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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
markprice's avatar
markprice
35 posts
 

Hi Johns

For many years I tried to build a 2 channel system using my home cinema amp but gave up in the end. The DAC in the AV amp simply isn't up to it. I proved this to myself when I bought a Audiolab MDAC+, the difference was amazing. Detail and Soundstage were the 2 biggest differences. This set me off on a bit of a hifi obsession, I now use a DCS Bartok as a DAC through BHK 300 mono's into Kef Reference 5's. Non of these form any part of my AV set up.

For that I use an ONYKO TX-NR 3030 Atmos 11.2 receiver, Kef Ref 4 speakers, Kef Ref model 200c centre, 4 x Kef Q95 Surround speakers and 4 x Kef Q95 Height Speakers and A kef TDM 45 Sub. Epson Projector.

I am fortunate to have a decent size room to accommodate all this stuff, 21' x 19' with a 13' ceiling height. My HiFi system sounds so much better than the AV set up that I spend 95% of the time listening to music now, via Qobuz.

So, to answer your initial question, Yes you definitely need 2 separate systems, especially if you want the best out of your 2-channel set-up

Mark

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

IF you have the space, two systems without a doubt. Movies are radio with pictures.

Large screens can be covered with a quilt for HiFi. Projectors suck compared to OLED, well actually compared to any modern direct view.

Use subs that have dual inputs for HiFi and HT e.g. Martin Logan X series, Anthem, etc. Get subs that have full control: Multi slope and continuously variable XO, continuous phase, polarity inversion.

 

kota1
2,706 posts
 

The DAC in the AV amp simply isn't up to it

Interesting, I added the Sony Signature TAZH1ES DAC/headphone amp/pre for the same reason. I tried it as a preamp in two channel mode but prefer the use of the room correction of my Marantz processor. Now I just run it via the RCA connection into the processor. Another benefit of the outboard dac approach is that it is easier to upgrade a dac then swap out an entire processor or receiver.

kota1
2,706 posts
 

Projectors suck compared to OLED

No, they both have advantages. I found a good way to take advantage of Dolby Vision on my non DV PJ was to use a Zidoo device. The DV engine in the Zidoo is able to be read with the HDR in my PJ. Even DVD's look awesome (maybe not OLED awesome but how much is a 120 inch OLED? LOL)

jrwaudio
345 posts
 

I have 2 channel and AV 5.1 in my low profile credenza I have a Oppo BD Blu-ray player that has RCA sub out that goes to my two Subs and HDMI that goes to my Emotiva XMC-2 AV preamp Also BNC digital out to my Exogal Comet Plus DAC From my DAC l go XRL out to my tube ARC LS15 preamp and from there to my VAC tube amp So when l want to listen to my 2 channel rig l select coaxial out on my OPPO to my DAC When l want to listen to my 5.1 with the OPPO, Firestick, LG OLED or Xbox l select the output on my Emotiva XMC-2 I use the XRL from my Emotiva to my subs also I have two set of speakers Towers with built in powered subs and Maggie’s and use both in my 2 channel and 5.1

 

 

 

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