2. home-theater
  3. 998880013

combining HT Stereo?

OK, I tried to get the best of both worlds: HT & Stereo by mixing components. I have a Harmon kardon 500 receiver, which I use as a pre-amp for music and surround sound for HT. I have a Classe 300 amp for music that powers BW Nautilus 804s. I also have some BW 602's which I use for surround speakers. I tried running the classe amp with the 804's for fronts, with the HK running the 604's for the rears in HT, but the 804's drown out the 602's and I really cant get the dialogue. so far, the best option I came up with is to just use the tv speakers for the dialogue, and use the 602's for surround, and shutting down the 804s. I really think I am short changing myself in both worlds. the 804's lack bass for straight stereo. what should I do to maximize my system? I was thinking about wiring the 804's also to the HK for home theatre fronts (leaving the classe amp OFF of course, do I also need to unhook the wires?) and getting a sub-woofer to give me the missing bass for stereo. And then possibly getting a center channel to complete the system. Any feedback?
thanks,Joeb
joeb

Showing 2 responses by dbw1

dbw1
173 posts
 
Wait a minute, the stereo pre-amp with a HT pass-thru will only work if you can get your HK receiver to spit out a line level signal for the fronts.
dbw1
173 posts
 
There is always compromise in a dual-purpose system, however it has several economic and convenience advantages, which is why I do it. First off, I would get a sub, which is critical for home theatre, and pretty important for 2-channel. Rel works great for me, as you can connect a sub out for HT, and straight from your 2-channel amp for music. It'll play both simultaneously if you want, and sounds terrific. I definitely would get a center channel speaker as well. In 5.1, the center handles a majority of the signal. You can futz with connecting multiple inputs to the 804's, but an easier solution might be to get a stereo preamp with a HT pass-thru. This is how I set mine up. Good luck.
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