combining HT Stereo?


OK, I tried to get the best of both worlds: HT & Stereo by mixing components. I have a Harmon kardon 500 receiver, which I use as a pre-amp for music and surround sound for HT. I have a Classe 300 amp for music that powers BW Nautilus 804s. I also have some BW 602's which I use for surround speakers. I tried running the classe amp with the 804's for fronts, with the HK running the 604's for the rears in HT, but the 804's drown out the 602's and I really cant get the dialogue. so far, the best option I came up with is to just use the tv speakers for the dialogue, and use the 602's for surround, and shutting down the 804s. I really think I am short changing myself in both worlds. the 804's lack bass for straight stereo. what should I do to maximize my system? I was thinking about wiring the 804's also to the HK for home theatre fronts (leaving the classe amp OFF of course, do I also need to unhook the wires?) and getting a sub-woofer to give me the missing bass for stereo. And then possibly getting a center channel to complete the system. Any feedback?
thanks,Joeb
joeb
There is always compromise in a dual-purpose system, however it has several economic and convenience advantages, which is why I do it. First off, I would get a sub, which is critical for home theatre, and pretty important for 2-channel. Rel works great for me, as you can connect a sub out for HT, and straight from your 2-channel amp for music. It'll play both simultaneously if you want, and sounds terrific. I definitely would get a center channel speaker as well. In 5.1, the center handles a majority of the signal. You can futz with connecting multiple inputs to the 804's, but an easier solution might be to get a stereo preamp with a HT pass-thru. This is how I set mine up. Good luck.
Wait a minute, the stereo pre-amp with a HT pass-thru will only work if you can get your HK receiver to spit out a line level signal for the fronts.
Without a center channel and sub, you may be wasting your time tweaking the HT side of the system. As Dbwl noted, the center channel carries the vast majority of the signal in HT and the sub is critical for the LFE (.1) channel. Can't comment on the other aspects of combining HT and 2 ch; I have 2 separate rigs.