Preamps w/HT BYPASS that works when preamp is OFF.


I have spent quite a bit of time researching this issue here and on other fora. I have been looking for a thread that lists the stereo preamplifiers that have home theater (or "cinema," as some manufacturers call it) bypass that works while the preamp is turned off. I think this list would be very helpful to those who have hybrid systems, which seems to be the majority of audiophiles.

I will start the list with those that I know operate this way, either through personal use or through research on the internet. Please feel free to add to the list, but please limit your contributions to the preamps that meet the criteria above. I will break down the list into two parts: Preamps that have XLR HT bypass input and preamps that have RCA HT bypass input only. Please indicate next to the model listed whether it is tube or solid state, fully-balanced or not.

PREAMPS WITH XLR HT BYPASS INPUTS:
Cary SLP-05 (tube, fully-balanced)
Cary SLP-2002 (tube, fully-balanced)
Modwright LS 36.5 (tube, fully-balanced)

PREAMPS WITH RCA HT BYPASS INPUTS:
Supratek Chenin (tube)
Supratek Chardonnay (tube)
Rogue Perseus (tube)
Gill Audio Alana (tube) [HT Bypass available by request]
Aesthetix Janus (tube, fully balanced)
Aesthetix Calypso (tube, fully balanced)

If you know through personal experience that any of this information is incorrect, please feel free to suggest corrections.
asindc
quick comment on the aesthetic calypso - i've spoken to aesthetix directly about this and they confirmed that the calypso's HT bypass will not work when the unit is off or in standby mode. the calypso must be fully powered up for the HT bypass to function.
I'm the one (maybe even the only one) who's done the HT bypass on the Gill Alana.

Gill Audio can tailor the Alana to have Balanced and/or Single ended inputs and/or outputs for anything you want by using high end transformers for the conversion SE/Balanced conversion. The Alana itself is single ended.

As mentioned, my Alana passes the HT signal straight through unless it is powered on. When it's powered up, it will play from the other inputs. I hope this provides some clarification as it seems most Alanas are custom configured based on the system it's installed into.

FWIW, David Gill made several changes to my Alana to better match my SS power amps. This made a HUGE improvement to an already very impressive pre. Right now, it's getting updated to the latest spec (I think it's called mk III).
Lector Zoe. Single ended tube pre, does ht bypass when off. Interestingly, it bypasses all input signals when off! May come in handy if source had volume control...
I leave mine off because 1960's Amperex 6922s dont come cheap!