Help explain what HT Bypass is for 2-channel preamps

Erik Tracy

So, I'm looking at the new Audio Advisor catalog and am reading about the Parasound Halo P7 preamp and it has a feature called HT Bypass and Analog Bass Management.

The description says the theater bypass mode makes it simiple to use the P7 and your digital surround sound receiver in the same system.

How does that work?

I'm confuzzled....:o

Face

Instead of listening to two channel through a crappy receiver, you can use a separate preamp that shares the same amp and main speakers as your receiver. Using the HT Bypass input is different than using a regular input because it doesn't add any gain. So when you're using your receiver/prepro to watch a movie, the 2 channel pre acts like it's not even there.

I'm sure if you google you can find a better explanation.

Face

Erik Tracy

Ah - thanks for the diagram - makes sense.....hmmmm....:D

DV1

Basically it by passes all the other electronic use in the HT that can add artifacts to the signal. THis way it gives you the cleanest signal to your speakers.

artinaz

In your diagram above, you might want to locate teh pre-amp before your receiver.

With the setup as above, the volume on teh preamp is going to change teh output on regular home theater.

Lets go thru this scenario with things hooked up in your diag. Lets say you have all your main and surround speakers calibrated with to 75db. Now on Saturday night, you sit down to listen to some regular 2-channel. You use the HT bypass on your receiver, so you are going to use the preamp to change volume on your left and right speakers. Now, when you go back to listening to the home theater, the volume on the left and right speakers have changed but not to your surrounds.

So, unless you have a mark on your preamp for trh reference volume- this will be a problem.

tcrossma

artinaz wrote: »

In your diagram above, you might want to locate teh pre-amp before your receiver.

With the setup as above, the volume on teh preamp is going to change teh output on regular home theater.

Lets go thru this scenario with things hooked up in your diag. Lets say you have all your main and surround speakers calibrated with to 75db. Now on Saturday night, you sit down to listen to some regular 2-channel. You use the HT bypass on your receiver, so you are going to use the preamp to change volume on your left and right speakers. Now, when you go back to listening to the home theater, the volume on the left and right speakers have changed but not to your surrounds.

So, unless you have a mark on your preamp for trh reference volume- this will be a problem.

This would be true if the pre-amp does not have an HT bypass, but what you're saying is not true in this case. The purpose of the HT bypass is to allow the pre-amp to exist outside of the receiver loop.

sucks2beme

Bottom line, no simulated surround, no music hall "effects", no extra
processing. STEREO! Parasound knows how to do this better than most
other guys. My older P/sp1000 pre does a pretty decent job of 2 channel.

Face

There's no way I'd want my receiver to corrupt my 2 channel listening. My DacMagic + Goldpoint passive makes my Onkyo sound like junk.

thsmith

Please excuse me if I am highjacking this thread.

What would be a good entry level Pre (with Bypass) for a newbie that is not going to break the bank?

I want to do what was described above.

I made the first step by not using my AVR Phono by going to a external Phono pre and the difference was absolutely amazing.

Also, would a budget minded pre have a good enough or better DAC than my AVR (Denon 2808) or would I want to add an external DAC to the Pre. For now I would like to use the analog outs on my PS3( I know, PS3 is probably not a good CDP)

Thanks,

Face

If you can go passive: http://www.goldpt.com/sa2.html
I have the 4 input version which is no longer made.

A nice budget DAC is the DacMagic by Cambridge.

thsmith

Thanks Face

SKsolutions

In the Diag, the CD-out goes straight to the 2 ch Pre via analog cable. You would be using your onboard DAC(s) in your player. Also in that config, you would be utilizing only the volume circuit in the Pre. The Receiver would not be in the chain at all. CD>analog>Pre>analog>Amp>Speaker

When you use the HT, set the Pre to bypass, and whatever signal is presented will be passed through to the amp without being attenuated. The level would be controlled by the Rec's pre/volume control settings only. Make sure it's a Pre-Out from the Receiver and not a fixed line level.

debussyj

Okay guys-I can see there's a ton of brain power here and I really need help. Here's the scenario. I have a Marantz SR-9200 receiver, complete LSI surrounds with a new SVS cylinder sub. Outside on my deck I have 4-Rockustics speakers. I want to utilize the Multi-room option. But, here's the catch, I have a Mac Mini computer, which only does digital output and not analog and multi room will only work with analog. So I bring in my PS Audio DAC from another setup connect it to the Mac Mini and connect it to the receiver. Voila, it works great outside, but hardly sounds sterling inside because I realize it's probably double processing, via the DAC and what's inside the Marantz receiver. I know I could use the signal direct button on the Marantz for inside play,but that negates use of my SVS sub, which is not a good option. I know I could use the 7.1 input and put a Y connector on the sub, but 7.1 doesn't work for multi-room. I'm planning on getting the Parasound model 2125 amp to power the outside speakers, not a biggie. But I can't figure out how to solve this problem. My only solution so far is to pick up a less expensive DAC (Dacmagic) keep it in the mix seasonally and then disconnect it when I'm not using the outside rig. If you guys have any ideas I would appreciate it. As you can see, I'm "Pulling My Hair Out"! Thanks, DJ

debussyj

No ideas for a solution to my problem? Anybody?

thsmith

Might try starting a new thread. I can't help but am interested in the outcome.