What is the Current Guidance on Stereo and AV Configurations

If 2 channel is your priority, as it is for most people here, then just set up your 2 channel as you want it.  You'll need an extra Preamp In connection on your amp or preamp.  I have a second pre-in on my amp.

Buy a nice AV amp with as many channels as you want.  I recommend the Marantz cinema 50 but you may want something nicer or less nice.  Run the preamp out for the front 2 channels to the extra input on your 2 channel system.  Switch to that input and adjust the volume.  presto. 

Jerry

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.

I had absolutely zero idea bout HT Bypass. Does the AVR power the center channel?

For HT the center channel does 80% of the work, it is extremely important. 

Most higher end HT receivers will let you do zones, you can setup a HT setup, then have a 2ch on the other zone. 

Mine is a 7.2.4 setup, all matching speakers. Movies are sometimes better than going to the theater. But it's always lacking in music. Unless it is put into "all channel stereo"  But it becomes fatiguing pretty quickly, and best for making noise through the entire house. 

Since I listen to music 80% of the time, my living room was turned into a 2ch room with vintage analog setup, and the family room has the all digital setup. They are both incredible at what they do. 

I had absolutely zero idea bout HT Bypass. Does the AVR power the center channel?

That’s why along with what speakers I asked what specific amp you’re using.  You can do this with or without a HT bypass, but it’s a little easier with it.  And to answer your question, yes the AVR handles the multichannel processing and powering the center channel speaker.  All you need is an AVR that has front L/R preamp outputs that you plug into the HT bypass or any other unused input on the amp.  Switching between HT and stereo is as simple as changing the input on the amp, and the beautiful thing is the AVR is completely out of the signal path for critical stereo listening and only your Naim will be operational.  If you don’t have a HT bypass this still works well and just requires one additional step I can elaborate on if needed.