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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.

128x128johns21
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,510 posts
 

I have 3 systems in the same room with one sub array accessed via a 3-way switch.

As always go with whatever works and sounds good.

I have a specific reason for going this route.

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,596 posts
 

I have a multi and 2 channel system in my room. 

It's very easy if you have a 2 channel preamp or integrated with HT pass-through.

Is it two systems? No, not really, but it acts like two systems, and are seperated. All my 2 channel sources are interconnected to my 2 channel preamp only, and the only thing my AVR does it supply the center and rear speaker when in HT Pass-through mode, and also it's DSP for that use. I connect my subs via the high level inputs from my 2 channel mono block amps. Thus does not get the 'big boom' response in HT mode, but that isn't a concern for me, 2 channel takes precident.

So yes, totally separated 2 channel and HT system in one room, and go from one to the other by a press of a switch/pre amp remote.

johns21's avatar
johns21 OP
20 posts
 

I'll take a look again at HT bypass.  Ideally I'd use the Willsenton 8w tube amp in 2 channel and then be able to switch over to my Monolith 5x200 amp for HT use, but again, getting way complicated perhaps just to try and keep the tubes in the mix.

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
924 posts
 

Tubes in the mix ; tubes will be solicited all the time : $$

A good headphone kit may be a simpler solution. For 2 channels intimate listening

I have HT system (9.5.6) + 2 channels , all together with a Integrared-HT Bypass

HT processor : Acurus ACT4

Integrated amp: Vinnie Rossi Brama

kota1
2,706 posts
 

I’ll take a look again at HT bypass.

There are many ways to integrate a two channel amp or preamp in a HT.

The biggest upgrade available as a general rule are room acoustics. You get the seat positioned, the speakers positioned and the room treated and it upgrades everything. However, it lacks the adrenaline rush of buying new gear so is often overlooked or not calibrated properly.

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