2. home-theater
  3. 183049-72868

Integrating HT and 2-channel systems

I've now got separate HT/AV and 2-channel systems located back-to-back in a large-ish room (ca. 12 x 32 ft). I'll soon be moving to a substantially smaller space and the "media room" will shrink to 12 x 17 ft, basically what I have cut in half. Something has to give and I'm struggling with how to put it all together. Here's what I've got to work with:

1. HT/AV 5.1 system: 80" TV, Denon AVR-x3600 HT amp, Maggie MMG's*, Maggie MMG C center spkr, Velodyne ULD-12 subwoofer*, Boston acoustics rear spkrs


2. 2-Channel system: Shiit Frey S preamp, DAC and other line level stuff, ML No. 332 amp*.  Everything is connected in balanced mode, no RCA's.  For speakers I've got Maggies IIIa's* and KEF LS-50's to play with in addition to the above.
* FWIW, the old stuff is working perfectly - recapped, factory refurbished, rebuilt etc. I'm not keen on getting new stuff, want to use what I got if at all possible.

As it is, I'm quite happy with both systems. The MG IIIA + ML 332 is quite magical and I don't want to lose that. The AV system is also all really need. But I really don't see the best way to make one system out of 2. At this point my thinking is:

> For 2-chan: Same setup as now - Schiit front end, ML 332, IIIa's.

> For AV:.For front speakers feed ML 332 with AVR-x3600 using unbalanced/RCA inputs?  Obviously other surround speakers just fed by the x3600.
 

Can the ML 332 live with both inputs connected at once?  Obviously I'd have to take great care not to use both at the same time.  Any better suggestions or ideas? Thanks in advance,

128x128kletter1mann

Showing 2 responses by tony1954

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
892 posts
 

@soix 

"and when you switch to HT turn the Freya’s volume to 12:00 and you’re good to go (just remember to turn the Freya’s volume down when switching back to stereo)."

Hence my comment about the HT bypass being the proper solution. I would never trust myself to not forget. Maybe 30 years ago, but unlike wine, we don't improve with age.

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
892 posts
 

@kletter1mann 

I had the same problem and there is only one proper solution, but like me it may require you to purchase new equipment (AVR and integrated amp) that have the required inputs.

The AVR will need to be able to "pre-out" the front channels separately and the integrated (or preamp) must have a "home theatre bypass".

Once setup this will allow the AVR to use the integrated to power the front channels, while still allowing you to use the speakers in a two channel setup.

In my setup the  only connection between the "home theatre" and my two channel setup is one interconnect cable. 

If you need to find an amp with HT bypass, this site will help.

 

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