Do you integrate a stereo preamp with HT system?


Which stereo preamp do u use and is switching between stereo and HT use inconvenient?

i like to switch back and forth and ease of switching is very important. Tube preamps are a challenge as high end preamps limit their remote functionality. So family use is problematic cause they are lazy as they like full finctionality of a remote.

i may have to go to a ss preamp as they offer full functional remotes but i would miss tubes.
jumia
The best solution for the family and sound quality is get rid of the surround. With stereo no confusion, no switching, and no crappy HT sound quality. 
good advice, might as well get rid of the family, any friends, and any joy you might get from anything involving video in your loneliness  ...

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I have a separate 2 channel music system, and a separate small 5.1 home theater, at either end of the same room. (shown in my System photos here). I love both.

A Home Theater, small or large, you will have at least 5.1, thus an AVR with remote control with audio mode options, including a 2 channel stereo mode. That's it, don't make listening to Stereo via a HT more complicated than that.

Surround sound when properly done is great, I leave the AVR on 'Direct', it senses the coding, however I  frequently change/force my surround sound receiver to 2 channel mode and it often sounds better. Much is pseudo surround and much is simply poorly done. That's just a menu change via remote control (and remembering to try it).

IMO, in a Home Theater, Imaging is more critical than Sound Quality/Frequency Extension.

L/C/R Imaging over a Wide Area is a big part of the solution when video is involved, or, when listening to 2 channel with a friend

2 Channel System: I listen from a dedicated center spot (often Donna’s listening from the sofa). OR, with a friend: toe-in adjusted for preservation of L/C/R imaging over an area wide enough for two chairs with a small snack (think drink) table in the middle. All my chairs/tables have felt feet, spin and slide this way and that.

Home Theater: The video system gets the most use. Sound makes a big difference to involvement with video, (whether it is 2 channel, true surround, or pseudo surround). Mostly it is Donna and I at opposite ends of the sofa with our own end tables, coffee warmers, drink coasters, charging wires, feet up ... or more people: someone in the middle, some others off on one or both sides.

My DBX Soundfield 100 speakers and their method of creating imaging L/C/R over a very wide angle is paramount to successful involvement/enjoyment.

http://www.hifi-classic.net/review/dbx-soundfield-100-135.html

We stream and record a lot of musical shows: The Voice (all over the world); The Voice Kids (also all over the world, except usa); American Idol; Songland; Award Shows; Concerts; AXYS; Pandora; World of Dance; musicians at the end of Jimmy, James, Jimmy, Stephen .... not me, but sound is important for Donna watching Dancing with the Stars, country friggin music shows ....

My wife's twin sister house/pet sits for a lot of wealthy people, a few days, 2 week vacations ….. We often visit, see big tvs, expensive furniture, custom woodwork, small speakers, missing center speakers, no decent sound, poor glare control, ... I just shake my head sadly and can't wait to get back home!


For stereo, balanced analog goes directly from a disc player to a preamp. For surround, HDMI goes from the disc player to a processor; the processor returns balanced front LR analog to a by-pass input of the preamp, and sends surround channels to a pair of amps for side and rear surround. Front LR sound quality seems the same whether stereo or surround, i.e., a successful integration.  I use a 100" projection screen for video, and the sound tracks the picture well.
Great idea, blend the two together, have fun, experiment, see what works for you.

i have loved HT for so many years, blending the two is a great way to enjoy both :0)

Parasound actually allows you to use its HaloHint6 for your mains, so use it for HT and Music, cant wait til mine arrives

Remember, this is fun, sharing time with family, sounds zooming around the room, rumbling the floor beneath you, feeling like a hurricane is in your room hahaha now thats fun.

i love my stereo and HT
jumia, I use an Ayre DX-5 DSD disc player, KX-5 preamp, and Bryston SP 3 processor.  I use the Ayre remote to select the by-pass input and the Bryston remote to control volume for the surround complex.  It's really very simple.
ilikewcrb, it does not. The Ayre magic is the music just seems to flow as though there is no technology reproducing it. That’s true also of the C-5xeMP CD/SACD player I’ve had for years, my first taste of the Ayre sound that got me hooked.  Mechanically it's silent.

      Mechanical noise is an interesting issue, my gear for my music system is right next to my LP, that woukd not be welcomed, thanx for that thought
Primaluna models are tubed and have H/T bypass but no 12V trigger so there would be some getting off the couch issues (a deal breaker for most families lol).

I have my music setup in a separate room. I gave up on the idea of a simple, easy to use combo system. HT pre amps tend to be the weak link.
Primaluna is disappointing. Customers buying stereo and ht gear r at the mercy of stubborn manufs. Complex equip where consumers dont really know what they r buying and settle for less. Buy it and then learn how it works and live with it……

demand better when spending $10 to $30 grand !!!