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How to add to my 2-chanl int. amp for home theater

I have a good two-channel integrated amp I use for music. I'd like to move to home theater inexpensively, that is without replacing my entire system. How can I add to what I have to get surround sound processing and amplification for the other channels? Ideally, I'd like a surround sound receiver that has line-level outs for the front right and left channels, so I can use my integrated amp. for those, and use the receiver for the other channels. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find one that has them. The closest is receivers that have pre-amp outs. But that would bypass the preamp stage of my integrated amp. even for music, and an inexpensive surround receiver won't have as good a preamp as my integrated amp. I'd like to spend $500 or less but will consider more expensive solutions.
ddoneff
ddoneff OP
4 posts
 
I appreciate the suggestion of using the pre-amp outs on an HT receiver for the front channels. Unfortunately, using the pre-amp inputs on my integrated amp will bypass the integrated amp for HT AND for music. Since a receiver won't have as good a preamp as my integrated amp, the sound quality will by compromised. It's not possible to connect the HT receiver's pre-amp outs to a line-level input on my integrated amp, is it?
jdcrox
119 posts
 
"It's not possible to connect the HT receiver's pre-amp outs to a line-level input on my integrated amp, is it?"
Sure is, and this is what is being suggested above. Once you have it hooked up, set your integrated's volume to an easy to remember volume, I use 12 oclock. Now calibrate your HT reciever/processor's levels. Whenever you watch a movie, set your integrated to the same position, and it will be balanced where you set it earlier. Works great.
ddoneff OP
4 posts
 
Re: connecting pre-amp outs to line ins: This won't hurt the amp? Pre-amp outs are higher level than line outs.
jdcrox
119 posts
 
It has worked for many of us. Like I said, I use 12 oclock on the integrated. And it is still a low-level signal. Even with active preamps, they act as more of an attenuator rather than increasing the signal.
satch
329 posts
 
In addition to Jdcrox: most processors/receivers incorporate some kind testlevel-noise. Hook the gear up, turn the integrated stereo-amp to 12'o-clock, sit in your listening/viewing place, and adjust the noise so all speakers give the same output. Then put in a DVD and enjoy! By the way: I just bought a secondhand Yamaha DSP-E800, a processor with built-inn power amps for centre and rear speakers, leaving the fronts to your stereo-amp. It cost me around 130 dollars (100 euro's), so maybe that's a suggestion?
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