Home theater pass-through unnecessary?


I have a home theater room which was set up for optimal two channel listening as well. I have gotten so into two channel listening(98% vinyl)that this is the main use of the room currently. I'm wanting to upgrade my preamp and phono section from the current BAT VK 51se and PS Audio GCPH. Many of the top contenders for preamps don't have a pass through(or even a remote). (Doshi, Messenger, Tron Syren). I would think that just using one of the inputs set to a specific level and calibrating volume with the home theater processor would work just as well as a pass through. I can also live without a remote if it means less detriment to the audio signal. Has anyone had experience with abandoning the pass through feature? Did you really miss it?
sonofjim

Showing 2 responses by bdgregory

I've done it that way and it worked as well (to my ears) as it does with passthru (I have 2 preamps - 1 with, 1 without).

As for remote control, I couldn't live without one of those.
Yeah, but what if you mistakenly switch inputs before lowering the volume on the pramp?
Not an issue. As Reubent says, you simply pick a ref point on your preamp that won't blow the doors off if another source is used.