Is there a clear path to satisfying HT/2-channel switchable system?

[Will V.]

I have recently been smitten by Boston Acoustics A-series speakers, as I picked up a set of A150's and A60's. I felt the beginnings of a BA-based HT setup coming on.

My thinking is to get a BA center channel speaker, and maybe some type of sub, and get into a 5.1 system. But I would love to keep the A150's available for 2-channel stereo, as well.

I considered the possibility of a 5.1 preamp that could feed three stereo amplifiers, and then switch into 2-channel mode and just feed one amp for stereo. I was looking at some NAD, Adcom, etc. options on the used market, but it seems a lot of people are unhappy with the performance or reliability of these types of preamps. Am I making a generalization?

I also thought about a 5.1 receiver, but I would really like to keep my options open for the stereo power amp. I don't know if this is possible, without resorting to completely separate systems.

Now, I am basically confused. Maybe I should just scrap the idea for HT altogether. And budget is an issue, I could probably only afford to go used, unless I got into something very mainstream.

[SpruceMoose]

i just finished resurrecting my old dynaco tube rig. i am in the process of wiring up a pair of switches to be able to share the turntable with either the HT rig or the dynaco, and share the double advents the same way. not a big deal.

[RadShak1251]

I also thought about a 5.1 receiver, but I would really like to keep my options open for the stereo power amp. I don't know if this is possible, without resorting to completely separate systems.Can't remember model numbers offhand (but usually costing $500 and up), but there are quite a few multichannel receivers that include multichannel preouts - that way you could hook up a separate stereo power amp to it and use the receiver's internal amps for the surrounds and center channel.

[uofmtiger]

I am not sure waht you are trying to do. Almost all (if not all) HT receivers have a two channel mode, so you could use your receiver to listen to two channel and 5.1 channels depending on your mood.

If your desire is to feed a separate amp for two channel only and use a separate receiver for 5.1, you could get a speaker switch so you can use the speakers with two separate amps.

[Will V.]

Well, I guess what I would prefer to do is use a single, high quality preamp into which I can feed all my sources, and then that preamp would switch between either 2-channel to amp A, or 5.1 to amps A, B, and C.

I think I read about an Adcom receiver that basically included four (or three, not sure) amps, and a 2-channel output to a separate amp. The 2-channel output would always be on, but when HT mode was selected, the internal amps would also be switched on. Sounds perfect, but then I read the reviews of this receiver, and it sounded like a lot of people had QC problems.

But that type of setup would be perfect, or a preamp that would do the same thing, but feed 3 external power amps.

Does that make sense?

[Satch]

You can add a external decoder/amp unit, like a Yamaha DSP-800. This includes a decoder for DTS/DD etc. and has three built-in power amps for centre and rear speakers. Originally, Yamaha intented this unit to be put in the tape-loop or between the pre- and poweramp in a separate amp's system.
I've chosen another option. DVD, tv and my Nintendo Wii are connected with the Yamaha. The Yamaha will drive center and rears and the main signal is routed towards the main system, where the Yamaha has it's own input. That way, surround is surround, but the stereo sources don't even know there's a surround decoder connected. Only drawback is that you need to adjust the volume on the stereo preamp before watching a movie, but for me it's the perfect solution for real surround and uncompromised stereo.

[Will V.]

Satch, it looks like you're on the track where I want to be. But while I understand your first paragraph, I'm not sure I quite understand your explanation of your setup. It sounds like you have your DVD, TV, and Nintendo hooked directly to the Yamaha, which powers the center and rears, and then you have a front preamp out on the Yamaha hooked up to an auxiliary input on your main system. Is that correct?

Sounds perfect. How do you like the Yamaha unit? Any problems?

[Satch]

Yes, you've got it. Ik like the Yammie, although it lacks automatic calibration through a microphone. You have to adjust the channels with your own ears. Then again, that's a one time thing.
It has plenty of in- and outputs, including a 5.1 output so you can use external poweramps for rear and center. Not that I need them: the Yammie is rated at 3 x 75 Watts, and I think that's realistic.
You can also use it as a stereo preamp, bypassing the decoder, but I feel you lose some dynamics, detail and it adds some noise. But for surround, it's just what the doctor prescribed. I think Yamaha stopped producing them: in Europe they'll set you 100 euro's (160 $) back, but I don't know the prices in the USA.

Here (http://dvdtimes.co.uk/reviews/hardware/yammy800.html) is a review that might be helpfull.

[RadShak1251]

there are quite a few multichannel receivers that include multichannel preoutsThis model was replaced last year, and unfortunately it's replacement doesn't include the 7.1 preouts :( but since its MSRP was only $300, a used one would be an easy choice for a nice sounding "preamp"/power amp budget system:

Pioneer VSX-816 (http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/PioneerReceivers/VSX-816-K%7CS) (includes a .pdf file of a Perfect Vision review)

Includes Pioneer's automatic speaker set-up system.

[whoaru99]

The "right" way to do what you want it to get a preamp with what's called a "HT bypass" loop and put that between the front channel pre-outs of your HT system and the amplifier(s) for the front L and R channels.

When you play the HT system, the signal for the front L and R channels passes though the preamp HT bypass at unity gain so your calibration levels are not affected.

Then, when you want to play your 2-ch sources, you merely switch off the "HT bypass" setting and play through the preamp. No need to switch interconnects or juggle speaker cables. Very easy and clean arrangement.

I did this with my Anthem AVM 20 HT pre/pro using a Proceed PRE preamp that has the HT bypass option. In all honesty, the difference, if any, was very subtle at best.

I didn't buy the Proceed preamp specifically to do this, but when I found out it had the HT bypass feature, I just had to try it. The difference wasn't enough for me to leave it in that configuration, and it's back to duty in a separate system.

Tried various methods to accomplish this in the past with a switch box, standalone/external decoder, et al., but it was always sort of a hassle. Usually required recalibration of the HT system to put the system back in balance after playing 2-ch and changing the volume setting.

Quite honestly, I feel that if you buy a decent receiver or HT processor, you're going to get pretty good sound and may not need the extra stuff.

Bear in mind the AVM 20 processor I'm using was $3,200 MSRP back in it's day. They're selling for around $1,000-$1,200 on the used market at present.

YMMV...

[genojayhawk]

Will, I think I may have the Adcom amp you are refering to. I thought it was primarily an addon for 2 channel users who wanted pro-logic.

It is definately an older unit. Adcom GSP560. It is definately one that had QC issues (mine blows a fuse every 1 out of 5 times when it powers on).

It was not the best quality.

[uofmtiger]

Well, I guess what I would prefer to do is use a single, high quality preamp into which I can feed all my sources, and then that preamp would switch between either 2-channel to amp A, or 5.1 to amps A, B, and C.

I think I read about an Adcom receiver that basically included four (or three, not sure) amps, and a 2-channel output to a separate amp. The 2-channel output would always be on, but when HT mode was selected, the internal amps would also be switched on. Sounds perfect, but then I read the reviews of this receiver, and it sounded like a lot of people had QC problems.

But that type of setup would be perfect, or a preamp that would do the same thing, but feed 3 external power amps.

Does that make sense?I think a lot of the newer receivers have 7.1 preamp outs ( I have a Denon 3808ci and it has 7.1 preamp outputs). If I remember correctly, it had a specific setting for 5.1+2. It is also a receiver with a lot of power, so I have never tested that particular feature. It does not have XLR outs (it uses RCAs). However, the Integra DTC-9.8 is a preamp that has tons of features, including 7.1 outputs, and has XLR outputs.

[KentTeffeteller]

Hi,

I think having a separate two channel preamp is best and have another 5.1 or 7.1 preamp you could switch to for surround would be a sensible route for a multi-purpose system and use a 5.1 or 7.1 power amp.

[Will V.]

I watched a couple of movies last weekend using my Pioneer SX-950, pushing Boston Acoustics A150's and A60's. I tweaked the tone controls a bit to push the midrange, and the sound was actually quite good.

So now, I am wondering whether it's worth it to try some fancy setup, or whether it's worth it to get into the HT game at all. I could maybe just use 2-channels, and I'd probably be pretty happy (until I listen to a really good HT system).

I could keep my 2-channel setup for music, and add a HT receiver, and not co-mingle sources or speakers. I'm not generally in favor of this, even though it's probably a viable route.

Or, I could get a really nice HT receiver, and dump my 2-channel system. Music is way more important to me than movies, but I have a feeling I'd probably be pretty happy with a middle-high end Yamaha, Rotel, or similar HT system, even for 2-channel output.

[Face]

Hi,

I think having a separate two channel preamp is best and have another 5.1 or 7.1 preamp you could switch to for surround would be a sensible route for a multi-purpose system and use a 5.1 or 7.1 power amp.

I did this for a while and was happy with it. But it complicates things and adds more components to the rack.

I recently purchased a McIntosh MX-119 to handle both duties.

I'm not saying you need to spend that much. But spend some money on a decent pre/pro such as a Integra, etc.. and you'll have the best of both worlds in one unit.

[Daravon]

I have a Technics SH-AC500D surround processor. It goes to my regular stereo integrated w/phono, and feeds a small stereo amp for my surrounds (an old T-amp actually). When switched to 'stereo', my stereo system is untouched except for the passthrough, plus the Technics acts as a very good sounding DAC for my PS2, computer SPDIF, and DVD player SPDIF.

This unit has three SPDIF inputs, allows 5.1 channel passthrough (So i can hook my computer 5.1 analog to it), and does DD/DTS. It has dynamic range compression too. It sounds very good and I highly recommend it if you can find one on the used market.