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HT and 2 channel in same room? 1 or 2 systems?

Hi all, I wasn't exactly sure where to post this but hoping someone here may have some advice for me.  This dilemma has been stressing me a bit so would appreciate any advice.  I'll try to make this as concise as possible.

I have recently put together a multichannel system as do a lot of movies/PS5.  System is Onkyo RZ50 AVR, Klipsch RF7-iii, RC-64iii and RP-600 for surround.  I plan on adding in ATMOS speakers and some big DIY subs soon.

I have always wanted to get into 2 channel audio also.  I have a fairly big room, 21x28, so I have also purchased a 5 year old pair of La Scala II's a few weeks ago and I just had a Willsenton R300 tube integrated amp delivereda day or two ago.

I thought at first I would have 2 separate systems in the same space.  I started doing some research into how to add a sub to that tube amp and found out I can do this via high level inputs, however, for every 1 discussion that seems to like that idea, I find another discussion or two that says you really need RCA out/bass management to make everything fit together.

So..my dilemma is do I push forward with 2 separate systems?  I'll have to find a way to fit another pair of subs for the 2 channel system via high level.  But this way I'll be able to enjoy the La Scala's via tube (thru Bluesound Node streamer) which I have been really looking forward to and then have a whole separate HT for gaming/movies.

But.....more than a few people have suggested this might be way over-thinking and over-complicating this and that I should just listen to music thought my multi-channel setup and forget the 2 separate systems.  If I did this, I guess I would just sell the RF7's and just listen to everything through the La Scalas.  And then I'd only need 2 subs, which would be a plus but then also kind of lose the dream of having a tube setup for music.  However, I have more often than not done upgrades and not heard any difference so I'm kind of expecting this with the tubes, too.  I have alot of hard surfaces in this room, which I'm working on rectifying, but I am def worried that if I hook up this tube amp, its not going to sound any different to me than going via Pure Audio/Direct thru the AVR.

So plusses to keeping separate, I get to listen to tubes.  Plusses to going down to 1 system, I can consolidate and sell extra set of speakers, only need 1 set of subs, get to return the tube amp.  I'm just not sure if saying I have tubes is worth that or not.

Appreciate any advice anyone may have on this situation.

128x128johns21
kota1
2,706 posts
 

I have a SOA 9.2.7 home theater in a well treated room with active speakers. It sounds better in two channel than my dedicated two channel desktop system.

Caveat, I did add a dedicated two channel DAC to supplement the DAC in my HT processor.

Anyone thinking they need two systems didn't setup their HT properly.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

I have a lot of hard surfaces in this room, which I’m working on rectifying,

The Onkyo has Dirac which is great but still needs room treatments. The way forward is the same for both 2 CH and MCH, get the room right first.

To get the room right you can get a free consult from Auralex or Sonitus, DIY by watching videos, or simply order a room kit and install it.

Everything about separate systems, tube amps, etc. can be put on the back burner until you complete this step. Once you run Dirac in your newly treated room it will be like hearing your system for the first time.

You are fortunate to have a room that size as you can be very precise with your seating and speaker placement.

 

johns21's avatar
johns21 OP
20 posts
 

thanks for the thoughts.

"Anyone thinking they need two systems didn't setup their HT properly." - yes, really the only downside to running everything thru my AVR is that I won't have the tubes, but I guess that's just a mental thing I'd need to get over.  I've dreamt about them for a long time and finally kinda got the point where I have the room and the speakers and the equipment, and it all seems to be not working as planned.  But everything else seemed to be simplified with running with only 1 system, just a little bummed if nothing else.

The room is kind of a multi-puropse room, HT/TV room, my office, my guitar room, my reloading equipment off to one side.  So while I know those professional acoustic panels and bass traps are probably the best option, I'm hoping to find some treatment ideas that can keep this looking like a somewhat "normal" room, if that makes sense.

ricred1
2,005 posts
 

I just decided to add HT to my 2-channel again. I purchased a Marantz Cinema 50 AVR to drive my center and rears. I use my Corus's HT bypass to allow my amps to drive my front speakers. So far, it'd been a disaster with ground loop noise that I haven't been able to eliminate.

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