If you value 2-ch music reproduction higher than HT and do not wish to compromise its quality it is best to keep Stereo completely separate from HT.
Building 2 systems is the best way to go because:
1. Configuration of one system will not affect other. You will not have to select components for your 2-ch system based on compatibility with HT, which rules out preamps without HT bypass and tube amplifiers for most combo systems.
2. You don’t have to worry about matching HT speakers to main speakers. You don’t have to match HT amps to the main amps.
3. You can allocate money you are spending on 2-ch and HT according to your preferences. It will be easy to decide how to separate budget between these 2 systems
4. You will not have urges to buy expensive 5 channel amplifier “for everything”. They usually are not as good as mono/stereo amps and cost much more.
5. It’s actually may be more economic way to go because even though you have to buy 2 extra speakers and 2 more speaker cables, you don’t have to have components as expensive as 2ch. components. One can build a great HT with good receiver and entry hi-fi level 5.1 speakers package. With receiver you will ever save on interconnects.
6. You will not have annoying problems with setup and eliminate potential ground loops.
7. Depending on your living conditions you can put them into separate rooms or try to arrange that way so your tv-set wouldn’t be between main speakers.
Good luck
Building 2 systems is the best way to go because:
1. Configuration of one system will not affect other. You will not have to select components for your 2-ch system based on compatibility with HT, which rules out preamps without HT bypass and tube amplifiers for most combo systems.
2. You don’t have to worry about matching HT speakers to main speakers. You don’t have to match HT amps to the main amps.
3. You can allocate money you are spending on 2-ch and HT according to your preferences. It will be easy to decide how to separate budget between these 2 systems
4. You will not have urges to buy expensive 5 channel amplifier “for everything”. They usually are not as good as mono/stereo amps and cost much more.
5. It’s actually may be more economic way to go because even though you have to buy 2 extra speakers and 2 more speaker cables, you don’t have to have components as expensive as 2ch. components. One can build a great HT with good receiver and entry hi-fi level 5.1 speakers package. With receiver you will ever save on interconnects.
6. You will not have annoying problems with setup and eliminate potential ground loops.
7. Depending on your living conditions you can put them into separate rooms or try to arrange that way so your tv-set wouldn’t be between main speakers.
Good luck