2. home-theater
  3. 1144327521

Many questions about HT pass-through options

I'm trying to consolidate/simplify equipment in my dual purpose (2 channel and home theater) media room. The net is I want to use the same amplifiers and front speakers for both systems without recabling each time I switch.

I'm completely satisfied with my preamp (Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista) and prefer not to swap it out, but want to easily switch 5.1 (via my pre-pro) to 2 channel and back.

I'm considering a new preamp with home theater passthru, or equivalent alternatives not requiring a new pre.

My questions:

1) Exactly how is HT passthrough implemented in audiophile preamps? Is it simply a high quality switch, or is there something more to it?
2) I read in one post that the standard tape loop can be used for bypass. Is this true? Has anyone done it? Isn't there a risk to the internal circuitry of my preamp?
3) In lieu of a new preamp, is there high quality selector switch that doesn't cost a small fortune? Has anyone made one DIY, and if so, can you recommend good switch parts?

Finally - any recommndations for a good quality preamp, preferably Tube, with a really good phone section, passtrhu, and remote controllable. Budget is in the $1500 range used.

any and all advice or opinion is welcome, and appreciated
bdgregory

Showing 1 response by flrnlamb

flrnlamb
508 posts
 
I agree with Dave's method on a standard preamp, with no "bypass"/"direct" input. The auxilary or whatever works fine.
Degrade sound? Not usually a problem really. Just because there's two volume controls in line, doesn't mean degradation IME. Infact, if you're 2 channel pre's sound was pure from that input to begin with, you should have no problem with the same kind of pure sound you'd otherwise get just using the AV pre'pro for the L/R!
Yep, 12 oclock, or you can tinker.
I've, yes also, used this setup many times, and it works great.
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