving you very good 2 channel sound, and the internal processor will decode all the HT codecs so the Marantz won't have to.

The ADCOM amp (which is around 100-150wpc) would then be used for the "side surrounds" and the receiver could run the rear surrounds.  You could, if you have the space move the Line Arrays to side surround duties.  If not sell them and get 2 side surrounds and a matching center, or use the present Paradigms for sides and rears and use the proceeds toward the OPPO and AMP.

The next step if you decide to take it would be a good 2 channel preamp, (for a much improved 2 channel sound) and a better Center speaker. (maybe matching for improved HT)

You actually have some very nice gear, it is simply a matter of homoginization and tweaking with some new gear.

[ted_b]

Run the 2 channel system from the OPPO 2 channel analog out, and the HT from the 7.1 channel analog outs.  That way the OPPO and its ESS SABRE32 dac will be giving you very good 2 channel sound, and the internal processor will decode all the HT codecs so the Marantz won't have to.

The ADCOM amp (which is around 100-150wpc) would then be used for the "side surrounds" and the receiver could run the rear surrounds.  You could, if you have the space move the Line Arrays to side surround duties.  If not sell them and get 2 side surrounds and a matching center, or use the present Paradigms for sides and rears and use the proceeds toward the OPPO and AMP.

The next step if you decide to take it would be a good 2 channel preamp, (for a much improved 2 channel sound) and a better Center speaker. (maybe matching for improved HT)

You actually have some very nice gear, it is simply a matter of homoginization and tweaking with some new gear.

But unless he homogenizes the front channel setup (i.e HT bypass or simply use his receiver) he is still going to have two sets of everything up front, including speakers.   The Oppo idea is great, don;t get me wrong.  Oppo BDp-83 SE is what I use (other than redbook/hirez/DVD-A ripped going to DAC); Oppo analog for SACD 2 channel and Oppo mch analog for SACD/DVD-A multichannel, HDMI to digital processor for BluRay audio/video.  But in your example do you want him using the Marantz receiver as 2 channel, too?  He'd have to....which, IMHO, would reduce his 2 channel quality somewhat but simplify his setup greatly.   It's about tradeoffs...until he gets a good 2 channel preamp with HT bypass. 

[John Casler]

But unless he homogenizes the front channel setup (i.e HT bypass or simply use his receiver) he is still going to have two sets of everything up front, including speakers.

Hi Ted,

Sorry didn't mean to be unclear.  It would look like this:

Source: BDP-83se
2channel pre: current Adcom fed by 2channel outs of the OPPO
AVR: Marantz fed by the 7.1 outs of the OPPO (with the front L&R then fed to the Adcom preamp as you suggested earlier)

In this scenario, the Marantz has limited use.  It is a volume control for HT, it is an amp for the Center, and surrounds.  Maybe a AM/FM tuner use.

  The Oppo idea is great, don;t get me wrong.  Oppo BDP-83 SE is what I use (other than redbook/hirez/DVD-A ripped going to DAC); Oppo analog for SACD 2 channel and Oppo mch analog for SACD/DVD-A multichannel, HDMI to digital processor for BluRay audio/video.  But in your example do you want him using the Marantz receiver as 2 channel, too?

No the ADCOM preamp is used for 2 channel directly from the OPPO.  For HT he would use an aux in on the Adcom pre (as you suggested above) on the L&R mains from the Marantz.

He'd have to....which, IMHO, would reduce his 2 channel quality somewhat but simplify his setup greatly.   It's about tradeoffs...until he gets a good 2 channel preamp with HT bypass.

Since the OPPO has both 2 channel and separate 7.1 channel outs he wouldn't.

The 2 channels analogs go to the ADCOM preamp and the 7.1 go to the Marantz.  Then for HT the L&R main outs of the Marantz are run to the AUX of the ADCOM at a preset volume for HT.

HT would suffer a bit, (essentially flowing through 3 pots) but not significantly.

Then when the OP feels ready, has the funds or the "itch" he upgrades his 2 channel preamp to one with HT bypass for a slightly better L&R main signal.

Hope that makes sense.

[ted_b]

Agreed! (my comments were all assuming Marantz since I didn't realize you were esposing faux HT bypass)   Yes, I agree that him doing a "faux" HT bypass (as I described earlier, with a specific static volume setting for that input) is better than using the Marantz for 2 channel.   And although I don't use my Oppo for redbook or any 2 channel hirez that is rippable (i.e DVD-A, etc) it is indeed a more than capable player in those regards...and is a fantastic SACD player (especially when set to DSD)...let alone it's multichannel capabilities.  The SE is worthwhile upgrade, and of course mod/upgrades like NuForce/Modwright etc are also available to take it even further.

[John Casler]

Yes, I agree that him doing a "faux" HT bypass (as I described earlier, with a specific static volume setting for that input) is better than using the Marantz for 2 channel.  Agreed!  And although I don't use my Oppo for redbook or any hirez that is rippable (i.e DVD-A, etc) it is indeed a more than capable player in those regards...and is a fantastic SACD player (especially when set to DSD)...let alone it's multichannel capabilities.  The SE is worthwhile upgrade, and of course mod/upgrades like NuForce/Modwright etc are also available to take it even further.

Exactly, and that with a good quality 3 channel amp for the frontal array would work wonders in that system.

The OP really has a lot to work with.  Should be a fun (and aurally rewarding) project.