Yes you can pass the front two channels to any preamp with an open analog input. If the preamp does not have HT bypass you will need to manually set the volume each time. You can set the preamp volume at 12:00 and do a one time volume level of the fronts. You will just need to set it at 12:00 every time. Most HT bypasses just set the volume anyway. A true loop through will be better in theory but I would just by what ever preamp you want.... it is really not a big deal to set it each time.
This will sound very good for two channel because the home theater stuff will be out of the loop. In theory the extra volume control of the preamp will hurt your front in HT mode but if you can actually hear it more power to you.
The only real way to have both without compromising is to have a multi channel analog preamp and multi channel mono amps. The problem with this set up is you need to let the blu ray play control the bass management which can leave a lot to be desired.
This will sound very good for two channel because the home theater stuff will be out of the loop. In theory the extra volume control of the preamp will hurt your front in HT mode but if you can actually hear it more power to you.
The only real way to have both without compromising is to have a multi channel analog preamp and multi channel mono amps. The problem with this set up is you need to let the blu ray play control the bass management which can leave a lot to be desired.