Follow up on 2 Channel/HT system build
lxgreen -- Tue, 04/21/2009 - 12:17
I know this has been discussed but i am still confused on how to use my front L/R speakers with both my 2 chanel system and Home Theater system. This is what i currently have.
Rotel RSX-1058 AV receiver. 5.1
Cary 120s 2 channel amp
Calypso 2 channel preamp
This is what i would like to do:
Connect TT and CD player directly to 2 channel preamp to 2 channel amp with front L/R speakers for 2 channel music. these front speakers are connected to the 2 channel amp, not the Rotel receiver.
Connect DVD player to Rotel via HDMI (or multichannel). Rotel feeds center, sub, and surround speakers
Front L/R pre out from Rotel to 2 channel preamp in bypass mode.
The idea is that when i listen to 2 channel sources like TT and CD, the feed goes directly to 2 channel preamp and amp which is connected directly to the front L/R speakers.
To view and listen to DVDs, the Rotel would server as the processor, feed the center, sub, and surround speakers, but the front L/R speakers would be driven by the 2 channel amp via the preouts from the receiver (after going through bypass on the preamp.
However, this does not seem to work. A call to Rotel tech support has given me some convoluted solution using the 2 channel out from the dvd player, using the tape outs, all going back through the Rotel.
Is this just a Rotel issue or am I missing something here??
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I have a similar set-up. Here's how it works. Run all your multichannel sources into the Rotel (DVD, satellite, etc) and all the two-channel sources into the Calypso. Connect the Rotel's left and right outputs to one of the Calypso's line inputs. Connect the Rotel's center and surround outputs to a multichannel amplifier.
Put the Calypso into "Bypass" mode with the front panel button. This sets the Calypso's gain at unity—the input level is the same as the output level, and is unaffected by the Calypso's volume control. In this mode, it's like the Calypso isn't in the signal path; it simply passes the signal at its input directly to its output.
Calibrate the system normally. When listening to multichannel, select the input on the Calypso that is fed by the Rotel, and be sure to engage the "Bypass" button. The Calypso drives the left and right amplifiers, and the Rotel drives the center and surround amplifiers.
This is explained in detail (with drawings) in my book Introductory Guide to High-Performance Audio Systems.
This arrangement provides uncompromised two-channel performance and multichannel in the same system.
Let me know if you need any clarification.
Thanks, I will try this but i do need to clarify something. You mention that i should connect the Rotel left and right outputs to the Calypso. Is this the Rotel Preout output? I thought i tried that but did not get any sound. My understanding is that the Preout is analog. if i am using HDMI cable from dvd does that make a difference or should i be using the multichannel outputs. I tried using the multichannel cables and was stymied as well. thanks for your help.
Group,
I have a different approach for you, which is more audiophile oriented. First, my approach would force you to set two volume controls anytime you want to do more than 2 channel listening, etc. The belief is first that you have a audio quality difference between the 2 channel pre and the rec. So, that wasn't the case, you wouldn't still have the pre, right. Hookup up the 2 channel as norm. Run the HDMI straight to the TV. This is optional.Now, the tricky part is whether your DVD player has multiple outputs simultaneously active. If it does, I would take the digital out from the DVD player and run it to the rec. The Rec will only be responsible for audio for your center and rears. What is not being done is the use of any bypass. I do a enlarged variation on this in my home setups. However, be aware that before Blu-Rays it was very normal to have so/so audio from your DVD and the use a bypass and accepting a decrease in audio quality was acceptable versus the convience of using just one volume control.
Yes, it's the Rotel's left and right preamp outputs that you connect to the Calypso. The Rotel takes in the multichannel digital signal, decodes it, and converts it to discrete analog outputs that appear on the preamp-out jacks. When testing, be sure that the Rotel is in a multichannel mode, that the Calypso has the correct input selected, and that the Calpso is in "Bypass" mode.
I'm not sure I understand Mitchell Erblich's suggestion.
hello, i just want to ask if i can do the same thing to my set up i have two receivers and i wanted to connect the yamaha rxv661 to the older yamaha rxv359 using pre outs from the 661 connected to the multichannel inputs of the rxv359. would my set up produce the desired sound say dolby formats or dts formats and the latest sound formats or am i going to degrade the sound quality by doing this? or it is not going to work at all and end up burning my two systems, i am really a music lover and movie addict and i love to hear the best possible sound from my systems. i am going to connect only the front speakers so as not to strain my 661 having separated the fronts and use the 359 as the connection to the front channels. i had this idea because i am no longer using the 359 and i dont want to keep it forever in the box. considering that the 359 is 100 watts per channel and the 661 is only 90 watts per channel. is this possible sir? thanks in advance..
by the way i have ps3 and onkyo dvd player as my sources.
You could, in theory, connect two AVRs this way. You would have to leave one of the AVR's volume control at the same position. If the AVR does not have an analog-bypass function, the incoming signal will be converted to digital and then back to analog, degrading the sound. I would stick with one AVR.
i've been following this story as i'm contemplating a similar setup. this is probably a dumb question but i'll ask anyway. is it possible to run speaker wires from both amps to the same speaker and allow which ever system that is active to drive the speaker? (front l/r outputs from rotel and 2 channel outputs from calypso to both front l/r speakers).
as an alternate would a high quality speaker selector switch (choose between rotel or calypso outputs)
the reason i'm asking is related to how easy is will it be for my wife to switch between 2 ch & 5 ch when i'm not around (can i program a remote to do this).
thx
the reason i'm asking is related to how easy is will it be for my wife to switch between 2 ch & 5 ch when i'm not around
This sounds like a real problem, if you make this too complicated, which it shouldn't be. I have two other options for you.
1- Why don't you just sell the pre-amp? Use the Cary amp to power the fronts from the Rotel. No fuss, still great sound, no monkeying around every time you play a cd.
2. Have a local dealer come over and hook it up.
jjeff - NO, you can never hook up a speaker to two amps, the current flows right through to the other amp and both amps instantly go Zappola. Seriously, if you are asking this question pay a dealer to come over and do it right so you can enjoy your gear for years instead of spending money to get it fixed. Or at least spend $20 on Mr Harley's book.
No speaker selector switch, they all add grunge to the sound. Just drop the preamp idea if you have an avr and all this seems like too much fuss.
Should sound great when you're done, enjoy!!
I agree with foxtrot that you should not connect two amplifiers the same pair of speakers, and should not use a speaker-selector switch. I disagree, however, with the idea of getting rid of the Calypso. Even through the Rotel is one of the best-sounding AVRs available, it will not outperform a $4500 dedicated preampliifer.
You could try foxtrot's suggestion and listen for yourself to see if the hassle of having a preamp and a controller are worth it.