Processor upgrade from Integra 9.8?

Thanks Kal. I've already got the BDP-95 installed. I've also already got 2-channel more than covered.

The only issue is the Audyssey processing difference between the Integra 9.8(MultEQ XT) and the 80.2 or 80.3(MultEQ XT32). I have never directly compared this, so don't have any idea. Is it night and day? Subtle? I really can't see how this difference alone could be worth $2600 to me(less whatever I could get for the 9.8). Please enlighten me? Thanks.

Hard to say what it will do for you but I think the overall sound of the 80.2 plus that of XT32 make it a significant improvement for me. The only way to know is to compare them. I have published my observations.

Kal

Mig007 - there was some muffled muttering early on, but that soon subsided. :-)

I appreciate your comment and that was my original thinking as well. However, the Integra is pretty well holding its own, with the addition of the Oppo's video. The problem is there is no place to compare the products you mentioned and no one I have been able to find who has sufficient knowledge of both my current system and these processors to be able to tell which would integrate the best.

In addition, since I already have 2-channel covered and only really watch movies in the winters, a processor's "usage factor" is not very high in my system right now. I suppose if I were to hear a processor that simply blew me away I would be interested, but for anything short of that I'll probably be OK as I am for now. I'm not sure about 4K, but we're not there yet...

I have an Onkyo Pro SC885 processor with a Oppo BDP 95 and run 2.1 and 5.1 multichannel analogue from the Oppo as it kills the Onkyo processing. I can even utilize the DTS Master Audio and Dolby Digital Plus through analogue too. the 2 channel from the Oppo 95 is also exceptional too compared to the Onkyo which is fair. I had talked with a fella from Onkyo which said the upgrade processor which is the 5508 would not be a huge upgrade in sound quality from the 885. It does have few more options than mine of course but not worth the money. Assuming the extremely highest caliber of the Sabre32 Reference ES 9018 from ESS Technology was defeating my Onkyo I myself would have to probably go to a separate processor like Wyred for Sound as they use ESS technology. Unless someone has a higher experience of decoding than that.

Best regards Bacardi

Bacardi-
Thanks for your comments. It sounds like you are making good use of the Oppo as well! I have been very impressed with its capabilities, especially at its price-point.

I'm using digital sound from the Oppo into the Integra and it obviously sounds great. The only reason for me to upgrade processors at this point would be to gain access to Audyssey XT32 processing, 1 level above XT, which I currently have, for movies only. That's it.

Since my HT system is 5.1, not increasing in the near future, and has video covered by the Oppo, I can't convince myself that I will hear a big enough audible difference by upgrading processors. It seems to make more sense to wait a while, enjoy what I have, and if I upgrade processors later on, do it with a product that will also upgrade video beyond the capabilities (current and future) of the Oppo 95+. In other words, make a SUBSTANTIAL upgrade when technology allows, not just something incremental at this point. Since my new Oppo-95 setup has ALREADY resulted in a substantial upgrade from what I had, I'm very happy for now. :-)

Thank you all for your input - it has been invaluable in allowing me to reach a comfortable decision, at least for now. Let someone else support the economy for a change!! :-) Happy New Year to All!!