Separates for 2-channel & HT, or.....?

you should get a pre amp like a audio reasearch sp16 or similar with a HT bypass. When running 2ch you just use the pre and main amps whe doing HT up put the pre on bypass and use the receiver.

Programmergeek - I have a local dealer that carries the Audio Research line so I may actually be able to take a listen.

This same dealer suggests pairing the Audio research preamp with the Anthem D1 processor/receiver. Any thoughts about this combo and the Abbys?

Holly

I'm in the same situation as Oakiris and my thought was to run a tube preamp to my front SS amp (Levinson 23.5) and front speakers. I will hook a high end transport and DAC to that 2 channel system as well as a turntable (eventually). I will feed the rest of the HT system through the AUX input of the 2 channel system.

When I switch the 2 channel to AUX the fronts come on as well as the rest of the 7.1 system and I'm ready for movies or 5.1 audio via my HT processor. I realize I will add signal path to the HT system but I'm not going to be as worried about it when I'm watching movies. I doubt it would cause much degradation at all.

I see several of the tubed pre's have the aforementioned HT bypass which is even better - I assume that will illiminate the added signal path entirely. We can have the best of both worlds and only ONE rack!

It brings up the following questions:

Is it a bad practice to add the signal path? What problems if any might I encounter? Should I stick "strictly" with a tubed pre with HT bypass? If I dont ... it sure opens up a lot more possibilities. I am going to test this tomorrow night with the Modwright pre I posted a question about a few days back. It does have the bypass but I also VERY interested in a Cary preamp that does NOT have the bypass. I think I might add an ARC pre amp to the "test" list. Keep your eyes peeled as I will post my impressions in a few days. If you want you can email me as well.

As for my two cents on the tube/ss setup. I see a lot written about the advantages of a tubed preamp and a SS amp. I can tell you I heard a small tubed integraded amp hooked to a pair of speakers very similar to mine ... I cant get tubes out of my mind. It was nothing short of amazing! The integraded was a Jolida and the speakers were Paradigm studio 20 v2's.

It was pure heaven and I think it's the tubes that did it

Man, have I got it bad for that sound - maybe all you need is the pre and a good SS amp for the front speakers, run the rest of the HT system through the receiver. Movies seem to require a whole lot less than critical 2 channel audio. I feel like I personally went a bit too far with the HT setup (3 separate amps and a processor) I think a better approach would have been a Denon 3805 for the HT side and every other dime pushed in the 2 channel system. I'm in it at least $20G and my 2 channel audio sound leaves a lot to be desired. I think I'm almost there. I think you can have one hell of a system by investing the lions share into the front end of the HT system and bring in a tubed pre. The center, sub and rears are probably already more that sufficient for movie watching.

Horseface - You do indeed have a lot invested in your set up! I am not quite able to invest that much, but also want the sound of tubes for my 2-channel. I was considering the Mod-Wright 9.0 SE for my system; I would be interested in your impressions.

I would also like impressions of the Anthem D1 receiver & Audio Research tube pre-amp, if anyone has heard this combination.

Holly

That’s the exact pre I am taking home tonight to try out - I will keep you posted (no pun intended) ... Much of that 20G was speakers - I'm not sure I needed to match ALL 6 pieces but what the hell ... I did and I probably happiest with that purchase. I'm a computer technician so I have invested quite a bit getting the home network tied into the HT system and setting up an extensive music library. It seems like a lot ... but it sure adds up fast. Then again ... some might have that much invested in a single component.

My friends at work think I'm crazy but I have to point out the 4 quads one of them has parked in front of his house along with the trailer and accessories or the hotrod the other one is building ... 20 grand over the course of 10 years to keep me out of trouble is probably a pretty sound investment. I sure enjoy it! If someone offered me 30 grand to take it away - and get out of this hobby for good I'd tell them to forget it!

Lets face it ... I'm hooked