Is this possible?

crazy

Greetings,

I currently have a 5.1 setup with Polk Monitor speakers and Onkyo electronics.

I am planning to upgrade to B&W speakers and Rotel electronics.

Can I integrate the 2 so that I can use the Rotel/B&W primarily for stereo listening and use them as front L & R speakers with the Onkyo/Polk setup?

Essentially, run the L&R channels from the Onkyo as inputs to the Rotel integrated stereo amp (as shown in the diagram)

audiobliss

Does your Onkyo have preouts? If it does, then you can just is as a preamp to your Rotel/B&W setup. However, Rotel and B&W deserve a much better preamp than an Onkyo receiver. If you get a separate preamp, I *think* you could just get a y-adapter for your source (DVDP?) and plit the audio output between the receiver and the Rotel pre. That way you could use either separately, or both simultaneously.

Hmm...but it'd be hard to get the volume matched up that way...

tryrrthg

it is but it would take some tweaking.

You would take the front R and L preouts of your onkyo to the AUX inputs (or any input you wish) of the Rotel. then to calibrate the speakers that are connected to your rotel you'll need to turn the volume dial of the rotel to a certain spot, say 12 o'clock. once at 12 oclock you calibrate your reciever just like you would if the speakers were connected to the receiver. (without adjusting the volume on the rotel)

Now any time you want to watch a movie you have to select the AUX input on the rotel and return the volume knob on the rotel to 12 oclock.

once that is done you would ONLY use the onkyo to control the volume while watching movies.

crazy

Hi - thanks for the tips. So looks like this *IS* possible. While this is not an optimum solution, it is a possibility.

So essentially I would connect the wires that connect to the L & R Polk Monitor 50 speakers to the Rotel AUX input correct.

Hence, the diagram would look like ...

Onkyo

L & R --> AUX input for the Rotel

Surround L & R --> Polk Monitor 30's

Center --> Polk Monitor Center Channel

Bass --> Polk Subwoofer

Does this seem right?

audiobliss

Make sure you're using the Onkyo's preouts when you're connecting it to the Rotel. That looks right to me.

Zen Dragon

crazy wrote:

Hi - thanks for the tips. So looks like this *IS* possible. While this is not an optimum solution, it is a possibility.

So essentially I would connect the wires that connect to the L & R Polk Monitor 50 speakers to the Rotel AUX input correct.QUOTE]

Crazy: The above statement is not correct. On the back of the Onkyo you should have some RCA jacks that say pre-amp out. You want the connect these RCA jacks to the input jacks of the Rotel. Then connect your main speakers (B&W) to the Rotel outputs. Leave all other speakers connected to their respected outputs on the Onkyo.
I use a similiar set-up with my Yamaha surround receiver and A B&K amplifier. It is a stop gap until such time as I can afford a quality pre-amp surround unit.

adam2434

tryrrthg wrote:

it is but it would take some tweaking.

You would take the front R and L preouts of your onkyo to the AUX inputs (or any input you wish) of the Rotel. then to calibrate the speakers that are connected to your rotel you'll need to turn the volume dial of the rotel to a certain spot, say 12 o'clock. once at 12 oclock you calibrate your reciever just like you would if the speakers were connected to the receiver. (without adjusting the volume on the rotel)

Now any time you want to watch a movie you have to select the AUX input on the rotel and return the volume knob on the rotel to 12 oclock.

once that is done you would ONLY use the onkyo to control the volume while watching movies.

This is exactly what I do, and it seems to work just fine with my separate preamp and amps. Sure, it's a compromise, but one that maximixes your 2-ch performance, which is what you're after.

Someday, I'd like to get a preamp with a HT passthrough, so I can take the separate preamp out of the chain for HT.

crazy

The Onkyo doesn't seem to have any pre-outs. Look like I am out of luck

The model I have is the TX-SR603X and I checked the manual and no mention of any pre-outs.

http://www.us.onkyo.com/download/own_manuals.cfm?cat=Receiver

*Seby*-Polk-

crazy wrote:

The Onkyo doesn't seem to have any pre-outs. Look like I am out of luck

The model I have is the TX-SR603X and I checked the manual and no mention of any pre-outs.

http://www.us.onkyo.com/download/own_manuals.cfm?cat=Receiver

mmm...bad luck. Try to sold your Onkyo and replace with a cheaper (but quality) receiver with pre-outs. My Yamaha RX-V657 is great. Other recommendations..models of Denon or HK.

audiobliss

Or just get yourself a preamp off audiogon or the FM here. You can find a good preamp for around $300.