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Integrate AVR and 2-Channel; Why so complicated?

I have what I think is a basic system need, yet cannot seem to determine the best way to go about configuring it.

I have an A/V Receiver that I use for HT. I would like to buy an Integrated Amp, or separates, for 2 channel listening. For 2 channel, I want the signal to be Source (cd player) => Integrated Amp ==> Loudspeakers.

For HT, I really don't care, it can continue to go through the AVR, or it can go from the Pre-Out on the AVR to the Integrated.

I thought I might be able to accomplish this with something like the Channel Islands VPC•3 Passive Controller, which is a preamp with a volume pot and an imput switch. Or, do I need and Integrated amp with an HT Bypass feature? Any help is appreciated.
braudio7

Showing 5 responses by braudio7

braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Kal,

I'm going to see if I can speak to a dealer and get details on option #1. What about Line-Level from the AVR Pre-outs? Any idea on that? My focus here is upgrading my 2-channel sound while maintaining acceptable HT sound.

Braudio7
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks, all.

Reubent, the HT bypass feature does restrict my options a bit, but I recognize that configuring it this way is a compromise to begin with. Thanks for the info, I'll look into some integrated amps with that feature. Danlib, how do you like your Naim Nait 5i?
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Reubent, thank you for taking the time to answer my question in depth, this was exactly the info I needed. Now I can begin my search for a suitable integrated amp...
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
The consensus here then, is to use the Pre-Outs on the AVR into a line level input on the 2-channel Integrated Amp. In that scenario, the signal will have 2 preamp stages -- the AVR, and then the preamp of the Integrated. Is this an issue?

I'm not too concerned about sound quality for movies and tv as long as it is acceptable. If the only issue is that I'll need to define a "reference volume level", then this seems like a practical, inexpensive compromise. Thanks to all for the helpful responses.
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for your responses. I have been checking out the Rega Mira 3 Integrated, and noticed that it has "Power Amp In" RCA inputs. This sounds like a version of HT bypass -- it seems that I could run the Pre-Outs from my AVR into this jack and bypass the Rega's preamp section. Not totally sure if this is true, however.

What about running a the Pre-Outs from my AVR for the 2 front channels into a line-in input on the Rega? Would this work, and would I be able to control the volume with the AVR?

Thanks in advance...
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