1. Home
  2. home-theater
  3. 1227978917

Integrate AVR and 2-Channel; Why so complicated?

I have what I think is a basic system need, yet cannot seem to determine the best way to go about configuring it.

I have an A/V Receiver that I use for HT. I would like to buy an Integrated Amp, or separates, for 2 channel listening. For 2 channel, I want the signal to be Source (cd player) => Integrated Amp ==> Loudspeakers.

For HT, I really don't care, it can continue to go through the AVR, or it can go from the Pre-Out on the AVR to the Integrated.

I thought I might be able to accomplish this with something like the Channel Islands VPC•3 Passive Controller, which is a preamp with a volume pot and an imput switch. Or, do I need and Integrated amp with an HT Bypass feature? Any help is appreciated.
braudio7
chadnliz's avatar
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
You dont need HT bypass, all you need is an empty input on Pre to route the front speakers pre outs from your HT unit then you simply find a reference volume level (many just use straight up 12 o'clock on the dial) then calibrate your mains to match other speakers in HT unit and your done.
When you eatch a movie swith 2 channel pre to proper place for HT fronts set volume at 12 and enjoy. HT bypass is handy but not a must have deal breaker.
chadnliz's avatar
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Jtori, you just need to route all movie stuff via your HT unit (digital and such) then route that the 2 channel pre as noted above...the 3rd channel of amp would just route from the center output of the HT pro.
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
The consensus here then, is to use the Pre-Outs on the AVR into a line level input on the 2-channel Integrated Amp. In that scenario, the signal will have 2 preamp stages -- the AVR, and then the preamp of the Integrated. Is this an issue?

I'm not too concerned about sound quality for movies and tv as long as it is acceptable. If the only issue is that I'll need to define a "reference volume level", then this seems like a practical, inexpensive compromise. Thanks to all for the helpful responses.
chadnliz's avatar
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
You got it, and as I have done all this before if you need anything PM me and I would be glad to help.......cheers
shiva
178 posts
 
When I had my tube integrated in my system, I ran a seperate set of speaker wires from it and had it coiled behind my floorstanders. I had the analog signals from my sources going in the tube amp and the digital signals going into my avr. Otherwise they remained completely seperate form each other. As I used banana plugs, it was an quick swap.
More to discover