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How to combine 2ch int amp with HT

Hi, All.

I am planning to buy integrated amplifier (not decided which one yet) to drive B&W N804 speakers. -- My primary goal is music. But I also want to have Home Theater. So I am also going to buy a/v receiver and more speakers for surround sound.

I do not understand (I am a newbie :-) how can I combine all the pieces into a single system. Will I be able to use N804 as front speakers? How to connect all the sources? And etc.

Thanks in advance for your answers.
konstantin_agon
reubent
6,939 posts
 
Konstantin,

Correct, if you use an Integrated amp with no HT bypass/Processor loop, you will need to set the volume of the integrated to the "calibrated" level each time you want to use HT. Not as bad as it sounds. Simply set the volume to a pre-described level before doing the initial calibration of the HT setup. For instance, set the volume to top, dead center or 50%, whatever. Then, when using HT, just set the integrated volume to that position.

Enjoy,

TIC
konstantin_agon OP
15 posts
 
Thanks Reubent!

It _is_ not that bad. So I am not gonna make a Theater Bypass a critical criteria for choosing int amplifier.

Ragards
Ag insider logo xs@2x
duddley
78 posts
 
Good luck, Konstantin. Out of curiousity, what is your budget for an integrated, or Amp/Pre combo? I have recently done research on this, and I'd be pleased to assist in narrowing down the scope.
c123666
871 posts
 
The other way to do it is to acquire a decent passive RCA/line level switch box. I have one made by DB Audio; it has five stereo RCA inputs and one stereo RCA output. Plug the stereo preamp out from your good preamp into it and the front main out from the home theatre processor.

You are..to use a very old expression..."in like flint"

carl
konstantin_agon OP
15 posts
 
Doodley, sorry for late answer. I thought the thread is over. I've made my mind on int amplifier: McIntosh 6500. I might upgrade to MA6900. I am looking for CD player now. Very time consuming process...

Carl, thanks for your input. Will it work with integrated amplifier? I guess not. Does the switch box downgrade sound?
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