How to add to my 2-chanl int. amp for home theater

Elevick is correct! Adding a good receiver that has pre-amp outs is the most cost effective and easiest way to do this. He is also correct that you actually DO want to use the pre-amp in the receiver, not the integrated amp, when using HT. This will allow all channels of volume control to be performed by the reciever (which is the processor for HT).

Adding an HT reciever to power the center and surround, control subwoofer LFE signal and process the digital signal is GREAT because when you listen to music using the integrated, the receiver is not even in the chain. It can be turned off completely so you know it is not "mucking up" you 2-channel music system.

You can easily buy a good HT receiver with pre-outs for $500. If you go used, you can even get an EXCELLENT 5.1 channel HT receiver.

Personally, I like the Sony STR-DB "bridge line" receivers for less than $500, or the Sony STR-ES line for a little more. They are very easy to use compared to some of the Denon, Pioneer and Panasonic receivers that I have also owned. For a killer HT receiver, the B&K AVR-202 can be had for about $750 used. However, I prefer the easy ergonomics of the Sony.

Enjoy,

TIC

I just want to reiterate what I said earlier and what everyone else is telling you. Based on our knowledge AND personal experience (many times over) You DO want to run the L&R front pre-outs from the receiver to an unused line-level input on the integrated amp. You MUST use the receiver (or some other kind of external box) to perform the pre-amp and volume control function because you need ALL channels to track the same volume level.

I (and the other posters) have used this type of setup and it works flawlessly. It is also the simplest and least expensive option.

Simply connect your dedicated music sources to the integrated anp. When you want two channel music, play it as you do new.

Hook up HT sources (DVD, VCR, TV, Cable-box) to the HT receiver. When you want to watch HT, Turn on the receiver in addition to the integrated. Select the apporpriate input on the integrated amp, set the volume to your "pre-defined level" on the integrated and now your HT receiver controls everything. Once you have selected the correct input on the integrated and have set the volume to the :pre-defined level", your integrated simply acts as an external amp running off of the receivers front L&R pre-outs.

Enjoy,

TIC

Nick,

Yes, the processor loop is probably a better solution. If it is a modern integrated amp, the processor loop/HT bypass is designed especially to support this type of setup.

Simply run the R&L pre-outs from the receiver to the processor loop inputs.

When you calibrate the cannel volumes for the "HT setup" (receiver powering center, surround, etc-Integrated amp powing L&R front speakers), simply turn on the Integrated amp and Receiver, select the processor loop input selector on the integrated amp and calibrate all channel volumes using the HT receiver for volume control of all channels.

The processor loop/HT bypass simply sends the inputs directly to the power amp section of your integrated amp. It causes the integrated amp to bypass all pre-amp functions, therefore, your integrated amp works as if it were simply an add on power amp.

This setup works well and is a very inexpensive alternative if you already have a good 2-channel music system.

BTW, the only functional difference between using the processor loop inputs or using an unused line-level input is the fact that you do not have to remember to set the volume control of the integrated amp to a "pre-defined" level each time you want to use HT.

Enjoy,

TIC