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First World Problem in need of Solution

My problem is that I would like to upgrade my system to a 5.1 system however I am worried about matching sound to what I currently have. 

Gear
AMPs Luxman M-900u run as mono blocks
PreAmp Luxman C-900u
Subs - SVS SB4000 - these are run via XLR from PreAmp to Sub so listening is speaker A+B
DAC PS Audio Directstream 
Fronts Focal Sopra N 3 
Rears Focal Sopra N 1 
Center Focal Sopra center

Possible Solutions 
1)
Buy a HT Processor and run rear and center out of it and use the HT Passthru on the Luxman Preamp. 
Concern
Sound is going to sound different from the rears and center than the front left and right
Thoughts: This seems like the best solution because my 2 channel listening will not be compromised

2) 
Buy a HT Processor and run rears and sub out of it. Convert the mono blocks into a normal 2 channel amp and run the center speaker into a dedicated amp. Or I could run front and rears off of the mono blocks and the center off of the the HT Processor 
Concern Potentially losing the subs in 2 channel listening. Center sounding off. The N. 3 only have one amp drive them
Thoughts: This just seems like a nightmare

3)
Sell all my gear and replace with another brand that also has HT lineup so I could accomplish all of my goals
Concern: 2 Channel Listening is going to be compromised
Thoughts: Maybe the best option? 

4) 
Scrap the 5.2 and go to a 3.1 setup. Run an optical out from the TV to the DAC. Run the monoblocks as regular amps. 
Concern: 2 Channel listening compromised, NO BASS! Unless I could run them out of the DAC? Maybe
Thoughts: UUGGGGHHH

Can some of you who have more experience weigh in on which way you would go or which option seems "best to you".

Also any suggestions for HT processor would be helpful. 

Thanks  in advance 

G
atownkeep

Showing 3 responses by atownkeep

atownkeep OP
19 posts
 
Thanks guys. 

That was my feeling the best option was however finding the "right" match without going through 12 AV All in one is now the key. 

I love my Luxman gear and do not want to part with it however I do not have the room to have multiple systems. 

Marantz is where I originally started my journey in HiFi.

Is there a minimum wattage I should be looking for for the 3 Channel? 

Thanks again for your input everyone. 
atownkeep OP
19 posts
 
So the rabbit hole continues to grow:

Based on others opinions I was looking at the Parasound equipment and they have a 3 channel amp as well as a 7.1 preamp. However it does not have ARC or HDMI. Here is a link to the back of the unit. 
http://www.parasound.com/p7.php

So it looks like I would still need an additional preamp to marry to the two Parasound pieces. 

I think the Marantz may be the best bet however I have not been super stoked with their products in the past. Maybe the Rotel RAP 1580?

2) I love the Focal speakers, they hit my ear very well, they look great and fit my room well. The only speaker I have liked more is the CLX Art but they wouldn't work in my space. 


atownkeep OP
19 posts
 
I do not have room correction at this time despite several people telling me to download Dirac. 

My concern is that if I put a Yamaha, Onkyo, Marantz HT Integrated to power center and rears the sound produced by it will sound different than the the left and right speakers being powered via Luxman. 

Or if I went with separates with HT preamp and a 3 channel amp that again the sound would be different. 

I could be way off base and it may be fine. 

At this time I am thinking that buying two more M-900u one for the center and 1 for the back and pairing it with a Krell HT preamp may be the best way to go. However that is another 30k and I do not really want to drop that amount of coin for just HT. 30k buys a lot of trips to movie theater!

Or I am going to go 2.2 HT and just keep on rolling.  
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