Why use an AV Processor (UDP-205)

[HTPGC]

Equipment so far: Oppo UDP-205, NAD M27, PMC loudspeakers, two SVS PB2000 subwoofers, and UHD Television.

The quality of the Oppo UDP-205 video and audio is hard to beat without paying a lot more. It can be connected directly to the TV and to the power amplifier.

Why is an AV processor required?

 

[Joe B]

Equipment so far: Oppo UDP-205, NAD M27, PMC loudspeakers, two SVS PB2000 subwoofers, and UHD Television.

The quality of the Oppo UDP-205 video and audio is hard to beat without paying a lot more. It can be connected directly to the TV and to the power amplifier.

Why is an AV processor required?

I don't use an AV processor outside of the processor in my Oppo-103D. I run an HDMI cable from the Oppo to the display (HDMI-1 output) and another HDMI cable from the Oppo (HDMI-2 output) to my Anthem receiver (DAC in receiver better than DAC in 103D).
If I owned the UDP-205 as you do, I would run an HDMI (HDMI-1 output) to the display and then run analog sound from the Oppo to the receiver (assuming correctly, I believe, that the DAC and circuitry in the Oppo will give better sound than the DAC in your receiver).

 

[j_garcia]

I have run my 105 direct to an amp before and used it as a simple processor. It works, but is not ideal since it can only switch one other HDMI source. Most people have more than one source. Also, bass management is better on a Pre/pro or AVR than what the Oppos offer, plus the ability to use Room EQ on pre or avr.

 

[Joe B]

I have run my 105 direct to an amp before and used it as a simple processor. It works, but is not ideal since it can only switch one other HDMI source. Most people have more than one source. Also, bass management is better on a Pre/pro or AVR than what the Oppos offer, plus the ability to use Room EQ on pre or avr.

Makes sense. I think I deviated from the intent of the post.

 

[lovinthehd]

If the 205 is adequate for your needs without an avr/procesor then it isn't required.....

 

[HTPGC]

Thanks for the replies. In summary an AV processor is used to provide Room EQ and bass management, and it is not required for video processing. Could the Room EQ and bass management be achieved in another way?
Alternatively, is there a high grade audio only processor?

 

[j_garcia]

I'll expect the 205 has better video processing than any AVR or Pre/Pro, so yes you'd want any receiver to be setup in passthrough, applying no processing. Audio only processing would be a Preamp/processor, of which there are plenty of the market in a wide price range, so it depends on price and what capabilities you want. Something simple like the Emotiva MC-700 that I have can be done or there are pre/pros that are in the thousands.

 

[2channel lover]

I have the 205 and run it through my AV...for me...the AV allows me to manage my whole house music via Zone 2 & 3, the 205 does allow streaming via the laptop and I do use it to take advantage of the USB Asynchronous DAC, but the Marantz IOS app for ipad allows far more control remotely for airplay or any network streaming.

Love the 205 so far, but the AV7702mkii offers so much more connectivity, control, and the room EQ seems to be pretty accurate.

 

[Hetfield]

Quick question. I was set to buy the UDP-203, the little brother of r 205 and I still probably will but was surprised to find out they don't do apps like Vudu. Wonder what they didn't think to add a feature like that? Also I have a bunch of old DVD-audio discs that I would like to hear in the full MLP sound. These players do pass MLP through HDMI correct? Last time I had a DVD-audio player you had to use the 7.1 analog outputs. Now you just use the HDMI right? Thanks for any info.

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[Joe B]

I would believe the answer is yes, since previous players could do this. My 103D can output MLP as bitstream as long as the MLP and AC3 parts are both on the disc. If the disc only contains the MLP, then the player outputs it as multi channel LPCM.
Give Oppo a call to be sure....they're customer service is excellent: 650-961-1118

 

[Hetfield]

I would believe the answer is yes, since previous players could do this. My 103D can output MLP as bitstream as long as the MLP and AC3 parts are both on the disc. If the disc only contains the MLP, then the player outputs it as multi channel LPCM.
Give Oppo a call to be sure....they're customer service is excellent: 650-961-1118

Thank you for the info and help. Appreciate that.

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[lovinthehd]

Thanks for the replies. In summary an AV processor is used to provide Room EQ and bass management, and it is not required for video processing. Could the Room EQ and bass management be achieved in another way?
Alternatively, is there a high grade audio only processor?

I rely on my display for video processing, and not the transport, and never my avr, they aren't nearly as capable as my display. I doubt an Oppo would improve on blu-ray processing for me, altho it may do better with upscaling dvds than my current PS3 (and am considering Oppo as the PS3 is having issues at the moment I can't resolve).

Upper-end avrs' audio processing is quite good, but if you dont mind the extra expense of a dedicated processor then that could be an alternative (they are a niche market and are often quite a bit more expensive than an upper level avr despite the lack of amps).

 

[Joe B]

HTPGC,
The video processor in your Oppo UDP-205 is going to be better than the internal processor of most displays on the market (I'm sure there are some ultra high end AV processors and displays that are better, but they're not the kind of AV processor or display you can get at Best Buy, Amazon, Crutchfield, etc). It should be connected via HDMI-1 directly to the display and video output set to the native display of the TV, allowing the Oppo to do all of the video processing (page 53 of the manual). Upscaling in the Oppo player is awesome. Most DVD's look stellar.

 

[lovinthehd]

HTPGC,
The video processor in your Oppo UDP-205 is going to be better than the internal processor of most displays on the market (I'm sure there are some ultra high end AV processors and displays that are better, but they're not the kind of AV processor or display you can get at Best Buy, Amazon, Crutchfield, etc). It should be connected via HDMI-1 directly to the display and video output set to the native display of the TV, allowing the Oppo to do all of the video processing (page 53 of the manual). Upscaling in the Oppo player is awesome. Most DVD's look stellar.

(deleted post) nm researching then starting my own thread....

 

[j_garcia]

PS3/PS4 are good for video IMO, but again the clunky over-complex number of options and interface make them somewhat less desirable as a video playback device. On top of that, the higher Oppos offer better video performance (as will a quality display's processing) than any AV/Pre and probably the 205 will surpass your display as well, though that may be nit-picking in terms of how much better.

 

[Joe B]

Are there any displays out there that offer Dolby Vision? I know there aren't any other blu-ray players that do.

 

[panteragstk]

Are there any displays out there that offer Dolby Vision? I know there aren't any other blu-ray players that do.

More BD players are turning on Dolby vision, but TCL, LG, and Vizio all have Dolby vision models. There may be more than that now, but I don't know off the top of my head.

 

[Joe B]

More BD players are turning on Dolby vision, but TCL, LG, and Vizio all have Dolby vision models. There may be more than that now, but I don't know off the top of my head.

I'm learning!

 

[PENG]

Quick question. I was set to buy the UDP-203, the little brother of r 205 and I still probably will but was surprised to find out they don't do apps like Vudu. Wonder what they didn't think to add a feature like that? Also I have a bunch of old DVD-audio discs that I would like to hear in the full MLP sound. These players do pass MLP through HDMI correct? Last time I had a DVD-audio player you had to use the 7.1 analog outputs. Now you just use the HDMI right? Thanks for any info.

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Yes, you can use the HDMI to send DVDA and SACD at full resolution but then you will be using the AVR's DAC. If you use 7.1 analog inputs like you did before then you would be using the Oppo's DAC that is likely better than those found in low to mid range AVRs. If the AVR is a Denon then the AVR will likely have the better DAC because only flag ship Denon AVRs offer 7.1 analog input in recent years.

 

[Hetfield]

Yes, you can use the HDMI to send DVDA and SACD at full resolution but then you will be using the AVR's DAC. If you use 7.1 analog inputs like you did before than you would be using the Oppo's DAC that is likely better than those found in low to mid range AVRs. If the AVR is a Denon than it will likely have better DAC because only flag ship Denon AVRs offer 7.1 analog input in recent years.

Ok excellent info, thank you. I think I'm gonna get it eventually. Unfortunately any plans to do anything home theater wise is on hold because the wife is unexpectedly looking for work. Living off my salary alone till she find something.

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