can i pass rear out to main input on hk avr20ii

Oh? Do all channels have main-in/pre-outs? A few years ago I had an Onkyo receiver...I recall doing this and it worked fine. Once the amps are freed from their respective pre-amp outs...jumpers removed, it should work fine.

The rear pre section should not care which amps it is feeding to my way of thinking. Also, maybe you have a bad cable?

Dave

there is only one main-in. the pre-out is not bridged to an input. i will try a dirrerent cable and a different movie.

My Onkyo had pre-out/main-in for all channels (jumper pins). Once you removed the jumpers the split was complete...I am thinking this is your problem.

Dave