I also have 2 separate rigs. If you can afford it and have the room, I would advise going this route. IMO, it is much more difficult to achieve the best of both worlds with a single approach. In many cases, you will compromise both and get a system that is average compared to separate dedicated systems. What I have found on HT, is that the proper matching of speakers is crucial. For HT, there are many brands that make 5 speaker combo's that are pretty good in a HT setting. Unfortunately, while I like them for HT, they are generally OK at best at pure music reproduction.
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
thanks,Joeb