Can SOTA Two Channel Switch to Outstanding Home Theatre and Back?

[musicfirst1]

I've been down this road in the past and have found that switching from excellent two channel to excellent (or even great or decent) 5.1 with a flick of a switch (or two) was not a realistic goal. It seems like high end processors from decades past have all but disappeared as well.

Is there anyone out there who have achieved a dual role system which minimizes or eliminates the sonic compromises of their two channel rig?

 

[LenWhite]

I optimized my media room for stereo but I also watch movies through my stereo audio equipment. A number of preamps have a "pass-through" feature (e,g, JRDG Corus) that allows your AVR to integrate and use it's own volume control.

I don't use a preamp now because my Dac has an integrated volume control. I'm using an active crossover that accepts both my Dac and AVR.

My music listening is uncompromised and the.movie.soundtrack benefits from my better.stereo gear and of course the room acoustic.

You can look and read about my system on the audio link in my signature.