Hi All.
This is my first foray in this forum and I've read a lot of the threads with interest and got a lot of pointers from there.
I'm evaluating AVP16 for my first surround processor. I'm trying to move from 2-channel to multi-channel (3.1 channel for now). Currently I'm using Rotel 1070 (integrated) with B&W CDM NTs. My sources are - CAL Audio CD player (a bit dated but still great for redbook CDs), Oppo 981 (SACD/DVD-A/HDCD) and Toshiba XA2 for DVD and HDDVDs. I also run Musical Fidelity X-10 tube buffer thru RA1070's tape loop to engage for some CDs. My sub is B&W ASW675 that I run thru RA1070 pre-out. As you can see the setup is a collection of sorts and I need to change this. I don't care about HDMI for now. I run all HDMI outputs - XA2, Oppo, Comcast, DISH thru a HDMI switcher directly to my Sharp 46" 1080p LCD.
My requirement is that the 2-channel or multi-channel audio should sound great. I can take a hit in sound quality with movies. My ratio of music to movies is 80:20 with over 100 SACDs/DVD-As and 25 HDCDs. I plan to do this upgrade in phases (only one job
) and have a budget of about $2500. I'll get rid of the RA1070 and pair AVP16 ($1k) with Rotel 1075 ($850) and add a B&W center channel ($650).
Q1) Does that sound reasonable?
I was thinking about how to connect all the sources to AVP16:
- Connect 5.1 analog output from 981 to AVP16 (For SACD).
- Connect SPDIF output from 981/XA2 to AVP16 and use that for HDCDs, DVD-A, DVD etc. to take advantage of the AVP16's DAC.
- Connect SPDIF output and analog outputs from CAL audio player to AVP16. (That way I can do a A/B test of DACs of CAL audio vs AVP16. Just for kicks...
)
- Connect subwoofer to AVP16. All bass management thru AVP16 (except for SACD).
Q2) How to connect X-10 buffer? AVP16 docs don't talk about tape loop.
Q3) What about XA2's 5.1 outputs? How to connect those to AVP16? Does one need to buy some kind of 5.1 analog switcher of some sort? Are they worth it? (It'll probably be useful only to play DVD-A using XA2.)
In future, I want to replace 1075 with Ref 9s and buy better fronts and move the current B&W CDMs to surround duty (after I encash my Lotto
).
Thanks for wading thru this...I look forward to your advice.
--Subbu
