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 2 responses by sogood51

sogood51
2,157 posts
 
Why don't you just run the preamp L+R outputs from your prepro into an unused input on your Musical Fidelity?...I've used this method in the past and it works very well.

You set your Musical Fidelity volume control at twelve O'clock to do a one time channel balance setup with the prepro...after that, you just set it there every time you watch a movie...very simple.

Many people use this type of hookup...you can do a search to confirm this.

Dave
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
"The above will work but you do have two volume controls in line and will degrade the sound. It is better to have an HT pass-thru"

Yep, you'll have non-audiophile hometheater sound... Of course if watch the movie you'll never know.

Dave
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