2. home-theater
  3. 1095901843

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
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?
reubent
7,048 posts
 
I just want to reiterate what I said earlier and what everyone else is telling you. Based on our knowledge AND personal experience (many times over) You DO want to run the L&R front pre-outs from the receiver to an unused line-level input on the integrated amp. You MUST use the receiver (or some other kind of external box) to perform the pre-amp and volume control function because you need ALL channels to track the same volume level.

I (and the other posters) have used this type of setup and it works flawlessly. It is also the simplest and least expensive option.

Simply connect your dedicated music sources to the integrated anp. When you want two channel music, play it as you do new.

Hook up HT sources (DVD, VCR, TV, Cable-box) to the HT receiver. When you want to watch HT, Turn on the receiver in addition to the integrated. Select the apporpriate input on the integrated amp, set the volume to your "pre-defined level" on the integrated and now your HT receiver controls everything. Once you have selected the correct input on the integrated and have set the volume to the :pre-defined level", your integrated simply acts as an external amp running off of the receivers front L&R pre-outs.

Enjoy,

TIC
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