Tired of HT

The use of a good integrated designed for 2-channel but with a pass-through circuit that can be used in conjunction with a HT system is a very high performing solution. It also makes listening to concert DVDs and concert shows much more enjoyable. The two room solution may be better but hardly necessary to get high level performance in both domains.

I have to agree with both Kennyt and Maineiac; combining systems can be acheived with proper selection of electronics and is extremely enjoyable;but I can see it both ways;don't know which is right or wrong but your ears will let you know.

An good integrated amp with home theatre bypass is a great way to keep the 2-channel quality high in a combined system. The trickiest situation for most is how to deal with the sub. For me, I prefer to have the prepro or receiver set to a "no sub" setting. This would then direct all bass information to L&R speakers. Then you'd have the front L&R preout of the prepro or receiver going to the home theatre bypass of the 2-channel integrated amp. Then, I'd take the preouts from the integrated amp and run them to the sub and use the crossover in the sub. The front speakers play full range and you set the sub to the crossover point and level you like best for music. If you really wanted to, for the times you're watching movies, you could turn up the level on the sub and even choose a higher crossover point if you wanted more bass impact. Alternatively, there are subs that would allow for connection from two different sources (ie. sub out on a prepro or receiver and low-level L&R inputs or high-level speaker inputs from the two channel system).

After all of the advice given the OP elected to go with 2 systems. His prerogative. One advantage of going with 2 systems may be that the 2 channel room and system is optimized for 2 channel listening. I wouldn't mind having a dedicated listening room, but my HT would suffer; all the money would go to the 2 channel rig.

With one system, component upgrades potentially benefit both uses. No reason why a 2 channel system and HT can't peacefully co-exist.

The more I read this thread, the more I think the OP just wanted an excuse/justification to build a 2 channel system.