do you have a sperate audio and HT system?

I am an avid 2 channel advocate, as well as a HT multi channel junkie. I DO NOT LIKE to compromise teh integrity of my sonics, at ANY TIME!!! If I can't have quality sound, from any of the systems I may set up, I would rather not at all.
I've come to the place in my life that I've become addicted to SPECIAL sound quality, as well as video quality! I would MUCH RATHER build a dedicated 2 channel system,with integrated pre/pro for the movies, and do what you are doing with the "processor through-put" on your preamp, and just switch for different sources, then to get 5 channels of MEDIOCRE TO POOR OVERALL SOUND!...ANY TIME!!
Actually, the way you are doing it is the way to do an "integrated" 2 ch/HT system really. Even just doing 2 speakers with a good subwoofer integrated is excellent overall sonically if you do it right! You still need to run your mains as "small" usually from the processor for movies, and let powered sub (unless your speakers have powered subs built in) handle the demanding bass from movies(and rock ideally).! You can get away with a good amp and some full range speakers run, well, full range for most music dubties(although more dynamic the other way), but not for movies! It never sounds as dynamic and powerful. Also, a digital pre/pro is A MUST for movies..which you're doing.
So, I think you're doing it right largely.
I think there's WAY TOO MANY people out there who don't have quality ALL AROUND, and are just getting by with COMPROMISED sonics from A LOT OF speakers...but that's ok.
For me however, If I can't do quality from EVERY POST, I'll skip thanks.
Another thing, receivers are largely done for me...they don't have the refinement, dynamics, noise floor, or ch/separation and strenght of detail to sustain me for HT! Separates IS THE WAY to go.(all you RECEIVER JUNKIES TAKE NOTE!...separates wax receivers in every way!!!..end of story.)
Really, probably 90% or more of the people have an "ALL IN ONE" system. So, you gotta make do with what you got. All the audio reviewers have separate systems. And to MAXIMIZE both of them, you largely usually do have to do 2 systems almost these days. But, if you know what you're doing(most don't), you can do it right with one system. But to do a top notch job, you REALLY gottab be up on your game!...and that takes time, experience, and dedication...things most don't have.
At any rate, it's all good...somes just "gooder" than others!
Have fun

i do have 2 separate rooms, although only my 2-channel room is listed on audiogon. my priority is heavily 2-channel and that room is without compromise to the degree that the room will allow me.

one big reason for a separate 2-channel room is my desire to have my 2-channel room a comfortable place to be for longer periods of time and a place my wife can interact with me.....more of a shared space.....it has french doors with windows and if i leave them open my wife can enjoy the music from the other room. also, i don't have to control the light in that room and i don't have all the other speaker drivers and electronics to compromise the 2-channel performance.

my Home Theatre room is a separate room in another part of the house that has a ceiling mounted CRT and can be completely blacked out.......when in there i am sort of in a 'enclosed place' and interaction is difficult.

i also have a HT system in my family room but don't use it much.

the descrption of my HT room is on my system page on AA here (scroll to the bottom);

http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/663.html

i have seen many sucessfull combination rooms but, if possible, 2 separate rooms are the way to go.

I gave up my HT stuff about five years ago and I don't miss it one bit. I run the DVD through my 2 channel stereo and I'm very happy with the results. I do see most *big* movies at the the theater, so that may explain why I don't miss the HT.

thanks for the input so far.

I guess, ideally, it would be better to have seperate systems...the one thing I am not willing to change is the room. I have my main (and only) system in my livingroom. This is a big reason why the systems are integrated. This is a place where my wife and I can sit down and relax...watching Tv or listening to music. The room is a place where I am comfortable...although it is less than perfect with several windows and hardwood floors (tho some room treatments did help it tremendously.

I will be done with a set of speakers I'm building soon...so, I guess I can split my system up if I wanted too...but I don't. I'll probably end up moving my current fronts to the rear and my new speakers to the front.

see how it goes ;)

thanks again fer your input

I agree with the two seperate systems. Since putting in my new system 3 years ago, I have come to realize the compromise I made in 2 channel listening. I went with a Pre/Pro to handle both 2 and 5 channel. I have a 2 channel amp for the mains and a 3 channel amp for the center surrounds and sub. While this works real well, it is not up to a good true 2 channel system. So I have been slowly researching and changing to a more 2 channel friendly system. I have decided to add a more "musical" 2 channel SS amp, a tube pre with an EPS (external processor loop) for video, and I am adding a true tube cd player so I don't use my combo cd/dvd player for 2 channel. My Pioneer Elite DV09 does a good job with music but not nearly as well as other CD players out there. I am also changing my processor to a more simple but up to date unit that has a second zone for multi room use. Since I am replacing my main 2 channle amp, I now have a great 2 channel amp to run with a Niles speaker controller to take over the duties of my multi room speaker systems that has previously been run with a Sony reciever. This has worked well since it is mostly background music, but now this system gets the benefits of my other upgrades.

I am still in the process of deciding on the preamp, cd player and processor so they shall remain nameless for now, but I will let you know what I decide and how it all works out. Meanwhile it is fun to shop, knowing good things are coming soon.....

Happy listening.