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.
