Amp switcher for 2chnl to HT?

Jeff,

If you plan to have a combo 2-channel/HT system and demand good 2-channel sound (I think you do since you are investing in the N803s), the first step is ALWAYS build a great 2-channel system first. That said, you can get a high quality integrated amp, preferrably with an HT Bypass/Processor Loop, and add on HT easily, even using your existing HT receiver.

I've done this many times. You simply connect your 2 channel system in the usual way, i.e. music source->integrated amp->L&R front speakers. For the HT portion you connect your HT sources->HT receiver inputs and then connect the L&R front pre-outs fron the receiver to the HT bypass/processor loop of the 2-channel integrated amp. You would then connect the center, L&R (and rear) surrounds and the subwoofer to the HT receiver.

This way, when you play 2-channel music, the HT receiver is completely out of the path and can even be turned off. For HT playback, you turn on the integrated amp and the HT receiver, select the HT bypass/processor loop button on the integrated amp and play. Don't forget, you will need to recalibrate your HT system after you initially install the integrated amp into the system to account for the difference in power/gain/sensitivity, etc.

As Reiley pointed out, search the archives. This type of setup has been posted many, many times (including 10 or more times by me alone!).

Enjoy,

TIC

Niles makes a nice little switch box.
Otherwise, get a nice preamp like Anthem with 2 channel bypass.

Thanks soooo much. I will search the archives. Now I have to decide if I want to go the simple route (just adding a great 2 chnl amp) or get into the more elaborate set-up. I had mentioned the integrateds because I also didn't want to have to rely on the Pioneer receiver's pre-amp. They are one-box solutions and there are some great ones now. I've heard the Mac6500 as well as the Cayin H80 (with 803s) and they were both amazing. I run old matrix 803s2 in my living room via an old Acurus DIA integrated and it sounds great. Thanks again....Jeff

I would highly recommend either the Cary SLP2002, which is a tubed preamp with HT bypass or to use a BAT unit such as the VK300X integrated, or one of their preamps that can set unity gain. I currently use the VK50SE and set one input to have a fixed volume. I run the two front outputs from the HT preamp into this input. This allows me to use the volume of the HT preamp for movies, then I just change to the CD player input on the BAT and I can listen to high end 2 channel playback. I love this setup as I can often be listening to a cd while watching tv.

Of course, upon a little research, it appears that neither of the two integrateds I'm looking at have HT bypass (Mac MA6500 or Cayin H-80a). Will have to keep looking I guess.