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Integrate AVR and 2-Channel; Why so complicated?

I have what I think is a basic system need, yet cannot seem to determine the best way to go about configuring it.

I have an A/V Receiver that I use for HT. I would like to buy an Integrated Amp, or separates, for 2 channel listening. For 2 channel, I want the signal to be Source (cd player) => Integrated Amp ==> Loudspeakers.

For HT, I really don't care, it can continue to go through the AVR, or it can go from the Pre-Out on the AVR to the Integrated.

I thought I might be able to accomplish this with something like the Channel Islands VPC•3 Passive Controller, which is a preamp with a volume pot and an imput switch. Or, do I need and Integrated amp with an HT Bypass feature? Any help is appreciated.
braudio7
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islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Hi, I have done what you are looking at. Yes, it is complicated in the way I have done it, but but that is the only compromise, as two-channel is the main focus, with vinyl alongside cd/sacd/multi-channel, and video sources last in the priority list.
I have made a separate two channel system integrated w/multi-channel, via a pre-pro for video sources, two channel amp and pre amp, and multi-channel amp. The passive pre I use for two channel has a HT pass-through, but I prefer to run the front signals and center and surrounds through their separate systems, and adjust the volume until they match, thereby getting the best signal quality possible for multi-channel. There are easier ways to do this, but doing it this way sounds best. Vinyl and cd can shine this way also. To each his own, I guess.

Best of luck,
Dan
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,691 posts
 
Many high quality 2 channel (and multichannel) analog preamps now have a "HT Bypass" function that will permit you to route your main L/R channels (or all the channels) from the MCH system through it. All 2 channel analog sources would be connected to that preamp as they usually are and are totally unaffected by the other sources.

Kal
braudio7 OP
35 posts
 
Thanks for your responses. I have been checking out the Rega Mira 3 Integrated, and noticed that it has "Power Amp In" RCA inputs. This sounds like a version of HT bypass -- it seems that I could run the Pre-Outs from my AVR into this jack and bypass the Rega's preamp section. Not totally sure if this is true, however.

What about running a the Pre-Outs from my AVR for the 2 front channels into a line-in input on the Rega? Would this work, and would I be able to control the volume with the AVR?

Thanks in advance...
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