bypass processor for 2 channel preamp?

jermmd · « **on:** 15 May 2004, 01:41 am »

I recall seeing somewhere how to do this. Could someone post a link or give directions.

I want to run the analog out from my Xindek SACD player to my Philly 7A preamp and bypass the Outlaw 950 I use for Home theater and DSP music. The 950 is connected to an EAD Powermaster 1000 amp. Is there someway to do this without having to switch inerconnects everytime I want to listen to 2 channel CD?

Thanks,

Joe M.

jermmd · « **Reply #1 on:** 15 May 2004, 10:43 pm »

I searched under "tape" and "volume" because I recalled the answer involved putting tape on the preamp volume control to match the processor.

This is what I was looking for:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=9190&highlight=tape+vol+volume

Quote

Can't comment on the cable length, but I've got my HT and 2 channel gear integrated just the way you were/are planning on doing yours. My preamp doesn't have HT pass thru but the next best thing - which is available for any preamp - is run the pre outs from the processor into another input on the preamp. I set the volume, marked it with a small piece of tape and then calibrated the HT system. Now, when listening to 2 channel, it's pure, and when listening to HT I don't have to swap anything other than changing the selection on the pre and putting the volume where it needs to be!

jermmd · « **Reply #2 on:** 15 May 2004, 11:03 pm »

Now that I've considered this, I'm not so sure. This is like passing the signal through 2 preamps and surely can't be best. I think for now I'll use the analog outs from my CD/DVD player to my tube preamp and the digital outs to my processor. When I listen to 2 channel I'll simply change the IC to my amp's L and R channel. The Philly 7A has no remote so I'll have to get off the couch anyway.

Joe M.

Hey, I have this whole thread to myself! I wonder what the record number of posts from one author in one thread is?

Doug_B · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 May 2004, 02:54 pm »

duplicate post deleted.

Doug_B · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 May 2004, 02:54 pm »

I think Byteme's solution from the referenced thread is a workable one, given you don't have a "defined" HT bypass on your pre. I gather that most AC'ers value the quality of their 2 ch portion of their system higher than their HT. The extra hop of the 2 ch portion of the HT will not be severely altered (IMO), if noticed at all. Plus, one is typically listening to a DD/DTS 5.1 source anyway, and there's the video distraction.

Doug

TIC · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 May 2004, 04:34 pm »

Agreed, Byteme's solution works just fine. Just use the L&R front pre-outs from your HT receiver into an unused input on your pre-amp. Note a pre-defined level, like top dead center, and set the pre-amp to that position when calibrating the HT setup.

Send your analog sources directly to the 2-channel preamp and send your digital sources to the HT receiver.

Now, for 2-channel music, your 2-channel rig is totally unaffected by the "lesser" HT setup. When you want to use the HT setup, switch your pre-amp to the "HT" input and set the pre-amps volume to the pre-defined level. You're ready to go.

The only downside in this case for your system is that your tube pre-amp must be powered up and warmed up whenever you listen to music or watch TV using HT. It could be slightly inconvenient and your tube life will be decreased.

Enjoy,

TIC

gonefishin · « **Reply #6 on:** 16 May 2004, 04:41 pm »

Hey PIC

(papa in Cincinnati)

Quote

The only downside in this case for your system is that your tube pre-amp must be powered up and warmed up whenever you listen to music or watch TV using HT. It could be slightly inconvenient and your tube life will be decreased.

You view this as a downside?

It's actually not so bad if you power them up only for movies...if your watching just a regular ol' movie on the Tv...just use the Tv speakers.

take care>>>>>>

TIC · « **Reply #7 on:** 16 May 2004, 04:52 pm »

GF,

You are right! If you don't need the HT sound for most TV watching, it's not a problem at all. Even if you use it all the time, it's only a couple of small signal tubes anyway. They can be pretty inexpensive unless you have a taste for NOS stuff!

BTW, baby TIC is doing fine! I have "the BOX" at the moment, but no time to listen to much of the contents. I'm sending it on the beginning of the week.....

Enjoy,

TIC

Corbin Johnson · « **Reply #8 on:** 18 May 2004, 01:49 pm »

I use the same configuration TIC recommends and it works great. John Casler was the one who recommend this configuration to me and I believe he wrote a thread on how to set it up. I set my Bryston preamp volume knob to 12:00 and set the source to "tape", which is where I input the outputs coming from my Marantz surround processor. I calibrated the speakers with the preamp volume set at 12:00. My CDP has digital output to the Marantz and analog output to the Bryston preamp. The Bryston outputs go to the power amp for the main speakers. When I play HT, I set the preamp to "tape" and set the volume to 12:00. All volume controls for HT are now done through the Marantz.

When I listen to music CD's I set the preamp to "CD" and adjust the volume to whatever my preference. One big benefit is that I can listen to music through just the main speakers in pure analog with the sub fed from the digital source through the Marantz. I can adjust the sub volume with the Marantz processor, just like having a remote operated sub crossover.

Corbin

jermmd · « **Reply #9 on:** 18 May 2004, 02:09 pm »

I misunderstood the original configuration but now I get it and it makes sense. I'll set it up this way today and expect it will be exactly what I was aiming for.

Thanks,

Joe M.

rbrb · « **Reply #10 on:** 27 May 2004, 05:36 am »

If you really want to do it properly send your pre-amp to Chris johnson at The Parts Connexion and have a HT pass through installed.