I just received a BAT VK3i that has a unity gain function that allows for HT pass-thru. I haven't had the chance to utilize it thought because it is in a 2 channel only system.
Tube Preamp with "pass through" for HT option?
Can any of you suggest a tube preamp with a HT pass through so I can use a tube preamp for 2 channel listening and my Myryad MDP500 G6 for home theater and satellite (with the option for 2 channel too). I am just venturing and gaining knowledge into tube setups so ignore my naivity if it applies. My plan is to continue to use and Anthem MCA II Series 2 Solid State 2-channel amp to power my Dynaudio Contour 1.3 II speakers. The other amp is an Anthem MCA III series 2 which powers the center and 2 surrounds. If a tube amp like this is available without breaking the bank (again!) please suggest and how would be best to hook up? Thanks. Dave
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As Natnic mentioned Rogue has the option, but I believe the switch is toggle switch on the back of the unit. So to access it you must reach around the back of the pre to flip the switch. A 66 Magnum just sold the other day for $699. Another option, staying in the Anthem family, is the Pre 2L. It will mate well with you MCA 2. I saw one go recently for around $600. Do a search here on the 'gon for more info on each. Good luck. |
The Audio Research LS 16 has home theater pass through and the toggle is on the front. Works like a charm. You don't have to have a home theater pass through input. You can also just feed the pre outs of your home theater unit to a line in on any tube preamp but that would mean you would have to find a place to set the volume on the tube pre but you could still adjust the volume with the remote of your home theater pre. |
I have not noticed any difference between unity gain and pass through with home theater. So I would not quibble over the difference, either is fine as far as I am concerned. The BAT was just a bad fit in my system. I am probably one of the very few that actually had my soundstage shrink. Both of the above had either pass through or unity gain.
I am currently using a Levinson 523 preamp, quite a bit more than the Cary was, not a tube pre, but it is exceptional if you have the budget for it. Another possibility if you have a turntable is the Manley Steelhead with a Skipjack for source swapping. Or maybe just get the Skipjack |
@canucks0 You can use any preamp with a home theater system. The bypass is just so you don't have to set the volume from the preamp- its controlled by the remote of the home theater. But if you are bothering to set the preamp to the home theater input, just set the volume to the right setting and you're good to go! |