I agree with Fplanner; there's no reason to sacrifice your 2-channel sound if you want to add the fun of home theater. I really enjoy Dolby digital and DTS surround not only on movies, but on regular tv as well. It even makes commercials more bearable.
After a lot of investigation and thinking, I determined the easiest method for me was to get 2 preamps: one for 2- channel listening with ht pass-thru for ease of setup and the other a prepro used mainly for surround processing and for connecting the center and rear channel amps. I utilize my subwoofer for both systems and run the video straight to the tv via HDMI. But you can also get prepros that process/improve the video if you'd like.
By adding a tubed preamp with pass thru to my formerly all ss system, I was able to improve my 2- channel system dramatically while adding the surround sound. I realize, of course, there are alternate methods of incorporating 2-channel with home theater. I posted this just in case it would work for others contemplating adding ht.
BTW, now is a good time to buy used prepros, especially if you don't require HDMI connections or more than 5.1 surround. Formerly high-end prepros that sold new at $3,000plus are now going for a song.
After a lot of investigation and thinking, I determined the easiest method for me was to get 2 preamps: one for 2- channel listening with ht pass-thru for ease of setup and the other a prepro used mainly for surround processing and for connecting the center and rear channel amps. I utilize my subwoofer for both systems and run the video straight to the tv via HDMI. But you can also get prepros that process/improve the video if you'd like.
By adding a tubed preamp with pass thru to my formerly all ss system, I was able to improve my 2- channel system dramatically while adding the surround sound. I realize, of course, there are alternate methods of incorporating 2-channel with home theater. I posted this just in case it would work for others contemplating adding ht.
BTW, now is a good time to buy used prepros, especially if you don't require HDMI connections or more than 5.1 surround. Formerly high-end prepros that sold new at $3,000plus are now going for a song.