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Optimal connectivity for watching TV and 2 channel audio

Hoping to get some help on how to the best set-up for both watching TV and listening to 2 channel audio. I did a quick search but wasn't able to find a discussion that addressed this.

Currently I have an optical cable connected directly into a soundbar but on either side of the TV and soundbar I have 2 speakers connected to an integrated amp. I was thinking of getting a center channel and using an extra older AV receiver I have laying around and connecting it to the center channel and using the L & R pre-outs to connect to the int. amp. Not sure if this is the ideal connection considering it seems like I would need to power up the int. amp every time someone in the house wants to watch TV. Is there a better way to make these connections? Are int amps with HT bypass any different than connecting to variable line inputs on an int. amp?

Just confused on how to go about this. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide
benfica1
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,171 posts
 
Correct .... no multi-channel options with a CC speaker unless you step down to a multi-channel  AVR. 
With the 2-channel system setup suggested , AND you have good quality-build & performance speakers and similar quality build integrated amp , the soundstage created will kill any further need for a CC.

PS . Expand the 2-channel option it to a 2.1 system by adding a quality subwoofer.... a BIG BIG improvement !
- FROM INTEGRATED AMP PRE-AMP OUTS: quality build RCA interconnects to the ACTIVE SUBWOOFER RCA amp inputs.

Okay .... assuming you have a quality build integrated amp with a robust power supply, having it powered for 10+ hours is no problem. Mass market AVRs by comparison have small and cheaply built power supplies, a known contributing factor in addition to their dodgy HDMI boards that leads to their predictable early failure and being relegated to boat anchors.


g_nakamoto's avatar
g_nakamoto
348 posts
 
i have my tv connected to the 'tv' inputs on my mcintosh mx132 pre-amp tuner with 'rca' cables. i only listen to 2 chanell . 
cio52
121 posts
 
My opinion is to use your AVR and get a center channel speaker.  AVR's were specifically made for TV and BlueRay viewing.  If your 
AVR can't adequately power the L&R speakers then use the integrated.  You definitely need a sub woofer.  A better solution would be to have two systems if you have the room for it or sell the old AVR and the integrated and buy a better AVR.  I listen to 2 channel music on Qobuz high-rez, setting my AVR to Stereo for that input and the sound is great.
Post removed 
jnehma1
111 posts
 
In my opinion, for general TV use a 2.1 setup is better than a 3.0 setup (meaning a pair of L/R speakers and a sub, rather than L/C/R speakers and no sub). If you aren't running a full surround setup, keep your integrated and use the stereo speakers. I run an optical from my TV to my integrated amp. Yes, it has to be on whenever the TV is on. I could see that being an issue if your amp is tube, or Class A and putting out lots of heat. I use a Lyngdorf so it's not really an issue for me, and we don't watch that much TV anyway. But I can tell you it sounds LIGHT YEARS better than the old sound bar we had on the TV. If your integrated doesn't have a DAC, I'd go with tom6897's suggestion and get the $11 DAC converter. We're just talking about TV audio here, after all...

To make things easy for my family, I got a Harmony remote so it's a simple one-button process to turn on the TV and amp.
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