All Conrad-Johnson tube preamplifiers have HT bypass (unity gain). I have the CJ 17LS and use Anthem AVM20 preprocessor for my HT. The left/right channels out from the AVM20 go to the input of the CJ. My power amplifier then drives the loudspeakers for both applications.
To me the goal is to get seamless integration where you can control both the HT system and 2-channel system from the same universal remote, in my case the HomeTheater Master MX-500. You should be able to control volume for both systems from your chair and also toggle between inputs.
This considerably narrows down the field, i.e. eliminates preamplifiers with only manual HT bypass switch or volume control.
If you are a purist who doesn't believe in remote volume control for your preamplifier, I question why you would want to integrate the two systems anyways.
Hope this helps.
Steve
To me the goal is to get seamless integration where you can control both the HT system and 2-channel system from the same universal remote, in my case the HomeTheater Master MX-500. You should be able to control volume for both systems from your chair and also toggle between inputs.
This considerably narrows down the field, i.e. eliminates preamplifiers with only manual HT bypass switch or volume control.
If you are a purist who doesn't believe in remote volume control for your preamplifier, I question why you would want to integrate the two systems anyways.
Hope this helps.
Steve