Question On Connecting Multiple Sources to TV, DAC, and Power Amp

Thanks soix.

I've checked out a few AVR's including some recommended on Audiogon but it seems a lot of them have a THD that's no better than, or worse than,  an old Sound Source amp and preamp I have. I also have an Adcom GFA-545 I'd like to run in place of the Kenwood M1A amp.

Since the THD on some of these AVR's isn't as good as separate it also make me wonder what the phono specs are, which most don't list.

I've also read about issue with many HDMI switchers.

This may take some time.

Perhaps you should stop using THD as the deciding factor. I haven't paid attention to it since the 1970's.

Soix is correct. You need to invest in a modern AVR and use it as a hub for all the components. Personally,  I use Anthem, but there are many options. What I would recommend is that if you do upgrade, make sure the AVR has the capability to output the front channels independently. This will allow you to integrate a two channel system with a home theatre bypass option sometime in the future when you get the itch for a better musical experience.

THD is not a good indicator of how something will sound.  Things like power supply, output stage, etc. will have a far greater impact on sound than THD. 

I understand the logic. My point was that if the THD isn't as good as an Audio Source amp, my mistake on writing Sound Source, and they don't give specs on the phono section perhaps other specs aren't very good as well.

I agree that the THD spec isn't a great way to determine sound quality. Years ago, an audio engineer I worked for used to laugh at the Dr.'s and Lawyers who came in to his shop for mods and repairs. I remember him saying "They can't hear the difference between .001% distortion and .0001%.

Yes, if I go with an AVR I'd like to send the preamp out to a 2 ch setup. But, then I have to contend with what the AVR adds or detracts from the original signal wouldn't I?

As others have said, get one device for home theater and another for two channel stereo.  The amplification in most AVR units is not very good.  Your best bet is to get a "processor" (no amplification) and a two channel preamp that has home theater bypass and use a separate amp(s) for your main speakers.  You could get an AVR that has a preamp option that allows you to bypass the amps in the AVR for your main speakers and use the AVR to power your surround speakers.

This allows you to listen to two channel music without having any of the home theater components in the chain and to share your amp(s) with the home theater processer when using it.