2. amps-preamps
  3. 189742-150037

Preamplifier sound Quality impact in home theatre bypass

I’m wondering if insertion of a pre-amplifier between the AV processor and the amplifiers negatively impacts sound of home theatre. It has no impact on stereo listening since source of stereo sources are connected directly to the pre-amplifier and don't involve the AV processor.

This is done as part of my Home theatre bypass configuration and it works really well but I’m wondering if I’m diminishing openness of what I’m listening to.

I initially did this because I wanted the tube pre-amplifier to influence sound since I had a solid state amplifier. However now I have a tube amplifier and the benefits of the tube pre-amplifier may not be as much of an impact. However taking pre-amplifier out of the chain is not ideal.

emergingsoul
signaforce's avatar
signaforce
139 posts
 

I have a Rogue preamp I use with HT bypass. The AVR plugs into specific HT bypass RCA ports, which are only activated with the Rogue OFF. Therefore no effect on tubes, and unless the HT relay switch is defective, no impact on sound. A simple pass through. 

bobbyloans
61 posts
 

I’m going to have to agree with carlsbad2 on this one. I have a Parasound pre amp with theater bi-pass and never looked at it the same way as my 2 channel audio system.  Only a bi-pass for convenience…Everyone’s ears hear what they hear 

erik_squires
15,805 posts
 

I've never had an issue.  Usually it's a straight wire bypass.

 

skads_187
17 posts
 

Never really noticed a difference. Used to use it with moon, now use it with a Sudgen preamp. I would need to test it out, but the Sugden is on standby when HT bypass in in use. 

emergingsoul OP
947 posts
 

if there’s tubes involved it probably goes through the tube circuits on the preamp even when it’s in bypass.

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