One caveat…
Did you take a look at the costs of used HT receivers?
Sure, an Oppo 100 or 200 series is a no brainer addition, depending on features and needs.
The thing about the Oppo as versatile as it is with digital formats, streaming, spinning, etc. it is NOT an END ALL BE ALL PRE - PROCESSOR.
Trudging down this road years ago and seeing that volume control for all the analog outputs, I felt well, well. Here is the thing no one else is seeing and a really cheap short cut so I don’t have to invest into more stuff!
It seemed a no brainer. Cool. But then why wasn’t this feature and its obvious attributes expanded on more in the Oppo ads on their own website?
As well, why did I not see Oppos being used strickly in place of Pre Pros by many other members in their listed systems??
That’s why I called and asked them about running amps from it.
Their report was essentially, it can work but it is not advised as a constant use solution. They kept it short and sweet and I was left to draw my own conclusions.
I came away with this, given their input, one can only surmise although it does a ton of stuff,and most of it very well, working as a preamp pro is not one of its strengths if relied upon for daily operations. The preamp section must be a bare bones oh, by the way, affair. Channel matching, etc. Pressed into constant use could be a significant issue later.
A side ways step? As a stop gap, maybe so. Everyday? Not as sure.
Then too, there’s that question on SQ which right now seems a fairly important aspect OP is seeking to improve upon.
This is a question I’d ask the community – how many folks are using or have used the oppo as a pre pro running amps directly off of it on a daily basis?
That could be quite interesting, or simply searching the threads for something similar already posted should help.
One box solutions in an Audio first and always forum often meets less than enthusiastic responses especially when it comes to the audio section of an HT system. Then a default to separates is the normal bent. HT recs are simply met with dismissive attitudes a lot.
In HT forums, it is not this way. As a solution they are accepted as a viable path from which to begin quite regularly.
With an HT receiver
1 Break ins
Running in any gear using the HT rec gives longer life to the main gear. Wires, components, speakers, power cords, etc.
2 Break downs
Sure is nice to NOT be without a fall back system if some part of the main rig fails.
3. instant amplification means more channels!
Picking up bookshelf spkrs and merely using home Depot 12ga wire actually does work and adds to the movie watching experience. Most info in the rears is not tremendously crucial unless in Action, Adventure, Sci Fi, chases, battles, etc. often its only crickets flies, and frogs or dogs barking or cars passing by. Its all additive though.
4. one box solution
The preamp is as durable as are its other feature sets. Many late models are going to class D amps so their weight is down. Use the interior amps, or add your own as you are able.
5 they’re built to be THE stand alone solution
Durability. Functionality, versatility. Competency. A spring board for growth.
6 trickle down
Later on they move into other rooms of the home serving as well there as they did initially.
BTW, oppo outputs are all hot all the time. It enables multi connectivity to multiple devices.
As for available streaming services included or not, merely adding a Roku fixes that and they ain’t expensive either.
I would say go Apple but their updates have not been without significant problems in basic operations or in conjunction with 3rd party apps, Netflix, HBO, FOX, NFL, TNT, History, AMC, etc.
Their last OS 11 update has almost completely disabled my Gen 4 box so only youtube and Netflix still work OK, but not great.
All the best
