Is it a Merger or Bust?

I tried it years ago. It seemed like a simple process to do. I put a 3 channel amp/processor in the tape loop of my 2 channel system. And, of course the rear and center channel speakers.

It was OK at best & complicated as he** to operate with the various remotes & routine to setup for home theater. My wife hated it because she didn't know which buttons to push and when. I was & am really more into 2 channel anyway. So I abandoned the idea a yr or so after setting it up. Now I just have 2 channel home theater when needed, most always for concerts. Much simpler. Sounds great with concerts.  We're both happy

I've gotten 'so clever' in the past. You eventually realize, 'too clever'. Keep em separate.

2 Channel Music System and Home Theater are not the same goals, especially considering the fundamental need for presenting sound to perhaps '3 people wide' up front. 

Apart from conversation, it really doesn't matter what any of us do, as long as we are happy with the results. As I said in my previous statement, I never enjoyed hearing my 2 channel sound  through a preprocessor, It wasn't until I heard it through the Arcam AV 9, and was very surprised how damned good it sounded.

Like I've said, I have two complete systems rolled into one. When I listen to vinyl, it's all tube, all two channel. When I listen to CDs, I can, and do, feed it into my pre-pro, and really enjoy it that way. I enjoy doing things that please me, doesn't cost any of you anything, so just let an old man enjoy himself, would you?.

Artemus 5, well there you are. You're both happy That's a win, and I'm glad you are happy. 

That's all that matters.

Balanced analog from disc player to preamp for stereo.  HDMI from disc player to processor for surround, with balanced analog front LR from processor to by-pass input of preamp.  Other sources, streamer and phono stage, are direct analog to preamp, of course.  Works for me.