r1,
You are in luck! Since you already have a quality 2-channel rig and a pre-amp w/theater pass-through, you can simple add a quality HT receiver and the extra speakers. To do this, you will need an HT receiver with pre-outs. You will simply run the front L&R main speaker pre-outs into the theater input of your pre-amp. Power your center and surround speakers from the HT receiver and connect the HT sources (DVD/BlueRay) to your HT receiver with an HDMI cable.
When you play your 2-channel rig you won't even need to power up the HT receiver. When you play HT/multi-channel, you will select the HT bypass on your pre-amp and the front L&R mains will be powered by your Rowland and the center and surrounds will be powered by the HT receiver.
I've successfully used this style of 2-channel/Combo system many times over the years. It can work very well and is only slightly more complicated than a standard HT rig. It will work best if you can match your center and surrounds (less important than the center) to your main speakers. You will also want to get a quality HT receiver than will have enough power to integrate with your mains.
Good luck and enjoy.........
TIC
You are in luck! Since you already have a quality 2-channel rig and a pre-amp w/theater pass-through, you can simple add a quality HT receiver and the extra speakers. To do this, you will need an HT receiver with pre-outs. You will simply run the front L&R main speaker pre-outs into the theater input of your pre-amp. Power your center and surround speakers from the HT receiver and connect the HT sources (DVD/BlueRay) to your HT receiver with an HDMI cable.
When you play your 2-channel rig you won't even need to power up the HT receiver. When you play HT/multi-channel, you will select the HT bypass on your pre-amp and the front L&R mains will be powered by your Rowland and the center and surrounds will be powered by the HT receiver.
I've successfully used this style of 2-channel/Combo system many times over the years. It can work very well and is only slightly more complicated than a standard HT rig. It will work best if you can match your center and surrounds (less important than the center) to your main speakers. You will also want to get a quality HT receiver than will have enough power to integrate with your mains.
Good luck and enjoy.........
TIC