2. amps-preamps
  3. 1205789333

Amp switcher for 2chnl to HT?

OK, here's the idea: I want to get the best of both worlds and have a 2 channel system in the same space as an HT setup. I am getting B&W N803's as new fronts for my HT. Clearly they deserve/demand great amplification. My HT rcvr is good enough for HT, but not great for 2 chnl. So I could run another great 2 channel amp from the pre-outs, but what if I want to use a great integrated, then what? And what if I want to really go crazy and add a great CDP to the equation? So I started thinking that maybe I could use an amp switcher (if something like this exists) and I could run a parallel 2 chnl system. Is this doable? Does this make sense?
jeffkad
riley804
1,224 posts
 
Search the forums that mention HT/Bypass and this will give you some ideas as to what you can do.
reubent
7,005 posts
 
Jeff,

If you plan to have a combo 2-channel/HT system and demand good 2-channel sound (I think you do since you are investing in the N803s), the first step is ALWAYS build a great 2-channel system first. That said, you can get a high quality integrated amp, preferrably with an HT Bypass/Processor Loop, and add on HT easily, even using your existing HT receiver.

I've done this many times. You simply connect your 2 channel system in the usual way, i.e. music source->integrated amp->L&R front speakers. For the HT portion you connect your HT sources->HT receiver inputs and then connect the L&R front pre-outs fron the receiver to the HT bypass/processor loop of the 2-channel integrated amp. You would then connect the center, L&R (and rear) surrounds and the subwoofer to the HT receiver.

This way, when you play 2-channel music, the HT receiver is completely out of the path and can even be turned off. For HT playback, you turn on the integrated amp and the HT receiver, select the HT bypass/processor loop button on the integrated amp and play. Don't forget, you will need to recalibrate your HT system after you initially install the integrated amp into the system to account for the difference in power/gain/sensitivity, etc.

As Reiley pointed out, search the archives. This type of setup has been posted many, many times (including 10 or more times by me alone!).

Enjoy,

TIC
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Niles makes a nice little switch box.
Otherwise, get a nice preamp like Anthem with 2 channel bypass.
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