2 Channel pre-amp...where to start...


I have a dedicated HT/2 channel listening room. I know, it's not the best of both worlds but the room was designed for this purpose with complete acoustical wall and ceiling treatment (Owens Corning).

As I selected equipment, whenever a trade-off was involved I favored 2-ch stereo. That's how I ended up with 2 Aloia pwr amps vertically bi-amp (quite nice). The front end for the past couple of years is a Theta Casanova. HT is great and the audio is pretty good as well.

Now thinking of adding a 2 channel pre amp but because of the configuration I need one with a unity gain input (HT pass through) and remote control. The ones I know of are C-J and McCormack. I'm sure there are others. Aloia pre-amp doesn't have the pass through or would probably be an obvious choice. Since I will be looking in the pre-owned market I will have to read reviews, get some input and take a chance without auditioning. I don't like using (abusing) the local dealers and then purchasing elsewhere.

What other options to consider? Where to start? Thanks.

Speakers: Dunlavy Cantata
Source: Audio Aero Capitole
rap

Showing 2 responses by 7p62mm

Another approach would be to add a two port passive selector switch in series with the input to your amp. One port facing your two channel audio preamp and the second port facing the home theatre processor.
Rap, I haven't researched it at this point. I would think that a shop that caters to the recording performance side of the business would have a switch panel for selecting sources. As far as preamps are concerned if your surround sound processor has single ended RCA outputs then one of the Sonic Frontier pre-amps will work fine. They have a passive in to out connection that bypasses the pre-amp circuitry. One thing else that I would advise is to audition the audio preamp before you buy it. It MAY not make enough difference in sound quality to justify the additional cost. In my case I bought the preamp and rest of the two channel stereo kit first. Still haven't added the surround sound portion because I don't have the funds. Good luck with your system.