[yooper]

This may be a simple question, and perhaps I am overly complicating things.

My HT and two channel viewing/listening are done within the same room.

Currently, I have an Anthem AVM-50 pre-amp and MCA-50 (5 channel) amp.

I own a pair of Salk HT3's.

I want to add a two channel amp (either Moscode or AVA) and connect it directly to a Slimdevice Transporter for music listening.

I don't want the Anthem pre-amp in the music chain, even though the Anthem does have true two channel direct which does bypass the pre-amp's processing.  I just don't think this would be in my best interest.

Here is where I am confused.  The Salk's will be connected to the two channel amp, perfect.  Now...I want to watch/listen to video, and will need the Anthem pre-amp and amp, but the Salks are connected to the two channel amp.

Do I have to disconnect the Salk's from the two channel amp, then connect back into the 5 channel amp (and visa-versa) every time I switch between two channel and HT? 

I thought I read somewhere a long time ago about using the tape out and/or rec out to achieve this?

*EDIT* Perhaps I need to add another pre-amp to achieve this?  My budget will be blown if I purchase the Moscode, but could spend less than 5 grand, if I buy all AVA.

Thanks,

Mark

[ted_b]

Yes, one variation says you could swap speaker leads at the amps (hassle).  Another: You could use a simple a/b switch at the stereo amp input end, running one set of inputs from TP to amp, the other set from the front l/r's of the Anthem to the amp.  This a/b switch, however, would likely add as much noise or theoretical connection issues as simply using the Anthem's 2 channel bypass (easiest approach that I would double blind test before i dismissed it).  It's all about tradeoffs, and if you can't hear the a/b switch or the Anthem bypass, go for it.  If you can, by all means swap amps manually (of course, as you find it a hassle, you'll be tempted to use quick release banana plugs, then were back to theoretical tradeoffs.)

[zybar]

This may be a simple question, and perhaps I am overly complicating things.

My HT and two channel viewing/listening are done within the same room.

Currently, I have an Anthem AVM-50 pre-amp and MCA-50 (5 channel) amp.

I own a pair of Salk HT3's.

I want to add a two channel amp (either Moscode or AVA) and connect it directly to a Slimdevice Transporter for music listening.

I don't want the Anthem pre-amp in the music chain, even though the Anthem does have true two channel direct which does bypass the pre-amp's processing.  I just don't think this would be in my best interest.

Here is where I am confused.  The Salk's will be connected to the two channel amp, perfect.  Now...I want to watch/listen to video, and will need the Anthem pre-amp and amp, but the Salks are connected to the two channel amp.

Do I have to disconnect the Salk's from the two channel amp, then connect back into the 5 channel amp (and visa-versa) every time I switch between two channel and HT? 

I thought I read somewhere a long time ago about using the tape out and/or rec out to achieve this?

*EDIT* Perhaps I need to add another pre-amp to achieve this?  My budget will be blown if I purchase the Moscode, but could spend less than 5 grand, if I buy all AVA.

Thanks,

Mark

Mark,

You can do this if you are willing to add a passive preamp.

This is exactly how I previously had my 2 channel and HT integrated together.

It went like this:

Pre/Pro connects to passive preamp input 1
Transporter connects to passive preamp input 2
Passive preamp connects to amp(s)

When listening to 2 channel music you select input 2 on your passive preamp and make sure the passive is full open so you can control the volume via the Transporter.

When going the HT route, you select input 2 and make sure the passive is full open, so you can control the volume from the pre/pro.

You could of course do all of the above with an active preamp as well, but I went the passive route.

George

[ted_b]

George,
But if the passive is full open all the time (as in your example) just use a clean a/b switch; no need for any potentiameter/attenuator at all.

[zybar]

George,
But if the passive is full open all the time (as in your example) just use a clean a/b switch; no need for any potentiameter/attenuator at all.

True.

The passive does give you the option to do volume control there instead of the Transporter or if Mark wants to add a third source.

George

[ted_b]

George,
But if the passive is full open all the time (as in your example) just use a clean a/b switch; no need for any potentiameter/attenuator at all.

True.

The passive does give you the option to do volume control there instead of the Transporter or if Mark wants to add a third source.

George

yeah, I just think we're getting further and further from Mark's love of the direct TP-to-amp connection. 

Mark,  you could also just swap input interconnects.  When listening to the TP, just unhook the Anthem's front l/r interconnects from the stereo amp and plug in the TP (leaving speaker cables alone and tightly connected via spades).  Use the 5 channel amp in three channel mode, leaving the front channels to your new stereo amp (George's great Moscode amp for a great AudioCircle price... ).

[Papajin]

[yeah, I just think we're getting further and further from Mark's love of the direct TP-to-amp connection.

Of course if you hook directly to the moscode, chances are you'll have to digitally reduce the volume on the transporter which IMHO will likely harm the quality far more than a passive pre in the chain would.

[yooper]

Thanks everyone, for the suggestions. 

I do have a few options to consider.

I am a newbie when it comes to the vast array of equipment available for critical two channel listening.  As I understand it, it seems many believe a pre-amp plays an important roll (even in direct two channel mode) with the quality of the audio.  If this is true, would a passive pre-amp still "flavor" the new two channel amp?  Or is this the advantage of a "passive" pre-amp.

Would someone be kind enough to recommend a couple passive pre-amps I may want to look into for this purpose?

I briefly talked to George Kaye today, and attempted to explain my dilemma.  I don't think I did a very good job of explaining myself, and didn't want to embarrass myself by rambling nonsense to him.  But he did say something to the affect that he could install a switch for me.  Does this make sense?

On Jim's Salk's website, an Active/Passive option is an available upgrade, would this solve my issue?
(Here is a description of active/passive option..Adds additional binding posts and switches to allow for future use of an active crossover. When installed, the user can choose between active outboard crossovers or the internal passive crossovers and even A/B compare the two.)

Pardon my ignorance guys, as I mentioned, I'm still learning. 

Mark

[zybar]

Thanks everyone, for the suggestions. 

I do have a few options to consider.

I am a newbie when it comes to the vast array of equipment available for critical two channel listening.  As I understand it, it seems many believe a pre-amp plays an important roll (even in direct two channel mode) with the quality of the audio.  If this is true, would a passive pre-amp still "flavor" the new two channel amp?  Or is this the advantage of a "passive" pre-amp.

Would someone be kind enough to recommend a couple passive pre-amps I may want to look into for this purpose?

I briefly talked to George Kaye today, and attempted to explain my dilemma.  I don't think I did a very good job of explaining myself, and didn't want to embarrass myself by rambling nonsense to him.  But he did say something to the affect that he could install a switch for me.  Does this make sense?

On Jim's Salk's website, an Active/Passive option is an available upgrade, would this solve my issue?
(Here is a description of active/passive option..Adds additional binding posts and switches to allow for future use of an active crossover. When installed, the user can choose between active outboard crossovers or the internal passive crossovers and even A/B compare the two.)

Pardon my ignorance guys, as I mentioned, I'm still learning. 

Mark

Mark,

Give me a call at home tonight after 8:00pm and I will try to help out.

PM me if you don't still have my number.

George