I own a Levinson 380S. It (and similar Levinson models) features both two sets of balanced inputs (it is a true internally-balanced design) plus the ability to assign any input as a passthrough (note that this is not a totally passive direct mode, as the preamp does universally apply very high-quality buffering to all the inputs and outputs, but it will bypass all gain and control stages, and sounds exceedingly transparent so configured).
Beating a dead horse - Pre with Pass-Thru
I know this subject (or question) has been asked before, and I, myself, have even started a couple of threads on it. In receiving and researching (with great enjoyment, I might add) all your suggestions on recommended 'balanced' Pre's that have processor pass-thru’s, I realized that many, not all, despite being balanced, did not offer the pass thru function through the balanced inputs; or, if they did, only sported one set of balanced inputs, leaving me short, since both my processor and tranport/DAC have balanced outs.
So, I’m turning to you, the experts, once again, in hopes of finding the elusive pre. In short, does anyone know of an excellent Pre that would have:
1) More than one set of balanced inputs… AND
2) Pass-thru/By-pass function through one of its balanced inputs.
So, I’m turning to you, the experts, once again, in hopes of finding the elusive pre. In short, does anyone know of an excellent Pre that would have:
1) More than one set of balanced inputs… AND
2) Pass-thru/By-pass function through one of its balanced inputs.