Audio and HT - Finding Balance

Start with the hippocratic oath: "first, do no harm."

If you really want to keep a high-end audio setup and add HT, you should seriously consider front projection if your room allows. I've been room-constrained now for 4-5 years, but am preparing to take the plunge. With low cost DLP projectors like the Plus Piano ($3K) and $1500 for a good screen, you can have a set up for not much more than the cost of a large rear projection set, that provides a BIG picture, without a large box sitting between the speakers that obstructs the soundstage. When I'm not watching movies, I plan to cover the screen with a wall-hanging quilt that will provide some acoustic treatment.

Also, look for a processor with an analog pass-through. Depending on what front end you have, you may not want to use the D/A conversion in a HT processor, unless you're buying a true top of the line model. Analog pass-though is becoming pretty common because of SACD and DVD-Audio, fortunately.

Do you have L/R speakers that are salvageable from the fire? If so, you need to select a center channel that matches very closelt in timbre - selecting one from the same manufacturer is almost a must unless you can do a lot of home auditioning.

Why don't you post waht equipment you're planning to use as the basis for the system. You'll have no trouble elicting lots of opinions! Good luck. - Rob

Focus on two-channel first and foremost. Once satisfied, add a subwoofer and tv (Plasma, or front projection would be best to keep things clean). If your pre has two sets of main outs then one set can go to the sub and the other to the amp.

I believe that if you get the 2-channel right, then you'll enjoy your movies almost as much.

I had the same question for my own system. I didn't want the HT corrupting the 2 channel--since 2 channel is really my passion. I went with an pre-amp that as a 2 channel bipass for my 2 channel system. Then I use this bypass for the 2 main channels in the HT system. While it's not important for the general discussion--the preamp is a Mark Levinson 380S, and the HT processor is an EAD Ovation. There are many great 2 channel pre-amps that have this bi-pass option.

It is too bad that nobody makes a simple piece like the old Adcom GSP-560 that is AC-3 / DTS capable with a bit more power. I think that it would sell like hotcakes as it was both convenient and practial due to solving this very problem. Sean
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Just to clarify my situation. None of my original equipment survives, so I am back to square one, building from scratch. There really isn't a set budget - once I decide what I want in a new system, I'll set an appropriate budget and start shopping.

I'm really trying to answer a more general question. In the "old days" I would get the best combination amp, pre-amp, tuner, cd player, phono (probably skipping that now due to DOA record collection), and pair of speakers I could afford. Lots and lots of options in products/quality/price, but, generally speaking, one architecture. Easy to upgrade one piece at a time.

Now, with HT, I don't know if that logic applies anymore. For example - I could build the system above and then have a completely seperate HT setup with a different architecture. This would maintain flexibility, provide good sound, but double or triple the cost. Or, I could just build a great HT system and also use it for music by turning the unused parts off. Or, there may be 50 other options out there. I feel lost, because I don't know what all the choices are.

And, I get more confused as I type 8-{ This must be why I lurk and don't post.