How do I... tie my old stereo to "HT"?

[1655graff]

My old stereo system includes and is based upon an Onkyo Integra RS pre-amp and amp (2 channel). This 1980's "classic" is still working quite well and VERY valued in our home. I DO NOT want to replace my Onkyo pre-amp/amp.

My Turntable, separate AM/FM Tuner, and CD magazine/carosel all connect into the pre-amp which has a signal synch function/cable into the amp. To date, my TV, VHS, DVD Player, and Sony PlayStation (ye ol' v1) have also been connected (as a daisy chain) to the AUX input to the pre-amp. And this set up provides a nice amount of stereo volume/separation. However,
-- when we re-did the room, I did put speaker wires in the wall for surround and back surround speakers (in case I do ever buy them). And,
-- the DVD player recently died so I'm looking to replace the DVD Player.

And, so I am wondering if there is some way to possibly tie-in the stereo (amp?) to HT perhaps via some kind of HT DVD Player? If so what do I look for? And, what models/brands are well thought of?
- I'm presuming the Front Speakers (i.e., old stereo L+R) will need some kind of separate pass-through while the others would be "amp'd" in this arrangement. How do I take care of this?
- I'm wondering how the signal split/crossover for HT Center speaker will be handled. How is this typically handled? is there a best to worst technology or way?

Or would one connect stereo & HT using a HT-processor/pre-amp (if there is such a thing)?
- And again, the questions seem to be looming there about signals and amplifier as well as about signal split/crossover at least to me.

Or is the reality actually a 3rd possibility, 2 silo'd/separate systems?

And, what are the trade-offs for each option?

 

[markw]

As much as you don't want to hear this, your best bet is to simply make your beloved stereo into a stand-alone music system and start a new HT system. It'll be cheaper and most likely better in the long run.

About all you can really "salvage" from your current stereo system is a two-channel power amp and perhaps some sources.

Your first investment will be a stand-alone pre/processor and more power amps, not to mention a voice-matched center speaker to match your front R/L speakers. Likewise, if MC music is your hope, I'd suggest voice-matched surrounds as well.

 

[Exit]

I would concentrate on the speakers first. Then you can determine how much power you need from the receiver. If the speakers are 8 ohm and have an efficiency rating of 85 or over, you can probably get by with a receiver in the $300-$600 price range with at least 90 W rms at 20-20,000 KHz etc. Speakers are good for a long time while receivers seem to have upgraded features every year, so its good to wait on buying the receiver if you need to keep withiin you budget.

 

[Davemcc]

As much as you don't want to hear this, your best bet is to simply make your beloved stereo into a stand-alone music system and start a new HT system. It'll be cheaper and most likely better in the long run.

Agreed.

I would concentrate on the speakers first. Then you can determine how much power you need from the receiver. If the speakers are 8 ohm and have an efficiency rating of 85 or over, you can probably get by with a receiver in the $300-$600 price range

Agreed.

It's great that you love your vintage gear, but there are several generations of technology between your current gear and the current state of home theater equipment. It really would be best just to start over.

 

[Pyrrho]

Although it is possible for you to buy a DVD player that decodes Dolby Digital and dts, and then use your current system for the front right and left channels, add a subwoofer and add amplifiers and speakers for the other channels, I advise you to take the advice of the others and plan on just buying a new surround receiver. If you have room for it, put your current stereo in another room in which you would enjoy listening to music, and use the new surround receiver in the room with your TV.

And, as Exit says, pick your new speakers first, and then select your new receiver (or separates, if you have plenty of money and wish to go that route). My advice is to budget most of your money on the speakers (including subwoofer), as they affect the sound far more than most other components. Listen before you buy, and listen to as many speakers as you can stand to listen to.

Also, you will want to make sure that your front three speakers are "matched", so that sounds that pan across the front do not change tonal quality when moving from the left to the center to the right. Ideally, the front three speakers will be identical, but for space and aesthetic considerations, many people use a horizontal speaker designed to go with whatever right and left speakers they select. I personally use a "bookshelf" speaker in the middle that is exactly like the front right and left speakers, and therefore I have perfect voice matching across the front.

Then, select a receiver that does everything you want it to do, and that can deal with the speakers you have selected (or add power amps, in the event of selecting speakers that are very low efficiency or a difficult impedance—this is why you select your speakers first, so you will know what kind of amplification you will need for them).