+1 jmc and bdgreg. A stereo pre configured the way they said with a decent AVR is absolutely the way to go if 2-channel music is the priority. You can use any stereo pre, and if it doesn't have a HT bypass you can use any open input and just set a reference level (I used 12:00 to make it easy) so the front L/R speakers have the proper volume set for HT. Shame to spend tubes on HT (unless they’re really cheap to replace), so I’d probably be in the camp of disconnecting the Joules and hooking up to the AVR for HT duties.
Obviously you’ll need an AVR with preamp outs for this to work. I’m in the process of getting one of these too, and FWIW I’m getting the Yamaha Aventage 870 from accessories4less for $650. I think Yamaha has the best combination of features, performance, reliability, and value. Best of luck.
Obviously you’ll need an AVR with preamp outs for this to work. I’m in the process of getting one of these too, and FWIW I’m getting the Yamaha Aventage 870 from accessories4less for $650. I think Yamaha has the best combination of features, performance, reliability, and value. Best of luck.