2. amps-preamps
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Integrated amp plus receiver?

I hope this doesn't sound too confusing. I confuse myself just trying to figure out the proper way to ask this question. I would like a dedicated stereo rig plus home theater. The best of both worlds!

I'm looking for some recommendations for an integrated amp for auditioning. I just purchased a pair of Triangle Celius speakers and also have a Rotel RSX-1055 on order. I want to hook up the integrated to the Rotel's front L/R to use for home theater 7.1, converting the Rotel's front L/R to the rear surrounds. But I am also hoping to use the extra analog stereo outs from my DVD player to the integrated amp, in order to bypass the Rotel for two channel. My question is, are their any integrated amps that can be set up as an amp only so that it can be controlled by the Rotel's volume control, and then be easily switched back to the integrated amp for stereo? I know if I don't go with a Rotel amp the center channel won't mesh with the fronts as well but for home theater close is good enough. Just not too different.
Stereo is my top priority.

Thanks!
betelgeus
bomarc
501 posts
 
If you don't mind running your HT signal through both the AV and 2-channel preamps, then Mike's solution should work fine, with the cautions later about setting the volume control. I was thinking you'd want to plug the Rotel directly into the amp section of the integrated, in which case you'd need some way to block the signal coming through the integrated's preamp section when you're playing HT. I'm not familiar with the HT bypass/processor loop feature TIC mentions, but it sounds like it would do the job.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Bomarc, HT bypass on integrated TIC refers to will bi-pass it's volume control and pass through signal. With Mike's solution you are setting integrated's volume control to unity gain so as to remove it's effect on signal pass through. Both work fine.
betelgeus OP
6 posts
 
So it sounds like it will work. I'm looking for a short list of integrateds that I can check out. So far I see-Audiomat Arpege, Meridian(way out of my price range), Arcam Alpha 10, Anthem Integrated 2, and the Plinius 8200. I would also like to try the Musical Fidelity offering. Any other integrated model suggestions would be appreciated. I am probably going to have to keep the price down below $1500, so will look at pre-owned. I have about six months before I will be ready to purchase the integrated, so in the mean time I can play with the Rotel and just enjoy the music. You've all been a big help. I went to the local B&M and asked them the same question. You would not believe all the confused looks I got, and no answers.

Thanks for all your help!

Danny
eldulcesol
197 posts
 
Betelgeus, I am doing something similar to Ruebent's suggestion. What I did is have all video sources, ctr and rear speakers to the AVR and the cdp and front speakers to the int. amp. What you need is an integrated with a pre-out on it. This makes it easier for subwoofer connections. I did do numerous and various connections to both components with success. The only drawback was getting the sub to work its best for both music and movies. I tried everything to get the bass perfect, by changing settings large and small, sub from int. amp or receiver and whatever, but it was not the same, close, but not the same as coming directly from whatever amp or receiver for its intended purpose. Probably to many cables and pre amp stages involved to cause colorations in the sound. The only way to get the bass the way I want it is to make or get a switch box so I can switch the sub to whatever I want to use it for. Other than that, everything works fine with no other complaints. Any questions, email or post.
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