Integrate AVR and 2-Channel; Why so complicated?

You can actually do it without having an HT bypass. Any integrated amp will work. You just connect the L&R front pre-outs from your HT receiver to any unused line-level inputs on the Integrated amp. The only difference is that you will need to "pre-define" a position on the volume control of the Integrated amp before you calibrate the HT setup and also every time you use the HT setup.

You can simply choose a volume position like "top-dead-center" and simply turn the integrated amp's volume control to this position every time you use the HT system.

This setup is slightly more complicated, but once you do it a few times, it will become second nature.

Don't over think this. If you want a quality 2-channel system, just build it. Regardless of what integrated amp or seperates you choose, you can "add-on" the HT receiver to power the surround and center channels and provide HT processing.

The HT bypass or processor loop functionality just simplifies the setup a bit by taking the integrated amps volume control out of the circuit. But it is absolutely not necessary to have the HT bypass feature to accomplish a "combo" 2-channel and multi-channel HT system in the same room, sharing the front speakers and amplification.

Enjoy,

TIC

Reubent, thank you for taking the time to answer my question in depth, this was exactly the info I needed. Now I can begin my search for a suitable integrated amp...

Braudio7- the Nait 5i is an interesting beast. It lacks the "ethereal presence" of the Cary SLI-80, but sucks you into the music every bit as well. It won't handle the low end- or the extreme highs for that matter- like the Pass X 250, yet it has a grip on the music that's just hard to describe. I love the amp, and find it everything I heard it would be. It's a slap in the head to realize this small, rather plain looking British box can deliver as it does, but there it is.

As always, the ONLY way to really judge something is to hear it for yourself in conditions you are familiar with, but it's obvious to me that the Naim guys know what the hell they're doing.

This is a meaningful thread. I have the same issue: dedicated two-channel listening room ("Virtual Systems, Done for Now, Sanctum Sanctorum"), pre-wired for 5.1, to which I will be adding a 58" plasma. I'm going to stair-step my way into HT over the coming months. I want to keep my ARC LS5-Mk. III, ARC VT200 powering MG3.5s and Vandersteen subs all cabled up just the way they are. So, the question becomes, how to integrate a processor, DVD or BluRay source and 3-channel amp into the mix. I'm a real two-channel guy who wants to have the HT option without suboptimizing the stereo that has been my passion for the past 37 years. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

You dont need HT bypass, all you need is an empty input on Pre to route the front speakers pre outs from your HT unit then you simply find a reference volume level (many just use straight up 12 o'clock on the dial) then calibrate your mains to match other speakers in HT unit and your done.
When you eatch a movie swith 2 channel pre to proper place for HT fronts set volume at 12 and enjoy. HT bypass is handy but not a must have deal breaker.