Combining home theater with two channel

It isn't about watts, it is about your Marantz pre/processor being your two channel pre. As nice as the unit is (I'm sure) for HT, it is not a dedicated 2 channel pre for music. That is your problem. There is a still a lot of processing hardware it is 'shared with'.

I've been there/done that. And not until I separated my AVR (in my case) from my/a seperate two channel rig for music only, did I hear a significant increase in 2 channel sound quality. In my case, I did that with a dedicated 2 channel preamp that has HT bypass! via the AVR 'front' preouts, and then connected to a separate 2 channel amp. My music sound quality was greatly increased by getting the AVR/processor out of the signal path for 2 channel. And with the bypass, I simply switch that on when using my AVR for HT. The center and surrounds are then driven by the AVR. All of my 2 channel equipment is connected to the dedicated 2 channel preamp (turntable, tape deck, DAC, etc.), so the processor is not in the signal path at all.

Issue I see is you have a fairly expensive dedicated 3 channel amp and HT processor/pre. I'm not sure adding the Krell to this makes a lot of sense quite honestly as I don't see it has an HT bypass option.

What you might want to consider is selling both the Marantz and Emotiva, and getting a high end AVR with front preouts just for HT where the center/surround sound quality is not as critical as 2 channel music. Then, as was suggested, get an integrated 2 channel amp....*but with HT bypass*. in that way, your front channel will simply be powered by the integrated in 2 channel, but the front, center, and surrounds processed by the AVR/processor in HT bypass mode. 

@peytoni

I just purchased the parasound JC 5 stereo amplifier and the JC 2Bp pre amp to add to my HT. I hope it’s worth the money I spent

A good start in separating the two. The JC2 has bypass. Also, I think the Parasound equipment is pretty neutral, very good quality, and in general, pretty good ‘bang for the buck’. When I was going through this, (after getting more and more into vinyl), I purchased a very inexpensive Parasound ZPre3, with bypass, and am pretty amazed by that little pre. Transformed my system in getting the HT ring out of my 2 channel listening. I would imagine the JC2 will be a big step up. I’m actually awaiting a new Belles Aria Signature preamp to replace my ZPre3 right now.

I really do think you may consider condensing your current HT pre and amp at some point, as your JC 5 will be driving your GoldenEar even in HT mode.

So, good luck on that elusive search to have your cake and eat it too!

No luck needed. It is extremely possible to separate and also utilize both in a high quality way, I know, I do it.

When they are broadcast live, I have a subscription to the Berlin Philharmonic via the Digital Concert Hall. When I do so, I watch and listen to the performances in HT mode. Why? It sounds better. I know, I’ve tried both. Their production seems engineered for HT, and is very enjoyable.

But, when playing The Berlin Philharmonic via one of my LP’s, CD’s, or streaming, it sounds better via my 2 channel system….by far. 

There is no magic here. Once you understand how to implement both in the same room, the advantages are clear. I have my cake and eat it too.