Ted,
Since the OPPO 105 has a volume control, no reason not to use it as a pre-amp. It has enough digital inputs but lacks any analog inputs like most pre's in case one would need to use it that way. Nor does it have automated processing capabilities or room correction like Audyssey XT32. So maybe not the best solution for most people. And also, if used stand alone, not the Fet Valve Hybrid or now the CF full valve exceptional sound from the AVA Pre.
I prefer to use the separate AVA amps that I have gradually acquired over time. Using an AVA 600R for each Salk SS12 would have the usual expected benefits of bi-amping with 600 watts into a 4 ohm speaker. Would that be 1200 watts if doubling down from 8 ohms? I read up about what other Audio Circle members were doing here and over on the Salk Circle and rationalized what would be ideal to do and went in that direction. As to what I hear, all I can say is that I think I get better sound. It is astounding!
Having dual multi-channel sources seems like too much complication to me. Despite what having 4separate AVA amps might imply, I prefer to simplify. Having an exaSound E28 for computer audio - I don't think so. I only have one David Elias multi-channel download and I transferred it to a USB thumb drive and plugged it into the OPPO's USB input and it works. Not interested in pursuing all it would take to rip my ton of SACDs just to get file playback.
Actually my next simplification is the OPPO 105D (arriving April 10th), the Darbee Edition because it has USB computer streaming capability including DSD64 and DSD128 - not sure about multi-channel. I would have to make special use of both the XLR and RCA analog outs on the 105D. I have adapters to convert the XLRs to RCA and then hope that I can do the same "Dean" trick to send dual Left RCA signals to the left 600R bi-amping it's SS12 and then dual Right RCA signals to the right 600R and SS12. Hopefully JRiver MC19 won't have a problem finding and streaming to the 105D. If this works, my combined 7.2 HT and 2 channel system will have only one Pre but 4 amps. I have a Salk StreamPlayer to complicate this system if it needs to be made to sound better. The AVA Fet Valve Pre and exaSound E20 along with the AVA 400R will then be relegated to upgrade my bedroom system with the very special Salk Exotica speakers. Oh well, will have to do with only a 5.2 HT system. Or get another 400R from Frank?
The two subs that Jim Salk is creating for me will NOT be a stereo pair. The base output from the AVA bi-amped pair of SS12s is stellar and does not need augmenting for 2 channel listening. The subs are for the HT or .1 but in this case, a .2 LFE multi-channel listening experience. The pair of Rythmik 12inch subs are being constructed to look exactly like my SS12 speakers' base cabinets - same three spikes, plinths and curvature at the top, same angel step maple burl veneer and coloring scheme and tint, only their hight will vary from the original according to the lessor required internal volume that Jim's sub modeling experience says is necessary. They are in "Final topcoat finish" stage on the Project Tracking system. The unusual thing about this pair of subs is that one of them is purely passive with a Rythmik 12inch silver cone and no binding posts except for what is called a Neutrix connector plug wired via a 24foot Neutrix wire in series with the plate amp on the main sub. This plate amp is Rythmik's HX800XLR3 with the Dual Driver Kit. Only one interconnect wire from the subwoofer or LFE output on the OPPO 105D goes into the plate amp. Normally this plate amp with the Dual Driver Kit provides 400 watts for each of two 12 inch drivers in the same cabinet but on opposite sides of the cabinet. Jim created the idea of putting one of the drivers in a separate cabinet wired by Neutrix with separate placement possibilities on opposite sides of the room to avoid nulls and such as a single placement spot might be heir to. Level matching of the two drivers would be easier this way with only one plate and set of adjustments needed. Clever, don't you think? Another plug for exceptional Salk customer service.
Sorry if this has gone far beyond the topic of 7.1 processing with AVA Gear. Does show interesting possibilities to get your AVA fix.
David
