I had a similar issue. I started out with a full 5.1 home theatre setup AND also a two channel setup, which I would switch between. I recently combined both setups by purchasing an integrated amp with a "home theatre bypass". This allowed me to use the main speakers in both setups. If your Denon AV has the a separate pre-out for the fronts, then an integrated with a HT bypass will allow for both a 5.1 system and a 2-channel system to use with the Node 2i.
Question For Those That Watch Movies/TV Through Your Two Channel System
Do you leave your Preamp/Integrated in stereo mode or switch to Mono?
Does the dialog lose the clarity that you usually get with a center channel
speaker?
The reason I ask is because I gifted my son a Node 2i and we connected it
to his entry level Denon AV receiver. He has 3 Mirage speakers LCR, no
surrounds. Obviously, an Integrated Amp would result in better two channel
sound, but would it be detrimental to watching BluRay movies.
He has a turntable setup in another room with Yamaha, Rega and Harbeth,
but he wanted the Node 2i in the main family room where it would get the most
use.
Does the dialog lose the clarity that you usually get with a center channel
speaker?
The reason I ask is because I gifted my son a Node 2i and we connected it
to his entry level Denon AV receiver. He has 3 Mirage speakers LCR, no
surrounds. Obviously, an Integrated Amp would result in better two channel
sound, but would it be detrimental to watching BluRay movies.
He has a turntable setup in another room with Yamaha, Rega and Harbeth,
but he wanted the Node 2i in the main family room where it would get the most
use.