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Preamp only? Bypass Necessary?

Forgive what may be some repetition as this subject has been discussed before.

 

Earlier threads discussed the limitations of an AVR’s preamp section to reproduce 2-channel music, specifically the sound quality. The discussions focused on use of the AVR pre-outs to connect an external preamp or integrated amp with an HT Bypass. As one respected forum contributor put it”

 

“The whole idea of the HT bypass is to do just that — have your higher-end sources completely bypass the AVR. Once they enter the AVR in any fashion, the higher-quality audio signal is effectively ruined. Specifically, the front L/R preouts from the AVR get routed into the stereo preamp’s (or integrated’s) HT Bypass input along with all other critical 2-channel sources connected to other line inputs thus “bypassing” the AVR while the stereo pre allows the AVR’s front channels to pass through it unaffected by and independent of the preamp’s volume control.”

 

From this I understand 3 things: 1) Because the AVR is still providing power to the front L/R speakers an integrated amp is not required (but could be used); 2) the preamp must have an HT bypass; and, 3) other components, such as a streamer, DAC or turntable, are connected directly to the preamp. However, elsewhere the author quoted above states:

 

“… all you’d need to do is connect the front L/R preouts from the [AVR] to an input of your choice (or HT Bypass if it has one) on the stereo preamp and that’s pretty much it. Choose that input on the stereo pre when you’re doing HT and another input when listening to streamer, CD player, etc. That’s really all there is to it, and the AVR will be completely out of the signal path when listening in 2-channel."

 

Other threads on this and other sites say or imply that an external integrated amp with HT bypass is required, so that the front L/R speakers derive power from the integrated and not the AVR.

 

I have an AVR with pre-outs and hope to clarify whether only a preamp, and not an integrated, is sufficient and in either event whether the external component must have discreet HT Bypass inputs.  

sadbird

Showing 4 responses by sadbird

sadbird OP
22 posts
 

Understood elliottbnewcombjr.

sadbird OP
22 posts
 

Hi Elliot

Thanks for your reply. As mentioned in the post, my AVR has pre-outs for all speakers. Perhaps my post was too long-winded and should have limited to the last paragraph where I stated "I have an AVR with pre-outs and hope to clarify whether only a preamp, and not an integrated, is sufficient and in either event whether the external component must have discreet HT Bypass inputs.   

sadbird OP
22 posts
 

Thanks Jerry. I get that and perhaps phrased my question poorly. Based on earlier posts, I understood one would need and integrated amp with and HT Bypass. The AVR pre-outs connected to the integrated's HT Bypass inputs, the L&R front speaker wires removed from the AVR and into the integrated's speaker output terminals and the music source components (e.g., streamer & DAC) into the integrated, not the AVR. 

The posts I included in my post appeared to suggest one may use either a preamp or integrated AND that an HT bypass may not be necessary in either of these. Thus my confusion and desire to clarify before adding components to my system. 

 

sadbird OP
22 posts
 

Soix--perfectly clear and specifically responsive to my original post.  Having read some of your previous responses, I didn't fully appreciate the solo reference to a preamp also necessarily included an amp to power the front speakers. (I wondered how the power could return to the AVR using only a preamp.)  Likewise I wasn't sufficiently knowledgeable to understand how volume would be an issue if the outboard pre didn't have an HT Bypass. Thanks.

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