I was struggling with the same issue. I decided that I would set up a home theater system and then add a two channel system off of front pre-outs of the HT receiver. I wasn't to do that because when listening to music I don't want all of the signal processing in the HT receiver. Also there are those who are saying that a good two channel integrated amp should should much better than a HT Receiver. With the right integrated amp you can use the HT Bypass option on the integrated amp to essentially tie it into the HT system.... and then when you want to listen to two channel music you can shut off the HT receiver and just use the Integrated amp. I also plan on plugging my streamer into the Integrated amp so that the HT Receiver is completely out of the mix.
HT and 2 channel in same room? 1 or 2 systems?
Hi all, I wasn't exactly sure where to post this but hoping someone here may have some advice for me. This dilemma has been stressing me a bit so would appreciate any advice. I'll try to make this as concise as possible.
I have recently put together a multichannel system as do a lot of movies/PS5. System is Onkyo RZ50 AVR, Klipsch RF7-iii, RC-64iii and RP-600 for surround. I plan on adding in ATMOS speakers and some big DIY subs soon.
I have always wanted to get into 2 channel audio also. I have a fairly big room, 21x28, so I have also purchased a 5 year old pair of La Scala II's a few weeks ago and I just had a Willsenton R300 tube integrated amp delivereda day or two ago.
I thought at first I would have 2 separate systems in the same space. I started doing some research into how to add a sub to that tube amp and found out I can do this via high level inputs, however, for every 1 discussion that seems to like that idea, I find another discussion or two that says you really need RCA out/bass management to make everything fit together.
So..my dilemma is do I push forward with 2 separate systems? I'll have to find a way to fit another pair of subs for the 2 channel system via high level. But this way I'll be able to enjoy the La Scala's via tube (thru Bluesound Node streamer) which I have been really looking forward to and then have a whole separate HT for gaming/movies.
But.....more than a few people have suggested this might be way over-thinking and over-complicating this and that I should just listen to music thought my multi-channel setup and forget the 2 separate systems. If I did this, I guess I would just sell the RF7's and just listen to everything through the La Scalas. And then I'd only need 2 subs, which would be a plus but then also kind of lose the dream of having a tube setup for music. However, I have more often than not done upgrades and not heard any difference so I'm kind of expecting this with the tubes, too. I have alot of hard surfaces in this room, which I'm working on rectifying, but I am def worried that if I hook up this tube amp, its not going to sound any different to me than going via Pure Audio/Direct thru the AVR.
So plusses to keeping separate, I get to listen to tubes. Plusses to going down to 1 system, I can consolidate and sell extra set of speakers, only need 1 set of subs, get to return the tube amp. I'm just not sure if saying I have tubes is worth that or not.
Appreciate any advice anyone may have on this situation.