2. home-theater
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Building HT, 2 channel audio guy needs help

I’m an old audio geek – vinyl and R2R are still my preferred sources. Always had my system for music only in its own room and a separate (decent, but consumer-brand) “theater-like setup” with a 52” flat screen. Well, just moved to a new house and lo and behold, the house has a real theater room (also ideal sonically) with 100” screen and ceiling mounted (obsolete) front projector.

So now, it looks like my audio system will have to do double duty – switching back and forth between audio and theater modes as needed. Need some help on a new preamp or processor for the audio system to serve the theater needs. Here’s my audio system at present:
Oracle Mk I TT (upgraded to Mk II suspension) w/ SME arm and Benz Micro cartridge
Revox A-77 R2R
Conrad Johnson 2200 power amp
Conrad Johnson PV5 tube pre
Magneplanar 1.7 Speakers
Infinity powered subwoofer
McIntosh MI-3 maximum performance indicator

My inclination is to get new/used preamp or processor capable of handling the theater needs –
- (HDMI or RCA) input from cable box for audio
- Center speaker and surround speaker output (powered or otherwise) – I have an old Threshold CAS2 power amp that could be used for the rear speakers
For the video, I plan to use the cable box directly into the projector in order to make it possible to stay with a more audiophile friendly preamp.

Of course, I am not looking to break the bank given that I have been happy with what I have (sonically speaking) – maybe $2k-$3k (new or used) – or perhaps that much plus whatever I would get selling my PV5. Then I can still buy a projector to replace the out of date one that came with the house as well as a center speaker and surround speakers for the theater.

First things first – can I humbly ask the community for some ideas on the pre/processor for this system?

Thanks – Jim
jmarki@aol.com
jmarki
baranowski
240 posts
 
If you are looking for a preamp for hometheater only and not so much two channel i would get a mid of the line used receiver and just use it as preamp using its pre outs to your amps. get something with one of the more updated room correction systems. same the money.

if you are looking for a preamp for the home theater and use it for two channel as well... well then opinions will vary... some good reviews for the new marantz av8801.... people say does well for both... you can pick up a new one for a little over 2k if you shop around.

Bill
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
I doubt you will easily find a 5.1 receiver that you would like as well as your PV5, especially given that you like tube equipment.

You could keep your PV5 and simply add a 5 channel 5.1 receiver or pre-amp, although it is a little inconvenient. A typical configuration is to have a 2 channel pre-amp that has home theater bypass inputs, which simply passes the L/R channel line level signals through to the amp, bypassing the volume control. That allows you to keep you 2 channel system in place and add a HT receiver. Since you do not have a HT bypass, you can emulate one. You can just put the HT L/R line level outputs into an unused input on the PV5 and then figure out the volume level on the PV5 that amounts to unity gain. Then each time you want to use the HT you just set the PV5 to that volume setting and run the 5.1 receiver as normal. That will allow to get a mid-level 5.1 receiver without compromising your 2 channel setup.

If you get a receiver you can use its amps to drive the backs and maybe use the receiver or your Threshold for the center.

If you want to simplify into just a 5.1 receiver or pre then finding one you like as much as the PV5 may be difficult. Marantz, Arcam, Anthem, Integra are certainly possible.

The real issue is how important it is 2 keep your 2 channel sound intact.
jmarki OP
9 posts
 
Thank you both. That Marantz may be the way to go though as Dc says, it will be a sacrifice giving up the tube preamp. Here's hoping my aging ears will be none the wiser. Thanks again.
Jim
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