Adding 5.1 to 2.1? (1 Viewer)

[EricMen]

How does one incorporate a HT setup and the associated decoding to a 2-channel integrated amp system?

I am planning to create a phantom center channel, so if I added another 2-channel integrated amp and a DVD player that included the decoding like say the Denon 3800 (or any one of many), would that work?

I obviously would like to use the speakers and amp I already have, just unsure how to accomplish this.

Thank you in advance,

Eric

 

[AaronJB]

To get 5.1, you either have (common ways)

A. A receiver with 6-channel inputs and a DVD player that does the DTS/DD decoding. This would be in the case of an older receiver/shelf system that may, for example, only have pro logic. In this case, analog cables are connected from the 6-ch output on the DVD player to the 6-ch input on the receiver.

B. DVD is connected to receiver via 1 optical cable.

I believe there are external decoders available, but I don't have any experience with them and don't know exactly how they work or if/how they would be integrated into your system.

 

[Craig_Kg]

What you propose would work but matching the volume levels for the front & rear amps & sub would be a PITA (unless the DVD player has an internal volume control).

It would be easier to get a cheap receiver that has preouts (or make lineouts) so you can use the receiver as a source for the 2 channel amp to drive the fronts and use the receivers amps for the rears. Then you only have to calibrate the receiver for a reference volume setting on your 2 channel amp and just set the amp to that volume whenever using the system for HT.

 

[EricMen]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Craig, I didn't think of the volume issue. That would be a PITA. What if the int. amps were identical (or at least same brand/manufacture) and you could control them with one remote?

I don't mind your suggestion of the receiver as the rear amp and processor, although I was sort of trying to justify purchasing the Denon DVD 3800.

Is anyone using any of the above options? Or am I nuts and should suck it up an purchase a pre/pro designed for HT or a 5/6 channel pre amp?

 

[Craig_Kg]

You could use identical amps off the same remote but there's still the sub.

As for the rest, it all depends on how much you want to spend. Personally, I think receivers are all you need for HT. If you are into multichannel SACD or DVD-A, then that's a different story.