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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
boomerbillone
355 posts
 

Let's not make this any more complicated than necessary. If the Onkyo has preamp outputs for the front two channels, feed those to the tube amp and connect the Klipsh speakers directly to the tube amp. Don't connect speakers to the L and R terminals of the receiver. Now you have tubes for two channel and the reciever handles the outboard channels, the center, and the subs. The preamps in the onkyo are likely better than the power output stages, so let the Onkyo make the source decicions for you. If you have good FM stations in your area, you may find FM is as good as CDs. A happy surprise!  Happy Listening.

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

^^^^^ I thought this was a HiFi forum 😲

therandyman
34 posts
 

I am using La Scala’s as my front left and right speakers.  They are part of a 7.1 Home Theater system.  The La Scala’s are powered by a tube amp.  The surround speakers are powered by a solid state amp.  The A/V processor determines the source and allocates the speakers accordingly.  For two channel stereo music, I have tubes playing into the La Scala’s.  For movies, the La Scalas are simply the front L and R speakers in a surround sound system.  Works great for both music and movies.  The La Scala’s are so sensitive that even with very low power tube amplification, you have plenty of power.

mm1tt77
155 posts
 

You can easily have both in the same space as noted by many.  For the gear you have you can make it all work with a simple switch box, this takes care of your current equipment lacking HT Bypass.  If you aren’t sure the type of box, there are several custom shops that specialize in making high quality boxes, switches based on your specific need, Pine Tree Audio is one.  The only question I would have is how the those lovely horn, high sensitivity speakers will work in a HT application.  

kota1
2,706 posts
 

 I love the OP’s gear with the Reference Premier line. Those speakers are so sensitive you could drive then with anything, you just need a big room to accommodate. The La Scala’s are classic and to integrate them with the Reference Premier I would simply call the local Klipsch dealer to make a house call, even if you pay him for his time at least it would be matched together well.

Now, if I were doing a Klipsch HT build myself I would be all over these. Love the size, the ease of placement, the flexibility:

 

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