Add surround sound to my stereo set up?

[Revs_Addiction]

So I currently have a stereo set up for music that I'm very happy with.

I want to add surround sound for films, (have already bought the speakers), but don't want to compromise on sound quality for my music.

Limiting factors are:

1. No more speakers! So running a separate AV Receiver with dedicated AV front speakers is not an option.
2. Budget. I don't want to spend mega bucks on a receiver, to get one that sounds great playing music and could replace my current music amp.

Can I use my current amp to power my current speakers for front sound effects, and a dedicated AV amp to power the centre and rear speakers and do all the processing?

I'm sure this ins't ideal, with both amps running, and the issue of balancing the volumes of each amp, (do you have to turn both up at the same time, or does the av amp 'take control' of the stereo volume? However I listen to music more than watching films, and am more critical about the sound quality for music than I will be for film soundtracks.

Any thoughts or suggestions for another option I've missed?

Cheers!

[Revs_Addiction]

Thanks for the feedback.

I think I'll try the pre-out route 1st, and if I'm not happy with the balance, use the speaker switch thing so the AV amp is powering the front effects when watching films.

For the pre-outs, is it simply a case of interconnects between the AV amp and an appropriate input on the stereo amp?

I've just had a quick browse at Richer Sounds, and there seems to be lots of cheap options with pre-outs:

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/y...

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/s...

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/p...

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/m...

http://www.richersounds.com/product/av-receivers/d...

Any experience of any of the above?

Going to pull the trigger on one at the w-end I think!

[Revs_Addiction]

My stereo amp is an Arcam Diva A85. Speakers are Tannoy DC6T for music, and I've bought some Tannoy DC4 for surround duties, and a DC4LCR for the centre.

[Revs_Addiction]

JimbobVFR said:

Revs_Addiction said:

My stereo amp is an Arcam Diva A85. Speakers are Tannoy DC6T for music, and I've bought some Tannoy DC4 for surround duties, and a DC4LCR for the centre.

Doesn't the A85 have a HT bypass anyway, that will make it much easier to integrate with an AV amp, no faffing with volume levels.

I have absolutely no clue I'm afraid! It's certainly more, 'computery', for want of a better word than a traditional power amp. Lots of processor settings and the like that I've never fiddled about with.

[Revs_Addiction]

Well I've just picked up a used Denon AVR 2807 for silly money, hooked up my CD player to it, and it's actually VERY good with music. Certainly good enough for me to box up the Arcam in the short term to avoid a definite divorce!

The Denon is bloody HUGE and along with the recently acquired centre and surround speakers has given our living room the feel of an AV demo room!

Once I get a hifi cabinet I'll come back to this thread and get the Arcam out of retirement, and also get a sub to finally kill off my marriage!