2. amps-preamps
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Integrated amp plus receiver?

I hope this doesn't sound too confusing. I confuse myself just trying to figure out the proper way to ask this question. I would like a dedicated stereo rig plus home theater. The best of both worlds!

I'm looking for some recommendations for an integrated amp for auditioning. I just purchased a pair of Triangle Celius speakers and also have a Rotel RSX-1055 on order. I want to hook up the integrated to the Rotel's front L/R to use for home theater 7.1, converting the Rotel's front L/R to the rear surrounds. But I am also hoping to use the extra analog stereo outs from my DVD player to the integrated amp, in order to bypass the Rotel for two channel. My question is, are their any integrated amps that can be set up as an amp only so that it can be controlled by the Rotel's volume control, and then be easily switched back to the integrated amp for stereo? I know if I don't go with a Rotel amp the center channel won't mesh with the fronts as well but for home theater close is good enough. Just not too different.
Stereo is my top priority.

Thanks!
betelgeus
bomarc
501 posts
 
I'm not sure you can get there from here. As you describe it, you'd have to hook your DVD player to both your A/V receiver and your stereo integrated. Since both would be on, the integrated's amp section would be receiving a signal from both preamp sections! Not so good.

As I see it, you have several alternatives:

1) Just use the Rotel. Try it, at least. It might be just fine as is.

2) Get a 2-channel power amp, and use the Rotel preamp section for stereo.

3) Get 2-channel separates. That way, only one preamp has to be on at a time.
myc49
8 posts
 
I think as long as your Rotel has pre-out for the L/R channels, you should be fine with any integtared amp. I have an Audiomat Arpege with following connections:
- DVD audio out-> Int. Amp input (1) for 2-chan muisc
- DVD digital out -> HK receiver digital IN
HK pre-out -> Int. Amp input (2) for movies
You have to calibrate the VOL on your Int. Amp and after that the VOL can be controlled by the Receiver.

Good luck.
Mike
viggen
838 posts
 
What you need is an integrated amp with features that would allow for individual volume adjustments for each source input and/or a feature that allows the volume control to be defeated. Thus, when you are listening to two channel, you are using the volume control on your integrated amp, and, when you are using the Celius as home theater fronts, the integrated would serve merely as a poweramp. I only know of the Meridian integrated amp to have individual gain setting for each source input. I am sure there are others.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
You can do it as Myc49 has done his You will need to reset levels with the integrated's volume control at 12 O'clock, when you watch a movie return integrated's volume control to 12 O'clock each time as this is the point you will have calibrated from. For music you will just use your integrated and will not need the rotel. To use the front channel amps for rear channels you will need to hook the rear channel pre out into the front channel amp in, hook your rear channel speakers to your old front channel speaker binding posts as these will now be rear channel amps.
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