[Maceo23]

I'm looking for a tube preamp with HT bypass.  Currently, I have the VTL 2.5 on the top of my list.  However, I've really been smitten with AVA gear since hearing a system with a T-7 pre and Ultra 550.  I was wondering if there is an option for an HT bypass on the T-8.

[Lefty052347]

Yes there is.  We install a toggle swith on the back of the pre-amp.  The pre-amp doesn't even have to be on in the bypass mode.  Cost is $100 or less but I can't remember the exact cost.

Regards,
Dean

[avahifi]

The HT bypass switch is a $50 option on all new AVA preamplifiers.

It sends the signal from any source directly to the audio output jacks bypassing all internal active circuits, controls, and swithing functions.

It can be combined with the buffered tape output option ($200) which provides a high current, low output impedance unity gain active circuit to drive difficult loads and long cable runs better than any source can do  by itself. With the buffered tape option combined with the HT Bypass switch, the AVA preamp needs to be turned on while used in the bypass mode.  Without the buffered tape output option, the preamp need not be turned on to use the bypass mode.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[Maceo23]

Thanks for the reply guys, can used unit be sent in to have the bypass installed?

[avahifi]

Yes, we can retrofit the HT Bypass switch to many older AVA preamps as space allows.

The cost would be $100 plus return shipping.  The cost if ordred as an option when we are building a new preamp for you is $50.

Thanks for your interest.

Frank Van Alstine

[I.Greyhound Fan]

The bypass works like a charm.  I had the upgrade done to my Ultra preamp along with the mosfet upgrade.  Its money well spent.

[Maceo23]

Thank you Frank, I will definitely be in touch in the near future.

[Listens2tubes]

I'm confused. My T8 passes all inputs but the phono section out the tape outputs unpowered. Right now I'm listening to my tuner thru the speakers of my computer which is fed by Tape Out 2. Only switch I need to throw is the power switch on the preamp to off. 

So what does the HT Bypass do different?

[avahifi]

The use for the HT bypass is so that the user in an HT system does not have to move cables to go from either a pure two channel audio system to a surround sound system.

In the two channel mode with sources plugged directly into the preamp, the preamp drives the amp and main left and right speakers.  The HT system is not used at all.

In the bypass mode, the preamp is just a pass through connection from the left and right HT processor outputs to the left and right main front amplifier and speakers.

If the buffered tape outputs are installed (active circuits in the HT bypass signal path) the preamp does need to be turned on even when in the bypass mode.  Without this option, the signal path in the bypass mode is passive straight through and the preamp not be on.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[Vulcan00]

This is one of the best improvements in the Line in my opinion. I will be sending my pre-amp in. Plus I wanta know more about this super amp also.