Home theater bypass and sharing stereo speakers between 5.1 and 2.1 sound

AlmaataKZ

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Jan 7, 2009
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Read a lot of posts on this and still cannot get my head around this...

If I want to have 5.1 sound (sourced from say a blue ray player) via an AV receiver (one having pre outs) and also want high quality 2.1 sound (sourced from say a DAC) via a stereo power amp - how do I connect everything from sources to the speakers and how to avoid the speakers being connected to two amplifiers at the same time (if it is possible without an additional switch)?

Arrangement 1:

DVD – AV receiver speaker outputs - 5.1 speakers (sub on high-level out)

DAC – AV receiver pre outs – power amp – 2.1 speakers (sub on high level)

As the stereo speakers part is the same in both of the above, it requires a switch to isolate one of the amps at a time

I understand there is a different arrangemtn possible using HT bypass of the AV receiver and without the need for the isolator switch – but I cannot figure it out. Can somebody “draw” it out? What is connected to what exactly? And why is it better or worth that the above arrangement?

Arrangement 2?
 
Bluray player > AV amp via hdmi lead

CD/DAC > Stereo amp via phono lead

Phono lead from front left and front right preout (AV amp) > One of the analogue input of the stereo amp

Front right and front left speaker into the stereo amp

Centre, Back surround speakers into the AV amp

When you listen to music, just switch the stereo amp on. For movies, turn on the av amp as well, and change the stereo input to the one where you have plugged your preouts into.
 
I think what you're talking about is an AV receiver with preouts used with an integrated amp with an AV bypass function. This allows one of the amp's inputs to act as a fixed gain feed straight through to its power amp section.

If you were going down the route you suggest, using a power amp instead of an integrated, the most foolproof way would be a two-in-one-out phono switcher before the power amp, with the DAC and receiver front channel preouts connected to the two inputs, and the output feeding the power amp.

Something like this, in fact - the QED ix20

qedix20.jpg


qedIX20-Back.jpg
 
Thanks, Bamboowan,

------quote----

> One of the analogue input of the stereo amp

---------

I was looking for a solution that involves only an additional stereo power amp and I think you mean stereo integrated amp. Is there an arrangmet with power amp and no switch?

Anyhow, with the additional stereo integrated amp I end up using two pre amps. Not ideal?
 
Thanks, Andrew,

--------

a fixed gain feed straight through to its power amp section

-------

if there is gain, this is not "straight" to the power amp then? so indeed using two pre-amps serially?

For the power amp based solution:

I was thinking of using a switch at the speakers stage - but cannot find any stock any more. I know QED used to do them.

Let me read into your suggestion above...

-------

If you were going down the route you suggest, using a power amp instead of an integrated, the most foolproof way would be a two-in-one-out phono switcher before the power amp, with the DAC and receiver front channel preouts connected to the two inputs, and the output feeding the power amp.

------

... so in this case the stereo speakers are only connected to the stereo power amp? ok, getting clearer.

However, in this case (front+left path: AV pre - qed switch - power amp - speakers; center+rear path: AV speaker outs - speakers), when I watch a movie, how is the 5.1 speakers volume level is calibrated in relation to each other?
 
Exactly the same as usual. The AV receiver uses only the power amp to drive the front L+R speakers, so you just calibrate as usual.
 
Andrew, this looks so much neater that the arrangement with additional integrated amp. Fantastic!

Blue ray - AV receiver pre out - qed switch - power amp - front stereo

Blue ray - AV recceiver speker outs - centre+rear+rear

DAC - qed switch - power amp - fron stereo stereo

How is the Qed sonically? is it completely passive cirquitry or does it mess with signal?
 
Haven't used the unit myself, but it's a very simple passive switch, so should have little if any effect on the sound.
 

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