[Deftone]

How do i integrate BP26 with no HT by-pass with the SP2/SP3?Is this how you do it?Please correct me if i am wrong.I am getting the BP26 for a dedicated 2 channel stereo music listening and i know that i can it to from the SP2 for 2 channel,but i guess the sound will be different,right.Thank you and your help is much appreciated.


1. Take the front left/right processor outputs, that would normally feed the front left and right inputs of the power amp, and plug them into an spare input on the preamp.
2. Turn the volume down on the preamp and run the test signal from the processor.
3. Select the input with the processor source and slowly turn up the volume level on the preamp until you reach the target level you need (using your ears or preferably a SPL meter).
4. When the volume level is equal to the the other channels you simply mark up the volume level on the preamp - and this becomes the volume level you use in HT mode. Effectively you are manually setting the HT bypass level. To increase the volume when listening to your HT the processor volume is used, and the preamp level is a constant.
5. When you use the preamp to listen to CD's for example, you just use the preamp as normal with its volume controlling the sound level.

Read more: please help me decide - pre-pro or preamp? - Home Theater Forum and Systems - HomeTheaterShack.com

[Phil A]

If you wait a few months, the SP3 will be out.  James can answer better but it should be as good as a 2-channel preamp plus have much of the newer audio formats.  The SP2 can't do the new hi-def formats unless you use the multi-channel input along with the decoders in your Blu-Ray player.  It depends on whether you want an all in one system or not

[Deftone]

If you wait a few months, the SP3 will be out.  James can answer better but it should be as good as a 2-channel preamp plus have much of the newer audio formats.  The SP2 can't do the new hi-def formats unless you use the multi-channel input along with the decoders in your Blu-Ray player.  It depends on whether you want an all in one system or not

Phil, i am looking at a 2 channel dedicated stereo and pre amp for music listening and may go for the SP3 just for HT which i am still waiting for it release date.The problem is the BP26 does`nt come with the HT bypass unlike the BP16.

[vegasdave]

Well, get the BP16. It's a great preamp. Underrated, imo.