How to get 2 Channel and Home theater in one packa

To get the best of both worlds you must separate systems in part. What I mean: Get a good two channel preamp, either ss or tube, with a multichannel amp and an HT processor. I use Cary cdp into a belles 21A preamp with HT pass through. I use a cambridge audio processor into the belles and then the stereo outs from the belles into a 5 channel Cary amp. I then use the center and 2 surrounds from the processor directly into the amp. This way I have a quality stereo system with a quality HT system utilizing the same amp. However, the processor doesn't degrade the quality of my stereo listening. Try this out as it is the only REAL quality option to combine the two systems. Several preamps make units with HT pass and you can use most preamps without one if you don't mind resetting the vol. each time. I moved to this from a meridian 568 pre/pro I used for 2 channel/HT. BIG improvement in 2 channel with only a slight degredation in HT. Hope this helps.

Bdgregory is exactly correct. The love of music AND HT can be enjoyed by all in all price ranges thanks to pricing of receivers. I have been at this for a number of years and have spent more than I care to remember. I also started with a CC receiver and speakers that I was happy with then started the evolution up the ladder to higher end receivers/speakers then to low budget separates to what I consider a nice but reasonable system. From experience can you enjoy both media with a receiver, YES. If you listen AND can afford, and I cannot, a $200,000 two channel system will it sound better than the mentioned above, YES! So, buy what you can afford and enjoy. BTW, this is a fun hobby as well as a passion!