What's the deal with a line bypass in a preamp?

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Easy Runnin
Easy Runnin Posts: 501
in 2 Channel Audio
I recently picked up a b&k mc-101 with such a feature. Is it just to give you more flexibility adjusting the volume, or is there more to it then that?
HT- Samsung PN50B860/Integra DTR 30.3/Rt55 Fronts
Rt35i Surrounds/Cs1000p Center/SVS BP1000 Sub
2CH - B&K MC-101 pre/B&K EX-442 amp/NAD 2400 amp
Polk SDA1C, Polk Monitor 7, New Large Advents and Polk RTA 8T
BR - Yamaha CR800/Polk monitor 5
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 9,215
    edited September 2014
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    IIRC that was for active or passive volume control. Active amplifies signal, passive bypasses the gain stage. Passive may sound better, try both and hear the/any difference. Should be in the manual unless you didn't get one. I'm thinking you should be able to download one from B&K discontinued products if you don't have one.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • Easy Runnin
    Easy Runnin Posts: 501
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    The manual says in active mode the signal is processed through a 20 dB DC coupled amplifier and in passive mode it is bypassed. In active mode 9 o'clock is normal listening level, in passive it's 12 o'clock. I was wondering the reason for offering such a feature.
    HT- Samsung PN50B860/Integra DTR 30.3/Rt55 Fronts
    Rt35i Surrounds/Cs1000p Center/SVS BP1000 Sub
    2CH - B&K MC-101 pre/B&K EX-442 amp/NAD 2400 amp
    Polk SDA1C, Polk Monitor 7, New Large Advents and Polk RTA 8T
    BR - Yamaha CR800/Polk monitor 5
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
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    Could use it for Home Theater input bypass if the 2nd system is used in 5.1 + setup.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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