soix,
You were kind when I got it backwards, thanks for that. I assumed the AVR would be in control, that was my error. It's completely unaware of what's happening here.
So you start with a Stereo System, and use it for the AVR's Front Signals. I'm calling it a 'Front Stereo System'.
Thus, the WHOLE POINT of it: all FRONT content is ALWAYS thru the 'FRONT STEREO SYSTEM'.
1. AVR MUST have Front L & Front R Pre-Outs (to the separate front stereo system's HT Bypass L & R inputs).
2. no speaker wires from AVR to front speakers.
3. AVR speaker wires to the Center and Surround Speakers which are only ON in Surround Mode.
4. 'FRONT Stereo System' (integrated amp or preamp/amp combo) ALWAYS what drives the Front L and Front R speakers, via it's speaker wires. (not front center, that is driven by the AVR).
either:
a. AVR OFF: 2 Channel Music (any source) thru the 'Front Stereo System'
or:
b. AVR ON: AVR's Front Signals' to/thru the 'Front Stereo System' as part of the AVR's Audio Output (any AVR Mode: 5.1/7.1 ... Surround; Direct; 2 Channel; even forced 2 channel as I often do ...).
5. Modern equipment has 'HT BYPASS' for this specific purpose
HT Bypass uses the front system amp's full gain, thus the volume must be controlled before it enters, as it would be by the AVR volume control. Relative Balance of AVR front signals to other surround channels, once set, is maintained by the AVR, unchanged by the 'Front System'.
6. Older Stereo Systems without HT Bypass can be used this way, however the coordination of the front volume can be tricky.
i.e. My Cayin Integrated has an input labeled 'Pre-In'. It works exactly like 'HT Bypass', it sends whatever it gets via that input directly to it's L & R amps, the volume is controlled by whatever is connected. It's design is to skip it's selector and volume circuits. Works for either my McIntosh mx110z preamp, or, any AVR Front signals.
i.e. An old amp, without any kind of bypass: you can use any line level input:
BUT now there is the problem of volume integration when using the AVR.
I suppose some pencil marks could be established, coordinate 'normal' on both the AVR and the amp's volume controls, then the AVR volume would control 'more' or 'less' from that pre-coordinated start.
You were kind when I got it backwards, thanks for that. I assumed the AVR would be in control, that was my error. It's completely unaware of what's happening here.
So you start with a Stereo System, and use it for the AVR's Front Signals. I'm calling it a 'Front Stereo System'.
Thus, the WHOLE POINT of it: all FRONT content is ALWAYS thru the 'FRONT STEREO SYSTEM'.
1. AVR MUST have Front L & Front R Pre-Outs (to the separate front stereo system's HT Bypass L & R inputs).
2. no speaker wires from AVR to front speakers.
3. AVR speaker wires to the Center and Surround Speakers which are only ON in Surround Mode.
4. 'FRONT Stereo System' (integrated amp or preamp/amp combo) ALWAYS what drives the Front L and Front R speakers, via it's speaker wires. (not front center, that is driven by the AVR).
either:
a. AVR OFF: 2 Channel Music (any source) thru the 'Front Stereo System'
or:
b. AVR ON: AVR's Front Signals' to/thru the 'Front Stereo System' as part of the AVR's Audio Output (any AVR Mode: 5.1/7.1 ... Surround; Direct; 2 Channel; even forced 2 channel as I often do ...).
5. Modern equipment has 'HT BYPASS' for this specific purpose
HT Bypass uses the front system amp's full gain, thus the volume must be controlled before it enters, as it would be by the AVR volume control. Relative Balance of AVR front signals to other surround channels, once set, is maintained by the AVR, unchanged by the 'Front System'.
6. Older Stereo Systems without HT Bypass can be used this way, however the coordination of the front volume can be tricky.
i.e. My Cayin Integrated has an input labeled 'Pre-In'. It works exactly like 'HT Bypass', it sends whatever it gets via that input directly to it's L & R amps, the volume is controlled by whatever is connected. It's design is to skip it's selector and volume circuits. Works for either my McIntosh mx110z preamp, or, any AVR Front signals.
i.e. An old amp, without any kind of bypass: you can use any line level input:
BUT now there is the problem of volume integration when using the AVR.
I suppose some pencil marks could be established, coordinate 'normal' on both the AVR and the amp's volume controls, then the AVR volume would control 'more' or 'less' from that pre-coordinated start.