2-channel to HT?

josh_parsons626

There's a question on my mind that's been bugging me for a while now. Before you all say anything I tried searching but couldn't find what I was looking for. Let's say room issue isn't a problem, and you have your HT setup the way you want it. My dream system happens to 7.1 LSi. OK. Now, you're wanting to put a 2-channel together so you can play your music now. Would it musically be better to run it off your front HT speakers or get say this Outlaw Audio RR2150 and get 2 Outlaw monoblock amps to run 2 totally different speakers?

Early B.

It's OK to use your front HT speakers for your 2-channel system. A few of us do that. I'd suggest getting a good amp(s), preamp, and separate CD player.

josh_parsons626

Are you saying to use the amp(s) and preamp the whole HT system or get a seperate amp(s),preamp, and CD player?

Early B.

josh_parsons626 wrote:

Are you saying to use the amp(s) and preamp the whole HT system or get a seperate amp(s),preamp, and CD player?

Yeah, a separate amp, pre, and CDP for the 2-channel system. Or you can go with an integrated amp and CDP.

VR3

Alot of 2 channel pres and integrateds have HT bypasses now.

So you have a totally seperate 2 channel setup within your HT...

tonyb

If you mean combineing the two,then yep,you can do it.Many ways to go about it though.If your going to use a good AVR,then use that as your pre and get a seperate 2-channel amp for the fronts and a good CDP as a source.
Look at my sig,I did it useing my B&K AVR as a pre for 2-channel and it is used for HT as well.A universal player as a source for CD,SACD,DVD playback and a seperate Butler 2-channel amp for cd playing.Keep in mind if you go this route,use good quality gear.A 300 dollar Avr isn't going to cut it musically.
Or you go seperates on everything like others have said.Options are endless my friend.Budget,room size,waf,listening preferences all play a part in the process.

josh_parsons626

OK this is what I'm choosing for my HT setup (when my wife lets me ) Outlaw Audio 990, Pre/Pro Outlaw Audio 7700 7-channel Amp. And full LSi setup with 9's as fronts. Probably used cause I'm not gonna pay $1,000 when I can get them for like 500 off one of you guys and still in good condition. But would the 9's be good enough for a dedicated 2-channel stereo system? I would plan to run them off this Outlaw Audio RR2150 Stereo Receiver. And maybe run 2 Outlaw Audio Mono Block Amps Now tell me you experts out there could I do all this?

reeltrouble1

The 9's, will in the end, outperform the planned gear. That said, your proposed system will beat the pants off most HT. I have only read about that Outlaw receiver but it was well reviewed. Maybe someone who actually has one could chime in for you.

RT1

josh_parsons626

Thanks RT1. It sounds good to have somebody tell me I know what I'm talking about

josh_parsons626

I'm in the process of changing jobs and then my wife is wanting to move. Plus I'm wanting to upgrade my ENTIRE HT and HiFi. I still think I'm gonna put my HT I got now in my kids room. I think they'll really like that. Except I think for now I'm gonna keep my Velo and put like a PSW10 in their room. Cause they have a tendency right now to really make their HTiB sub to pound for all it's got and it gets their mother HOT cause she hates HT. LOL I just laugh even harder!!! But I just wanted to get the approval of Club Polk before I got concrete on a decision. Only thing sucks is I have to stay with my crappy system I've got right now for a long while to come.

reeltrouble1

You are talking two independant systems?? Or does the Outlaw have an HT bypass, I dunno.

Sounds like the young ones are taking mom's heat, well, at least its not you...

RT1

josh_parsons626

I dunno RT1 that's a good question. Lemme check on that for you.

josh_parsons626

You know what RT1 I dont think it has a bypass. So what would I do then? Is it still alright though to have that system setup like I'm talking about? And another thing while I'm asking dumb newbie questions, is it better for like 7's or 9's for surrounds and rear surrounds or FX's for both or one or the other? I've actually had both for surrounds (not the LSi of course LOL) but I have my Paradigm's for surrounds currently and I've had my 40's pulling surround duty at one time. Honestly though I thought the 40's did the best. Simply I think because everything was timbre matched. I still get confused though when it comes to surrounds and r.surrounds.

McLoki

josh_parsons626 wrote:

OK this is what I'm choosing for my HT setup (when my wife lets me ) Outlaw Audio 990, Pre/Pro Outlaw Audio 7700 7-channel Amp. And full LSi setup with 9's as fronts. Probably used cause I'm not gonna pay $1,000 when I can get them for like 500 off one of you guys and still in good condition. But would the 9's be good enough for a dedicated 2-channel stereo system? I would plan to run them off this Outlaw Audio RR2150 Stereo Receiver. And maybe run 2 Outlaw Audio Mono Block Amps Now tell me you experts out there could I do all this?

I think the 7700 is a better amp than the monblocks (I believe outlaw confirmed that) so save your money there.

I would not get a dedicated pre/pro for HT and then run your 2 channel off a reciever, just doesn't make sense.

Get your speakers, 990 and 7700 and then decide if the two channel is not good enough for you. If not - get a better source first, still not good enough - get a nice 2 channel preamp with HT passthrough.

You have been bench racing long enough now, the next piece of advice will come when you purchase at least 1 piece of gear twords your new system. I know waiting for you to ask will not be a problem

Michael

reeltrouble1

You are going to have to run wires from each amp to the 2-ch speakers and would have to plug/unplug at the speaker depending if you were using the HT or the 2-ch rig in the rack. If you buy a pre amp with the HT bypass, you can use just one amp, save some dough, well maybe you can save some dough!!

I would use FX for side surrounds and direct fire for the back surrounds.

RT1

josh_parsons626

Cool. Yes I have definately got my education this morning! Yeah I think I will hold off on the 2-channel for a while. You know what after I get everything and it's all broken in and I feel like I still dont like my stereo (2-ch) then I'll get y'alls advice THEN. But for now I'm just gonna go with the advice and wisdom currently. Thanks guys! But should I get the electronics (pre/pro & amp) first, before I get speakers? Cause if I would go get speakers right now I couldn't listen to them, could I? Not off my Onkyo. It would either fry them or the receiver or both. Right? Hey RT1 7's or 9's for rears?

reeltrouble1

7's and even they are overkill, but what the heck or 9's because you can and one day will have a dedicated 2-channel rig, while the HT collects dust.......not that I dont like HT, just not my passion, although more and more programming has 5.1 so I do actually use the thing for DVD and more and more for TV.

RT1

josh_parsons626

Because you can

LOL I like the way you think, brother!

josh_parsons626

Right now I'm really having subwoofer dilemmas. I really dont need nothing real great big. That's why I'm getting 9's as fronts instead of 15's because while I'll be having a decent sized room 15's in it will be way overkill. I could probably get away with 7's as fronts but I want the 9's . What do you suggest a matched up sub to blend seamlessly in with the 9's?

NOTE: This will be used for music just as much as watching HD DVD's

tommyboy

Josh (LSI, whatever), just make sure when you put this amp on your right speaker to REMOVE THE DVD PLAYER FROM THAT SPEAKER! You would not have the 35-45 degrees required for this thing to work properly! I was dumb enough not to do this and nearly blew my speakers and reciever. Now I just put some books under the left side of the amp, and I'm good to go.

Gaara

Wait can you do that? I always wondered if you could hook up two amps to one set of speakers with one set of binding posts.

Combining a nice 2 channel system with a HT works well. I personally use the same speakers and amp for my 2 channel and HT systems, but have different sources and preamps. My HT runs through the 2 channel pre, then to the amp. My pre is a passive and does not have HT bypass, but I actually prefer the sound running through it then, as I can attenuate some background noise.

As for the amps I would probably recomend getting the best amp you can afford, instead of getting two seperate amps (well one multi and 2 monos). A good performing amp should perform well for movies aswell, so long as it has enough power.

Jared

madmax

I kept trying to put two systems together and finally decided it wasn't the best idea. You just can't change something for the HT and still keep the 2 channel the same and likewise, upgrading the 2 channel messes with the HT. The speakers wanted to be in different places for the HT vs the 2 channel as well. I'd say do yourself a favor and seperate the two systems now.
madmax

LuSh

I was in the same boat a few months ago moving into my new home. I decided to use an integrated amplifier with HT-By pass...and a Home Theatre receiver. I use a Krell 400xi with a Yamaha RX-V2700 with good results.

Last night I spent over an hour listening to a friends Musical Fidelity A5 system, I've been told the Musical Fidelity A5 integrated (also equiped with HT - By Pass) is nearly as good as the separates I heard. The system really left an impression on me. Monitor Audio GR10's were the speakers, a mixture of Nordost Blue Heaven cables and Carda's.

With a very hot market in regards to dedicated high end integrated amplifiers I don't see why you wouldn't go this route. I'd be shocked if the Outlaw gear could perform nearly as well for two channel only. Most middle tier AV receivers ($2k'ish) won't be giving up much in terms of processing and often come with further advancements in connections and room calibration. I know Denon does a great job with their microphone and I love the parametric EQ of the Yamaha, it really flatens response and calibrates the subwoofer.

Just my .2 cents .

reeltrouble1

Max and Lush are giving it to you straight. I use an HT by-pass so I can do HT but the Reel Time Rig is actually geared for 2-channel, but then this is my passion and may not be yours. Using the by-pass is the best way to accomplish what you want next to having seperate rigs.

Most of all, try different things, learn, someone here posted once that you cannot buy experience, it is so true, you have to acquire things, have them around to try things, its why the hobby can be so maddening and so rewarding for some of us a lifelong passion. I know I am getting on the Zen a bit but enjoy all the gear for what it is. Without question Musical Fidelity will take the Outlaw gear, but that does not mean the Outlaw sounds bad, heck most inexpensive gear these days sounds pretty good.

Trust your ears they will tell you when to stop. This is advice I received long ago. It is an addage I have held onto all through my years in this hobby.

RT1

josh_parsons626

I honestly appreciate the knowledge and for you sharing your experiences as well. I think I'm gonna take it slow. Build up enough money for my seperates first. Which is my 990 & 7700. Then my fronts, then center, then surrounds, then rear surrounds, finally sub. Check out THEN how I feel about what it sounds like. I really do appreciate all the insight an experienced person has to give to an inexperienced person like myself.