I did the same--essentially built two systems, one on top of the other. For two channel I've got a VTL pre with a processor bypass loop and then a receiver doing the processing and powering the center and rears. It's not nearly as high-end as one might go with seperates for the HT end, but gives you the extra bells and whistles of HT without having to compromise on the two channel (which, as far as I'm concerned, is where it's at). That said, it also allows you to spend as much as you want on the HT without having to consider the equipment's capacity to pull double-duty with the two channel--avoiding that infernal balancing act between HT and stereo that no one seems to have won yet.
How to have great HT and 2-CH Stereo
I have a home theater system using a Rotel A/V RSX-972 receiver. The system works great in home theater but lacking in 2 channel audio CD quality. I'm thinking of introducing a pre/power amps (Plinius CD-LAD and SA-250) for my front L/R speakers. However, I don't know what is the best way to connect this together without having to plug and unplug cable everytime I switch from Home Theatre to audio CD listening. This is because there will be two pre amps (Rotel and plinius) in the system and plinius CD-LAD does not offer by-pass mode.
An alternative will be to upgrade to a high end A/V processor (thinking of proceed) but was told that even the most top-of-the-line 5 channel A/V precessor/preamp cannot match the sonic quality of a good 2 channel stereo preamp in 2 channel CD mode. Do you agree? Is anyone facing the same problem as I am? Please help comment.
An alternative will be to upgrade to a high end A/V processor (thinking of proceed) but was told that even the most top-of-the-line 5 channel A/V precessor/preamp cannot match the sonic quality of a good 2 channel stereo preamp in 2 channel CD mode. Do you agree? Is anyone facing the same problem as I am? Please help comment.