What to do? Combine HT and 2ch?

[Face]

I've been giving a lot of thought to combining both systems, HT and 2ch.
Here's a list of my components:
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=78806
The game plan is a Integra 9.8 Pre/Pro to control the HT and to also replace the MX115. I could use The Integra's Zone 2 for 2ch music since I don't like using a sub for music. Plus I'll still have Zone 3 for my garage.

Pluses:
Less cables and shorter lengths since my DAC will be eliminated and I'll move the pre/pro and 2ch amp to the TV stand between my speakers.
I can sell my McIntosh MX115, HK AVR 245, and Camelot Arthur v3.0 DAC. I also have a couple of misc. items to sell, hopefully this will recoup most of my money.
Elimination of one audio rack in here. A nice plus since space is a little tight.
I can get the Integra unit for cost. :D

Minuses:
Cost of the Integra unit plus new TV stand($380 shipped). My current stand is small to begin with and can't house the McIntosh amp or Integra unit.
What if I don't like the sound of 2ch through the Integra? Then again I could probably sell it and not loose anything if much at all.
No phono in. :mad:

Any input?
Thanks!

[Early B.]

Why use the Integra for 2-channel? Just get a dedicated pre. IMO, the only components a combined HT/2-channel system should share are the fronts and the amp to power them.

BTW -- you got some serious gear, dude.

[Face]

Well, part of the problem would be space with all the other components. I would never be able to get everything to fit without a large stand. It would be the amp, pre/pro, dvr box, sacd player, xbox(can stand alone), Pure AV PF60, Pure AV UPS, DAC, plus either the MX115 or another 2ch pre. Too much to fit under my TV without raising it too high.
If I was up 15 min later last night I probably would have jumped on that Odyssey preamp.
And thanks!

[Silverti]

I’m trying to put up a mix of HT and 2 channel also. I’m failing on the 2 channel side a little bit I think. But I do prefer to listen to music by 2.1 channel So right now its pretty much my Onkyo 805 to 2 outlaw 2200 monoblocks to my rti12's with my Outlaw and Energy subs.

The 805 does have the B and C channel and my C goes to my outside speakers right now.

On the flip side, I do have a little bit of rack space where I could get some better 2 channel gear in there.

[Early B.]

Well, part of the problem would be space with all the other components. I would never be able to get everything to fit without a large stand. It would be the amp, pre/pro, dvr box, sacd player, xbox(can stand alone), Pure AV PF60, Pure AV UPS, DAC, plus either the MX115 or another 2ch pre. Too much to fit under my TV without raising it too high.


Don't worry about raising your TV too high. I added another shelf to raise my TV stand an additional foot to accomodate a huge center channel, and viewing the TV hasn't made any difference whatsoever. Think about it this way -- when you go to a movie theater and sit up front, you don't have a problem looking up at the screen for a couple of hours.

[Face]

The rack I'm looking at is already 6" taller. A additional shelf would make it a minimum of 13.5" taller, which might not be that bad, plus everything would fit. As far as looking up, I should probably wait a little while since I'm currently home from work for another 3-5 weeks due to a neck and back injury. :D

[Face]

Btw, thanks for the suggestions.

[WilliamM2]

Why use the Integra for 2-channel? Just get a dedicated pre.

Something wrong with the Integra? What was it you didn't like when you auditioned it?

[Face]

Anyone else?

[tonyb]

I was never one to do so,but since I have,I enjoy it very much.Free's up cash to upgrade.Anyone who wants to bring them both into one system should buy the best they can afford.In other words,don't try and do it on the cheap or you will be dissapointed.

[Early B.]

Something wrong with the Integra? What was it you didn't like when you auditioned it?

Nope, wasn't me. A real nice, dedicated 2-channel pre will probably sound better. More options, too, such as tubes, battery powered, passive, etc.

If Face uses the Integra pre/pro, then he may compromise the "integra-ty" of his 2-channel system.

[m00npie]

The rack I'm looking at is already 6" taller. A additional shelf would make it a minimum of 13.5" taller, which might not be that bad, plus everything would fit. As far as looking up, I should probably wait a little while since I'm currently home from work for another 3-5 weeks due to a neck and back injury. :D

"Oh, my neck, my back, my neck and my back." Ezal from the movie Friday.

Hope you feel better. Whatever you can't fit, I'll store it for you at my place. I'm not that far. :D

[venomclan]

I just went through this. I was/am using my 2 channel and ht combined with the HT Pass Thru on my Krell 2 channel preamp. Wanting to consolidate, an HT pre/pro with excellent 2 channel capabilities was key. I found this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=707173&highlight=pre%2Fpro

Do not take it as the definitive pre/pro comparison, as audio is way too subjective. But it is a good guide to start research.

I ended up with a Cary Cinema 6 and it will be here next week. I am hoping it will replace my 2 preamps, dac and transport. A 2 channel pre with ht passthru may be your best bet. Only you can decide.While a dedicated 2 channel pre is probably ideal, if the Cary can get me real close I think it will suffice for me. Good hunting.
Venom

[Face]

Well, maybe I'll rearrange things and still keep the two separate systems for now.

Hope you feel better. Whatever you can't fit, I'll store it for you at my place. I'm not that far. :D
Sure, I have some Radio Shack speakers and Bose systems you can hold onto for me. :D

[kingkip]

You should buy the integra, try it out in your system, decide you don't like it and then sell it to me.

Or you could just sell me one at cost. Don't be a jerk here man.:D

I've got my 2ch and HT all combined, space issue for me too. I think that it kicks ass. Between the shop and my cave I am pretty content with real estate. Gear and tools on the other hand...