Tired of HT

I was using an HT Receiver for Movies and 2 Channel duties a couple of years ago. Like the original poster I listen to music much more frequently than I listen to music and I do not have the space for two separate systems.

The first decision you need to make is with the Left and Right Main Speakers for 2 channel. Many speakers are fine for HT but many will not cut it for quality 2 channel listening. If you like your current speakers great, if not you are in for a journey finding speakers you really like.

The efficiency of your speakers (L&R) will dictate the amount of power you need to properly drive them. I have mono bloc amps for my L&R Mains. I am using a tube preamp with HT Bypass and a Modified Transporter as a dedicated music source. A Denon AVR is used for HT duty to power the center channel and rear speakers. When I watch a movie I flip the switch on the Preamp to HT Bypass and the signal for the Left and Right Main Speakers are passed from the AVR through the preamp to the amps driving the L&R Mains. For me it is the best of both worlds.

I really appreciate the responses here! In most ways, they confirmed what I evetually came to think about home theater systems. Now believe me, I'm no audio snob but it's clear, that two systems are really necessary. A HT system in the living room for the family, and another two channel in a seperate music room. I appreciate the comments, I look forward to starting on the 2 channel system. Thanks again!

If you have the room(s) and the cash...go for it. It's a luxury to have both

Luxury???

Having two systems sounds more like a PITA to me! Wasting real estate and having two complete systems to tweak?? I'll stick with my system as it is, one that does BOTH 2 channel and HT extremely well.

The use of a good integrated designed for 2-channel but with a pass-through circuit that can be used in conjunction with a HT system is a very high performing solution. It also makes listening to concert DVDs and concert shows much more enjoyable. The two room solution may be better but hardly necessary to get high level performance in both domains.