As mentioned it allows a decent 2 channel preamp to be used in a home theatre set up as well, allowing for a hybrid two channel/ht system.
BUT, some HT bypass preamps are better designed than others. While some are unity gain units (as mentioned) they still process the signal and can impart a sonic signature which means that the 2 towers in a ht setup will have a slightly different sonic signature from the rest.
Other manufacturers, such as Cary, have a true bypass circuit. The entire preamp is bypassed so that no processing of the signal occurs. In fact, the unit can be turned off in bypass mode to save tube life in the Cary tube preamps.
kw.......
BUT, some HT bypass preamps are better designed than others. While some are unity gain units (as mentioned) they still process the signal and can impart a sonic signature which means that the 2 towers in a ht setup will have a slightly different sonic signature from the rest.
Other manufacturers, such as Cary, have a true bypass circuit. The entire preamp is bypassed so that no processing of the signal occurs. In fact, the unit can be turned off in bypass mode to save tube life in the Cary tube preamps.
kw.......