adding a stereo amp and pre- amp to an existing home theater set up

Hey man,

I've done this several times over the years. I call it a 2-channel/HT combo system. To do this you will need an HT receiver that has pre-outs, at least for the L&R front speakers. Basically, you run RCA interconnect cables from the pre-outs of the HT receiver to an input on the 2-channel pre-amp. It is helpful if the 2-channel pre-amp has a processor loop/HT bypass. However, if it does not, you can use any unused line-level input, like Aux or tuner.

So, put together the 2 channel system: Source components -> pre-amp -> amp -> front L&R speakers. When you play 2-channel music, you won't even need to power on the HT receiver.

Now, add HT: HT Source components like DVD player, etc. -> HT receiver - HT Receiver L&R front pre-outs to 2-channel pre-amp processor loop/HT bypass or any unused line-level input. Connect the center speaker, surround and subwoofer to the HT receiver. 

To calibrate the HT system, turn on the 2-channel rig and the HT receiver. Select the processor loop/HT bypass or the line-level input you used on the 2-channel pre-amp. If you used a line level input, set the 2-channel pre-amp volume to a pre-defined level, such as top dead center (you will always set it to this position when you listen to HT) and calibrate the HT.

So basically your 2-channel system powers the L&R front speakers. When you want to listen to multi-channel HT, you power up the receiver and the 2-channel rig powers the L&R front speakers and the HT receiver powers the center and surround and performs all of the HT processing functions.

Reubent Man Hey,

Thanks for your help. So both amps are on during HT mode and just the two channel amp is on in stereo mode.

Correct. You do not need to turn on the HT pre-amp/amp/receiver if you are listening to 2 channel audio and have a source component connected to the 2-channel portion of the rig. You would only need to turn on the HT electronics when you are listening to a multi-channel source played through the HT rig. You would also need to have the 2-channel setup powered up for multi-channel too, as it powers the front L&R speakers in the system I describe.

Good luck, and enjoy.....

Thanks for the info. Can a sub be integrated into the 2-channel set-up as well as the HT set-up?

Can a sub be integrated into the 2-channel set-up as well as the HT set-up?

The most simple way is connect the sub to the 2 channel set up via line level or speaker level, on the HT side, configure the front L & R speaker to Large/full range and select No sub @ .1 channel.