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Integrating HT and 2-channel systems

I've now got separate HT/AV and 2-channel systems located back-to-back in a large-ish room (ca. 12 x 32 ft). I'll soon be moving to a substantially smaller space and the "media room" will shrink to 12 x 17 ft, basically what I have cut in half. Something has to give and I'm struggling with how to put it all together. Here's what I've got to work with:

1. HT/AV 5.1 system: 80" TV, Denon AVR-x3600 HT amp, Maggie MMG's*, Maggie MMG C center spkr, Velodyne ULD-12 subwoofer*, Boston acoustics rear spkrs


2. 2-Channel system: Shiit Frey S preamp, DAC and other line level stuff, ML No. 332 amp*.  Everything is connected in balanced mode, no RCA's.  For speakers I've got Maggies IIIa's* and KEF LS-50's to play with in addition to the above.
* FWIW, the old stuff is working perfectly - recapped, factory refurbished, rebuilt etc. I'm not keen on getting new stuff, want to use what I got if at all possible.

As it is, I'm quite happy with both systems. The MG IIIA + ML 332 is quite magical and I don't want to lose that. The AV system is also all really need. But I really don't see the best way to make one system out of 2. At this point my thinking is:

> For 2-chan: Same setup as now - Schiit front end, ML 332, IIIa's.

> For AV:.For front speakers feed ML 332 with AVR-x3600 using unbalanced/RCA inputs?  Obviously other surround speakers just fed by the x3600.
 

Can the ML 332 live with both inputs connected at once?  Obviously I'd have to take great care not to use both at the same time.  Any better suggestions or ideas? Thanks in advance,

128x128kletter1mann
tony1954's avatar
tony1954
891 posts
 

@kletter1mann 

I had the same problem and there is only one proper solution, but like me it may require you to purchase new equipment (AVR and integrated amp) that have the required inputs.

The AVR will need to be able to "pre-out" the front channels separately and the integrated (or preamp) must have a "home theatre bypass".

Once setup this will allow the AVR to use the integrated to power the front channels, while still allowing you to use the speakers in a two channel setup.

In my setup the  only connection between the "home theatre" and my two channel setup is one interconnect cable. 

If you need to find an amp with HT bypass, this site will help.

 

soix
8,657 posts
 

The AVR will need to be able to "pre-out" the front channels separately and the integrated (or preamp) must have a "home theatre bypass".  Once setup this will allow the AVR to use the integrated to power the front channels, while still allowing you to use the speakers in a two channel setup.

@tony1954 This is not totally true.  While you do need front L/R preouts on the AVR, which the OP has, you do not “need” an HT bypass (I didn’t have it) to make this work — see my prior post.  Also, the OP has a stereo pre and amp so no integrated needed, but you are correct that all you need to make all this awesomeness work is one extra set of interconnects.  It’s pretty amazing really. 

maggiefan8
19 posts
 

Man I love the Maggie IIIa's.  I helped my bother set up a huge home theater with them, what a bargain.

With that said, I'm not sure they can breathe in that size room?  You might be better off using the MMG's as the fronts, selling the big Maggies (or storing until you have a bigger room), and getting a preamp with HT bypass, simpler solution.  Doesn't Schidt make one with HT bypass?

 

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
891 posts
 

@soix 

"and when you switch to HT turn the Freya’s volume to 12:00 and you’re good to go (just remember to turn the Freya’s volume down when switching back to stereo)."

Hence my comment about the HT bypass being the proper solution. I would never trust myself to not forget. Maybe 30 years ago, but unlike wine, we don't improve with age.

soix
8,657 posts
 

@tony1954 I just recommended 12:00 for ease of use, but he could just as well set the reference volume on the stereo at 9:00 and set the HT channel volume levels from there — problem solved. 

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