Getting back into 2-channel

[Seth=L]

The Denon was a 3806 and is hard to describe but the "depth" of the sound feels like it has been flattened. Bass is there but not impacting in The same way. Like a loud piano note vs the same tone from a big gong. The sound wasn't bad, just doesn't draw you in. The pioneer elite is the same thing. It is 120 w/c which is higher than the 2 channel Rotel amp it replaced at 70 w/c. My speakers have been the same the whole time and in the same location. They are PSB century 600i. Small towers with 2 6.5" woofers and a tweeter. Nice speakers but nothing crazy

The Century 600i LOVES power. I had a pair and I wish I could find another pair just to crank them up again. I've never had speakers since those that could play that loud so effortlessly.

 

[Seth=L]

There is always something else going on and its called the speaker impedance curve and the phase angles.

Amps are not created equal. You can be lucky and be unlucky. With more expensive amps you have a better chance of driving adverse impedance loads and phase angles.

Amps are tested into resistive loads and that tells you very little about how the amp will drive your speakers. Unfortunately speaker manufacturers don't usually publish impedance curves and phase angles which they should.

I personally would never use a receiver in my reference systems for critical listening: - not a chance.

My man, I've completely come around to this concept. AVRs and heavily reactive loads don't mix well. By the time you pick up a TOTL Denon or Marantz AVR for 2 channel listening you could have spent far less on a much better suited set of separates.

 

[sterling shoote]

OP,

You may simply have not adjusted your front channels with the surround sound receiver for a similar output that you enjoyed with the earlier 2 channel system, i.e. perhaps they are set for a low end of 60 hz when perhaps in use for 2.0 they would sound better set at 80hz. Or maybe the fronts are set for 80hz while the sub is operating when the front channels might sound better set at 60hz.

 

[DD66000]

It feels wrong for me to use a universal disc player for a high end audio player but it has gotten such good reviews, I may try that I appreciate all of your all feedback. I will follow up and let people know if I move forward with a 2 channel setup or not and what the difference is.

The Oppo 105D is much more than an universal disc player.
You're also getting top notch USB DAC, XLR connections.
Digital inputs: coax, optical, usb, hdmi.
With the exception of my TT, I run everything through the 105D....ATV, Mac mini, a second BD player. The 105D is the processor, system wide. No AVR needed.
The Oppo then connects to the Parasound P7 pre-amp...A21 power amp....custom main L/R speakers.....and HCA2205 for surround duties.

 

[lovinthehd]

The Oppo 105D is much more than an universal disc player.
You're also getting top notch USB DAC, XLR connections.
Digital inputs: coax, optical, usb, hdmi.
With the exception of my TT, I run everything through the 105D....ATV, Mac mini, a second BD player. The 105D is the processor, system wide. No AVR needed.
The Oppo then connects to the Parasound P7 pre-amp...A21 power amp....custom main L/R speakers.....and HCA2205 for surround duties.

Curious, why the P7 if you're using the 105D as switching/pre?

 

[DD66000]

Curious, why the P7 if you're using the 105D as switching/pre?

The 105D is the processor, P7 is the pre-amp, and also the phono pre-amp.
I could use the 105 also as the pre-amp, but the P7 is superior.
And with a TT also in the system, the P7 needs to be the switcher.

 

[lovinthehd]

The 105D is the processor, P7 is the pre-amp, and also the phono pre-amp.
I could use the 105 also as the pre-amp, but the P7 is superior.
And with a TT also in the system, the P7 needs to be the switcher.

Reading comprehension issue, you said tt and it didn't register....

 

[Bucknekked]

You never know, don't ever underestimate the Placebo magic factor!!

Haven't you heard? The Placebo Company is coming out with a version 2.0 Magic Factor. Its 20% larger, gives faster bass, more liquid highs, has an option for "chocolately midrange", and will make country music sound great to millenials. Everyone is upgrading. Simply everyone. Don't be left out.

 

[Verdinut]

I don't think power is the problem so much as how the power is handled. The Denon and the Pioneer both can get loud, and don't sound bad, but to me they sounded like regular commercial grade sound producers where in my opinion they are not your "average" units and should have more feeling and depth than other lesser options.

My source is mainly a regular Sony disc player. I don't use my computer or iPod etc.

I agree with 3db on a higher powered amp really just being insurance for the future as opposed to anything that is needed for these speakers. I am not going to do anything massive anyway, it will be in the 100-200 w/c range. Actually I really did think that little 70wpc sounded great.

What are your thoughts on an Oppo for a two channel source?

Oppo Digital is a company with managing personnel and engineers who do not sit on their laurels. They always work to put out improved and competitive products.

I had a BDP83 Universal player which I used for a couple of years and sold to a friend. I then purchased a BDP95. I have always been satisfied with the performance of their products. Even if I live in Montreal, and even if the cost to acquire them exceeds that in the United States, I am not thinking of going to another brand when I'll have to replace the BDP95 which I am using.

The friend I sold the BDP83 to, recently bought the new UDP203 player. This player is also a universal unit which will also play SACD's and DVD Audio discs. We did not compare its performance with the BDP95, but its video performance outperforms that of the BDP83. This has to some extent to do with its capacity to handle the 4K format. Of course, the sound performance is excellent and it comes with 7.1 ch analog audio outputs, more than you would need for stereo.

IMHO, this new product represents a best buy. I recommend it without hesitation.

 

[DD66000]

Reading comprehension issue, you said tt and it didn't register....

TT = turntable.....the P7 is a superb phono pre-amp.
And every setting on the P7 can be changed on the fly, by no more than a touch of a button on the remote.....no going deep into some damn AVR menu.

 

[lovinthehd]

TT = turntable.....the P7 is a superb phono pre-amp.
And every setting on the P7 can be changed on the fly, by no more than a touch of a button on the remote.....no going deep into some damn AVR menu.

Yes I understand what tt means....still have one myself. My adjustments aren't very deep into a menu and the phono pre works fine. YMMV.

 

[DD66000]

Yes I understand what tt means....still have one myself. My adjustments aren't very deep into a menu and the phono pre works fine. YMMV.

Compared to four AVRs I've owned (Sony, Marantz, 2 HK), I prefer this combo of the Oppo+P7.
About 14 months ago, talking to Richard Schram, there was still a debate between the Techs at Parasound's SF office/lab which of those two pieces of gear was the groom in that marriage. They have two of the 105D connected to two P7s.
And I'd say a very good marriage at that.

 

[lovinthehd]

Did they have babies, too?

 

[Diesel57]

Compared to four AVRs I've owned (Sony, Marantz, 2 HK), I prefer this combo of the Oppo+P7.
About 14 months ago, talking to Richard Schram, there was still a debate between the Techs at Parasound's SF office/lab which of those two pieces of gear was the groom in that marriage. They have two of the 105D connected to two P7s.
And I'd say a very good marriage at that.

Did they have babies, too?

YES...TWINS