Mixing Tenor hybrid with SS multichannel for HT ?

The only issue to address when using multiple amps is volume control for all the speakers. Optimally, you would like to use one volume control when listening to HT so that the volume is appropriate for all of the speakers. Unless the amps support dual preamp inputs, or you utilze the HT preamap as the 2 channel preamp, you might have to create some kind of passive connection from the two preamps to a single amp. I personally would prefer creating the passive connection as I have not seen a multi-channel preamp outperform my current 2 channel preamp. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the responses so far ...

I should add (stupid as it may sound), that for now I will be putting in a DLP front projector and retractable screen in the room and running the movie sound track as 2 channel (I am not into adventure movies, as much as artsie films). Like Mike I will be pre-wiring the room with in-wall speaker wire for possible future 7.1.

Stenersr you're right, I don't want to compromise on the 2 channel preamp section. So, down the road, I would envision buying either an affordable separate pre/pro and multichannel amp vs. a high-end A/V receiver and use either the separate pre/pro or the the pre/pro section of the receiver to control the volume for all 7 channels. That is, I would run the front L and R channel through the music 2-channel pre-amp's HT passthrough input, so that all the volume control would be from the pre/pro.

My concern now is going to be a problem if my kids want to watch a film NOW, would it be OK to start playing the soundtrack for the film through the Tenor hybrid amp with it virtually cold, rather waiting for its usual warm-up. You know, kids aren't going to wait 20 minutes to watch a film. Is this going to stress the tubes/amp ? (sorry for the stupid question ???)

Thom, the 'warm-up' circut of the Tenors will protect it as long as your kids know how to properly turn the amps on and off. it IS important to not be turning the amps on and off immediately (allow for full 'power-up' before powering off). once your front lights go from red to blue there is no harm in listening immediately. the tubes are not stressed by playing music (even if they don't sound their best until warm).....but they could be stressed by more on/off cycles.....if the system will be used a few times during the same day it would be better (less stressful on the amps) to leave them on.....or at least in 'standby' mode.

regarding preamp integration for no compromise 2-channel and multi-channel there are a few different approaches to consider.

the best sonic solution i am aware of is the emmlabs Switchman III. it would be a no-compromise 2-channel preamp, allow for hirez multichannel music input from multiple sources, and also allow input from a separate digital processor for film. there is even a 'Phantom' center option for the Switchman. i have compared the performance of the Switchman to my Placette passive and it is remarkably close to my reference in overall performance. my opinion would be that your DCC2 is (possibly) even a little better than my DAC6/Placette combo for 2-channel (but that is only a guess).

the problem with the Switchman is that for film it would add a layer of complexity for your kids. i would guess that your kids would soon master this issue (they learn very quickly and will be teaching you about it soon).

in my system i will be using the Switchman with my Placette and Jena Labs switchbox (when i can afford to add the multi-channel components).

i assume that you will be simply inputing the 2 front channels from an HT processor into the analog inputs of the DCC2 and setting the DCC2 at a pre determined volume level (to allow proper volume control from your processor for film).

Mike thanks for your very helpful suggestions. As I don't have any equipment now (the reno probably has almost 2 months to go),

If I went with the DCC2, it doesn't appear to have a HT pass-through input or unity gain input. Is that correct ? I wonder if the Audio Aero Capitole MKII has a HT pass-through on it's preamp section ?

i don't know for sure.....but i believe the DCC2's analog input can be used as a pass thru. yes, it would go thru the gain stage of the DCC2 but that would be easy to figure out. you could do it a couple of different ways.

you could simply preset the front channel volume levels on your processor to allow for the DCC2 to be adjusted to 'full volume'. this, in essence, would be unity gain. the danger of this approach would be if someone 'forgot' to turn it down when using the DAC in the DCC2.

you could also adjust the gain settings on your processor for the normal levels of the DCC2....this would be a safer approach. i think the DCC2 has numeric values for volume.....so it would be an easily managable issue. any sonic penalties of 2 gain stages would be trivial with HT sources anyway.

either way it should work just fine integrated with an HT processor.

the AA Capitole has no 2-channel analog input (at least not that i am aware of--mine did not have it).....so it would not work as well (and not perform as well in 2-channel).