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Many AV receivers and processors have a home theater bypass function which allows a less compromised signal to go to the main speakers for two-channel listening.
Hey there, I have a double duty computer hooked up to my Denon and surround sound rig. I play Everquest II on it every now and then to enjoy the big tv. The main reason it is there is that I have all my cds and a growing collection of ripped lps on the computer and use it as a server as well. With the ability to purchase 24/96 files and rip the same from my vinyl, my computer is my main hires source these days.
Trey
Yes, a blend of computer, audio and video works. I have a completely integrated system in one room. This includes a networked DSL connected gaming PC/music server, a (IMO) fairly good 2 channel stereo system and a (IMO) decent HT/surround system. All of these are in a dedicated acoustically treated room.
I can play games on my computer monitor (24" LED) or through my TV (42" plasma). I can play 2 channel material through two speakers or HT/surround material through four speakers. I have a 4.3 speaker system. I run a phantom center channel. Four full-range electrostatics and three sub woofers with 6 amplifiers and two electronic crossovers (plus my other gear) leave little room for a matching center channel speaker.
It does get a little complicated/confusing occasionally. Multiple remotes and lots of associated gear contribute to this. However, I believe I've got the best of both (all three) worlds.
One warning and one recommendation..The recommendation..there are a host of good HiFi/AV magazines out there. Buy one or two. Next, when you buy a AV receiver, make sure the instructions are written for a novice in something like English. I have found some well regarded companies write in either pig English or techno-dung on the assumption the buyer is already an expert on the terms. Some even leave out entire set up steps (I bought a Denon receiver a few years ago and could not get the thing to play anything more than the radio, and I stumbled into that) I settled on a Onyko mostly because I could understand the operating manual and the connections actually seemed to do what the the manual said.
Oh, another recommendation. Most AV receivers come with a built in DAC...many otherwise expensive ($1K) receivers have a DAC in them that sound worse than my $50 Sony DVD player. Generally the newer the better. If the receiver has been out for a few years, the DAC may well be obsolete.