How to get 2 Channel and Home theater in one packa

I run a combined system in one house. The basic components are:
Universal player
Analog Multichannel Preamp
Analog Multichannel Amp
5 full range speakers and sub.

With 2 channel sources, there is no difference from a 2 channel system as the other channels are not used nor do they have any effect on operations.

For multichannel and/or HT, the decoding is done in the player which feeds 6 analog channels to the system.

The only issue is whether one needs more flexible bass management than the player provides but with full-range speakers all around, it is usually not a problem.

I do the same in my other system but without a video display.

The biggest problem you will find is getting a decent analog MCH preamp in your budget. The big bargains, if you can find them, are a used Sony TA-P9000ES (no longer made) or McCormack MAP-1 (have not seen a used one). The Audio Refinement Pre5 is another possibility but it, too (sigh!), is discontinued.

I have heard nice things ABOUT the Outlaw 950 pre/pro but I have not used one.

Kal

One commonly accepted approach is to use a receiver as the surround amplifier and a separate preamp/amp combination for two channel. You need a receiver with preamp outs and you feed the left and right channels to the preamp. Then you have a marking on the preamp volume that allows for a repeatable setup of all of the surround channels. The receiver volume controls the volume of all channels when doing surround. I have a Harman Kardon receiver for surround and a Parasound preamp / Legacy power amp combination for 2 channel. I think it works well.

I greatly enjoy both HT and music on the follwing:

Krell Showcase DVD
Krell kav-400xi
Totem Hawk (hoping to be Wind in the future)

2 quality channels have replaced the need for the quantity of 5. I've done the full blown 5.1 & even 7.1 set-ups (spreading money thinner on lesser gear) and I don't miss them at all!