This is a meaningful thread. I have the same issue: dedicated two-channel listening room ("Virtual Systems, Done for Now, Sanctum Sanctorum"), pre-wired for 5.1, to which I will be adding a 58" plasma. I'm going to stair-step my way into HT over the coming months. I want to keep my ARC LS5-Mk. III, ARC VT200 powering MG3.5s and Vandersteen subs all cabled up just the way they are. So, the question becomes, how to integrate a processor, DVD or BluRay source and 3-channel amp into the mix. I'm a real two-channel guy who wants to have the HT option without suboptimizing the stereo that has been my passion for the past 37 years. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Integrate AVR and 2-Channel; Why so complicated?
I have what I think is a basic system need, yet cannot seem to determine the best way to go about configuring it.
I have an A/V Receiver that I use for HT. I would like to buy an Integrated Amp, or separates, for 2 channel listening. For 2 channel, I want the signal to be Source (cd player) => Integrated Amp ==> Loudspeakers.
For HT, I really don't care, it can continue to go through the AVR, or it can go from the Pre-Out on the AVR to the Integrated.
I thought I might be able to accomplish this with something like the Channel Islands VPC•3 Passive Controller, which is a preamp with a volume pot and an imput switch. Or, do I need and Integrated amp with an HT Bypass feature? Any help is appreciated.
I have an A/V Receiver that I use for HT. I would like to buy an Integrated Amp, or separates, for 2 channel listening. For 2 channel, I want the signal to be Source (cd player) => Integrated Amp ==> Loudspeakers.
For HT, I really don't care, it can continue to go through the AVR, or it can go from the Pre-Out on the AVR to the Integrated.
I thought I might be able to accomplish this with something like the Channel Islands VPC•3 Passive Controller, which is a preamp with a volume pot and an imput switch. Or, do I need and Integrated amp with an HT Bypass feature? Any help is appreciated.