Combining 2 CH rig and HT rig

Ern Dog

This year I'm planning on getting a dedicated cdp and a 2 channel tube preamp. I'm trying to figure how I'll hook this 2 channel rig to combine it with my HT, as I'd like to keep my HK.

I'm thinking the best way to do this would be to put splitters on the inputs on my B&K amp- one coming from the HK and the other from the tube pre. Will this work? Any better ideas?

RuSsMaN

It'll work, just make sure they (pre/sources) aren't ever on at the same time. Shouldn't hurt anything, but stay on the safe side.

ben62670

separate 2 ch speakers and mains?

Ern Dog

I have a livingroom to fit it all in, so 2 ch speakers and mains need to be the same.

ben62670

What I did is take my 7.1 pre pro use the line out to an input on my channel pre pro. Then you just set your tube pre at a level that matches the rest of your HT setup. I don't like to add things in the signal path, but HT takes second place to 2 channel in my house. The only thing I don't really like about my suggestion is that you have to run your tube pre when HT is in use.

Ben

Early B.

ben62670 wrote:

What I did is take my 7.1 pre pro use the line out to an input on my channel pre pro. Then you just set your tube pre at a level that matches the rest of your HT setup. I don't like to add things in the signal path, but HT takes second place to 2 channel in my house. The only thing I don't really like about my suggestion is that you have to run your tube pre when HT is in use.

Yeah, this is what I do, as well. Works fine.

adam2434

Early B. wrote:

Yeah, this is what I do, as well. Works fine.

I also do this. It is a compromise, but one that puts 2-ch as the higher priority. You will need set your 2-ch pre to a specific level (I use about half way on the volume knob) and calibrate the HT channel levels as you normally would. Then you need to set the 2-ch pre at that specific level every time for HT. I've never noticed any detrimental effects of doing this.

The other route would be to get a 2-ch pre with a HT pass-through, which bypasses the pre's circuitry as if it wasn't there.

pearsall001

Pick up a nice tube pre with HT bypass & you're all set to go. It works great & gives you the best of both worlds without sacrificing anything.

reeltrouble1

pearsall001 wrote:

Pick up a nice tube pre with HT bypass & you're all set to go. It works great & gives you the best of both worlds without sacrificing anything.

That's the ticket. The Dodd MLP is oh soooo nice and has this option, Russman has the new battery operated Dodd and gives it high marks as well. Some of the Dodd ELP's had the HT option as well, if you find one that does not, Gary Dodd can modd it. The HT pre/pro should have pre-outs as well. You will not be burning tube time when in HT mode.

RT1

Ern Dog

Thanks for the suggestions.

ben62670

reeltrouble1 wrote:

That's the ticket. The Dodd MLP is oh soooo nice and has this option, Russman has the new battery operated Dodd and gives it high marks as well. Some of the Dodd ELP's had the HT option as well, if you find one that does not, Gary Dodd can modd it. The HT pre/pro should have pre-outs as well. You will not be burning tube time when in HT mode.

RT1

Do you know how the battery system works? Does it charge when not in use to keep noise down? I am using a 12v crossover in my 2 channel rig, and it works great with a computer power supply running it. I just want to cut down on noise from the power supply. Fan and electrical.

Sorry about the high jack
Ben

C3 Audio

ben62670 wrote:

Do you know how the battery system works? Does it charge when not in use to keep noise down? I am using a 12v crossover in my 2 channel rig, and it works great with a computer power supply running it. I just want to cut down on noise from the power supply. Fan and electrical.

Sorry about the high jack
Ben

Ben,
Russman talks about the battery system in this link:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46226

Take care,
C3 Audio

venomclan

pearsall001 wrote:

Pick up a nice tube pre with HT bypass & you're all set to go. It works great & gives you the best of both worlds without sacrificing anything.

This is the best option by far. I do the same with my 2 channel preamp that has HT pybass, so my system is discrete 2 channel and 5 channel in one system.
Venom

Ern Dog

Early B. wrote: »

Yeah, this is what I do, as well. Works fine.

Brad, Ben or Adam
Can you explain more specifically how to do this. I've got a tube preamp on the way that doesn't have a HT bypass and want to try your suggestion instead of using splitters at the amp. thanks

Early B.

Ern Dog wrote: »

Brad, Ben or Adam
Can you explain more specifically how to do this. I've got a tube preamp on the way that doesn't have a HT bypass and want to try your suggestion instead of using splitters at the amp. thanks

Ben explained it in the first two sentences of post #5.

The speakers are connected to a 2-channel amp, and the amp is connected to your 2-channel preamp. Run a set of RCA cables from the front L&R preouts on my receiver to one of the unused inputs (i.e., AUX) on the 2-channel preamp. So whenever you want to watch a movie, turn on the preamp, switch the input to AUX, and set the volume on the preamp to noon (or wherever it works best for you; use an SPL meter). While the movie is playing, the receiver will send the front L&R signals through the preamp, to the 2-channel amp, then onto the speakers.

Hope this clarifies it.

Ern Dog

I got it. thanks for the clarification.