My set-up:
Marantz SR-6008 receiver
Emotiva XPA-300 amp (I may be off on the model# - it was their entry level 5 channel amp a few years ago)
Oppo BDP-105
Dynaudio Focus 110 Front R&L
In ceiling C, surrounds
Obviously I use the Emotiva instead of the Marantz for 5 channel power.
For two channel cd sound, the Oppo uses the Marantz's DAC for 2 channel output, since I have it connected via HDMI (I think?)
My local stereo shop has been preaching the benefits of adding a separate integrated amp to handle the front L &R speakers (one with a home theater pass through). So the integrated amp just acts like a power amp for 5-channel sources, but provides the DAC and output directly for 2-channel sources.
I am confident that I will be 100% happy relying on the Oppo's DAC, so it seems like I don't need the integrated amp. But how can I ensure that I am getting the Oppo's DAC and not the Marantz's? Part of my problem is that I have a hard time grasping HDMI, I'm used to the old way of separate connections for audio and video.
To summarize questions:
-Does an integrated amp provide anything more than better DAC than the Marantz?
-How do I ensure I'm getting the Oppo's DAC during 2 channel playback?
-Is there a way and would it be desirable to connect the Oppo directly to the Emotiva bypassing any interruption from the Marantz for just 2 channel playback. Are there risks?
This is a lot, but I would appreciate any input.
Thanks!
Ben
Marantz SR-6008 receiver
Emotiva XPA-300 amp (I may be off on the model# - it was their entry level 5 channel amp a few years ago)
Oppo BDP-105
Dynaudio Focus 110 Front R&L
In ceiling C, surrounds
Obviously I use the Emotiva instead of the Marantz for 5 channel power.
For two channel cd sound, the Oppo uses the Marantz's DAC for 2 channel output, since I have it connected via HDMI (I think?)
My local stereo shop has been preaching the benefits of adding a separate integrated amp to handle the front L &R speakers (one with a home theater pass through). So the integrated amp just acts like a power amp for 5-channel sources, but provides the DAC and output directly for 2-channel sources.
I am confident that I will be 100% happy relying on the Oppo's DAC, so it seems like I don't need the integrated amp. But how can I ensure that I am getting the Oppo's DAC and not the Marantz's? Part of my problem is that I have a hard time grasping HDMI, I'm used to the old way of separate connections for audio and video.
To summarize questions:
-Does an integrated amp provide anything more than better DAC than the Marantz?
-How do I ensure I'm getting the Oppo's DAC during 2 channel playback?
-Is there a way and would it be desirable to connect the Oppo directly to the Emotiva bypassing any interruption from the Marantz for just 2 channel playback. Are there risks?
This is a lot, but I would appreciate any input.
Thanks!
Ben