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2-channel pre-amp and dedicated processor?

My small home does not allow me to keep my 2-channel analog system physically separate from "HT" digital needs. So, I want your opinion on a configuration:

use existing 2-channel system (separate pre-amp and amp)for analog sources, but connect the pre-amp's tape or aux to a surround sound processor, This will be for the left and right fronts for HT. From the processor, connect to a 3-channel amp for the left & right rears and center: for HT.

2 issues:

1. I have an excellent Class A 1980s pre-amp with a phono stage, but without unity gain or pass-through. I don't know if the tape or aux loop will work in the way I want it to

2. is there a dedicated surround processor out there? I don't need a pre-amp built in (if issue #1 becomes a non-issue)

I think my configuration idea will work, but I need your advice, and suggestions for a processor.

Thanks

J.
jpaik
russ_l
95 posts
 
Jpaik- The preamp's volume control does NOT have to be set to the unity gain position. It has to be set (each time your using the input from your HT processor) to the SAME position it was set to when you "balanced" your five HT channels during initial setup. PS- Dump the center channel; it's not needed. Good luck.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
jpaik

Unity gain is only the point were the volume control is neutral..it does not have to be at 12 O'clock but may be on most pre's. You can really set the volume control at any point. You can use a cheap receiver as pre-pro but you will need pre-outs for all channels..Outlaw audio comes to mind but there are many.

Dave
treyhoss
287 posts
 
What type of HT processor are you looking for? i.e., DD,DTS,Pro-logic - some, all, etc.. The suggestions above may work (most will) but it will be dependent on the processor you go with, which is dependent upon what you want in a processor. I had similar issues of integration in the past and I may be able to help. Can you shed some light on what you want the processor to do?
jpaik OP
42 posts
 
Treyhoss, I want to route the typical digital signals: DD, DTS, Pro-logic. A Processor won't provide high-end audio performance: it can't be a substitute for a good pre-amp, and I don't expect it to be. I would like it to be outside the music signal path, in an ideal setup. I just want it to decode. Does this help? I'm on a learning-curve, so my reply may not be sufficiently technical.

Thanks for your help.

J.
avguygeorge
2,300 posts
 
Typically receivers don't have "fronts-out". But fear not there are plenty 'stand-alone prcessors' on the used market that do. AND, typically 'both' the 2ch pre and the ht processor control the volume. You can turn either up or down. This is in the 'piggy-back'--'no pass thru' set up. ----So this is the hook-up: Fronts out into an unused input on the 2ch pre. Lets call that aux. 2nd cable/ics form your cd player goes into your 'cd' input. So for ht you switch to the aux input. For cd listening go to your cd input. For 'cd' you ain't using your ht processor. Clear as mud;right?
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