Is unity gain a real HT bypass?

I would guess that Unity Gain is techically different than Bypass. IMHO, bypass would suggest a direct, alternate path from input to output, whereas Unity Gain is the normal path with zero attenuation/amplification of the source signal. This arrangement allows the downstream main power amp to "see" the same signal that the upstream processor will be sending to the other amp(s) for the remaining channels.

So while it's technically different, the outcome is practically the same. As Dave suggests, if the BAT is capable (transparent, resolving, etc) of producing high quality two channel, then it should be satisfactory in a home theater signal chain.

For disclosure purposes, I have a BAT VK-3i running my dedicated two-channel rig (BAT power, Magneplanars).

That all sounds reasonable. If anyone has tried this specifically, I'd like to know the results. BTW, what do you all think of this particular equipment match - the bat vk5i with theta front end and amp, snell c/v speakers. Current preamp is a simaudio p5. Thanks. -Dave

If the preamp is a tube preamp does the bypass mode bypass the tubes and unity gain run the signal through the tubes?