What did you add to your 2 channel system to do HT?

@carlsbad2 yeah, they're not the best, but decent for a ceiling mounted speaker.  I forget to mention that I'm using a small Martin Logan subwoofer with the two surround speakers.  That helps some.

My furniture doesn't really work with floor standers in the rear. I have a pair of Von Schweikert VR-4 sitting unused, but they're pretty huge.

I had been using some tiny surrounds by Cambridge Audio thinking the rears were mostly just ambience. I hooked up the PSB and ML sub and I hear all kinds of stuff now coming from the rear channels. 

My 2 channel HT system integration goal is great 2 channel, good enough HT.

Vantas S50A - It has an HT processor, sub out and 3 channel amp. The front R/L output is sent to my system through my preamp input so my main speakers (ProAc monitors or LRS depending on my mood) are my fronts. I have B&W Rock Solid Monitors for rears mounted on the ceiling and  B&W CC6 S2 center. I have a Rythmic 15 in sub that is used for music and HT. I have to turn the sub volume up for HT.

Through the Vantas the volume tracks with my main amp as well so my 2 channel preamp controls the whole HT set up. The only issue is that Vantas went belly up so the HT decoder is a few generations out of date.

No HT equipment is in my 2 channel signal path.

The HT system is far from SOTA, but makes great movie nights.

I use a completely separate system for video - Marantz AV 7702 Mk2, Rowland 5, Mission Cyrus 782, Vandersteen VSM-1 (x4), Hsu VTF-15H Mk 2 (x2) and a 110" screen and Queen Bee projector.

@g2the2nd with HT bypass, there is never any HT circuitry, not even a jumper wire, in your 2 channel system.  you can work on your 2 channel system all you want, upgrade it forever, and it is completely independent.  When it is time to watch a movie, your 2 channel system functions as your front 2 channels. 

Many have the wrong impression that the HT Bypass requires your 2 channel system to go through a bypass system for 2 channel sound.  It is just the opposite, your HT bypass sends the front 2 channels of the movie through a circuit that bypasses the preamp volume control to your 2 channel amp.  by bypassing the preamp, the HT decoder is now driving and controlling the volume of your 2 channel system.

Jerry

@sls883 I didn’t really answer your question. My 2 channel system is all digital, Grimm streamer, Lampizator DAC, Akustika Eterna Amp, Horning Eufrodite PM65 Speakers. I had the amp custom made with 2 inputs (functions like an HT bypass). So I just select the input that the front 2 channels of my HT system are hooked to.

I have a Marantz Cinema 50 AV receiver. I haven’t added dirac live yet, I just use the onboard software and the microphone to set it up. I have Tekton center channel and surrounds (DIs, Encores, and Electron SEs).

I have HSU Research subs.

Jerry