Downsizing, so integrating HT and 2 channel systems

[klettermann]

I've now got separate HT/AV and 2-channel systems located back-to-back in a large-ish room (ca. 12 x 32 ft). I'll soon be moving to a substantially smaller space and the "media room" will shrink to 12 x 17 ft, basically what I have cut in half. Something has to give and I'm struggling with how to put it all together. Here's what I've got to work with:

1. HT/AV 5.1 system: 80" TV, Denon AVR-x3600 HT amp, Maggie MMG's*, Maggie MMG C center spkr, Velodyne ULD-12 subwoofer*, Boston acoustics rear spkrs
2. 2-Channel system: Shiit Frey S preamp, DAC and other line level stuff, ML No. 332 amp*. For speakers I've got Maggies IIIa's* and KEF LS-50's to play with in addition to the above.
* FWIW, the old stuff is working perfectly - recapped, factory refurbished, rebuilt etc. I'm not keen on getting new stuff, want to use what I got if at all possible.

As it is, I'm quite happy with both systems. The MG IIIA + ML 332 is quite magical and I don't want to lose that. The AV system is also all really need. But I really don't see the best way to make one system out of 2. My thinking is:

1. For AV: MGIIIa's + ML 332 + Schiit as front speakers fed by AVR-x3600 front pre-out. Other surround speakers directly powered by AVR-x3600. Maybe go 7.1 with Boston Acoustics for side channels
   For 2-chan: As above but obviously no AVR-x3600 or rear channels.

This is fine for 2-channels I guess, but for AV it gets complicated. I don't think that the preamp has a pass-through mode so it seems like Id' be using 2 volume controls, Shiit for front and AVR-x3600 for all the rest. Quite troublesome for me and ridiculous for my wife. There must be a better way. Anybody got suggestions or ideas? Thanks in advance,

 

[klettermann]

Ticket closed!! Since posting I realized that I already had a simple solution staring me in the face! I recently got the Schiit Loki Max equalizer. Turns out that it has RCA and balanced input switching. I paid no attention to that when I got it, but now it turns out to be a great thing. It also has 3 equalization profiles presets so I can optimize for the respective inputs if need be. And a remote that controls it all. Problem solved. Cheers,