2 channel preamp and a/v processor setup to avoid dual volume control issues.

I stand corrected the Illusion does NOT have a HT Bypass option.  Thanks 

I give up.  Too much thinking after some Christmas Eve glasses of wine!

I believe the Illusion does have a bypass option. If I can use bypass on the Illusion how would the MX 180 digitally control the front speakers (mono blocks)?  I’m pretty lost here….

Trying to sort through the analog digital combination.  The best outcome for me would be a true analog stereo sound through my fronts (no sub) and the Roon, Chord DAC/Scaler or the turntable.  With volume through the Illusion.  Additionally, true digital surround sound through the MX 180.  Where the MX 180 is controlling signal and volume through all seven speakers including the subwoofer.  I am not sure any of these options allow for this?  Is it possible?  Thank you all for you very quick response.

JW

Use the Mc's volume for TV and movies.   Only rub is you have to make sure you lower the volume considerably on the Krell before playing other sources 

Unfortunately no easy way to do that , the Krell has no Unity Gain or HT bypass input.   

I would imagine the Krell's  ladder type volume control is virtually transparent,  I would just set it at a volume that is high enough to get good sound at the Mc's input on the Krell.   

I would not mess with extra cables or boxes

How about input/ output line level selector switch/es? I have 3 older Niles brand switches Niles AXP-1 and they do not audibly affect the sound quality at all.  They can also be connected in reverse.  They can still be found in the used market and are very well built and rugged.  If I remember correctly, they were rated at the top when it came to these types of switches.  They only have RCA terminals though.  I looked at other brands with XLR connections recently, but the ones I looked at looked cheaply built.  I'm in the market for one or two if I can find good ones, instead up using Y splitters now that most of my components have balance inputs and outputs.