Assuming the HT receiver has L/R pre outputs, you can simply drive FL/FR from the receiver through the 2CH pre & downstream to the ARC amp & 802s. Establish a reference volume level for the pre to use when in HT mode. Setup the HT receiver (as a master volume control) to match all channels to the reference pre volume setting. Continue to feed your 2CH sources directly to the pre. If you're like many 2CH audiophiles you will be happy with a modest compromise in unmatched components in HT mode.
Combining 2 Channel and HT
I have a HT setup in one room based on a Rotel receiver and Paradigm studio 60v3s. Due to a LR redesign, I am movng my 2 channel system (ARC 100.2, LS15, Ikemi and B&W 802 Matrix IIIs) into the room with the HT set up. Obviously I have too many speakers and need to figure out how to combine this system for both audio and TV.
How would you deal with this situation? Sell everything and start fresh? Or can I somehow combine the receiver for surround sound without compromising the quality of the 2 channel system? As far as the speakers go, I will have to see how the Paradigm center matches with the 802s, assuming I keep them instead of the Paradigms.
How would you deal with this situation? Sell everything and start fresh? Or can I somehow combine the receiver for surround sound without compromising the quality of the 2 channel system? As far as the speakers go, I will have to see how the Paradigm center matches with the 802s, assuming I keep them instead of the Paradigms.