AVR: Internal 2 CHANNEL AUDIO MODE. OR: HT BYPASS (external equipment for 2 CH Sources)


1. AVR, every one I had includes an AUDIO MODE for 2 CHANNEL which sends ALL signals ONLY to L & R Amps/Speakers. True 2 Channel sources, OR, ’unencode’ or ’down-mix’ surround to 2 Channels (often sounds better). Critically, surround center signal goes equally to L/R. Poorly done surround or cable created pseudo surround is ’put back together’.

or

2. HT BYPASS: separate L/R inputs direct to AVR’s L/R Amps (at full gain). You send volume controlled L/R signals (devices with their own volume control or via a preamp). (I’ve never had one, nor anyone I know).

https://hometheateracademy.com/home-theater-bypass/

In both cases, the AVR L/R amps only are driving the L/R Speakers, thus the amp’s sonic signature is the same. Using ’better’ equipment to feed the same amp?
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Why HT Bypass? Shortage of Inputs?

Blu-Ray players play CD, SACD so that’s already covered.

Aside from everything else, you need 2 remotes if you use HT Bypass (to control 2 Channel Volume).

Pure Signal? Many AVR’s offer ’PURE’ or ’DIRECT’. Many preamps offer tone bypass, i.e. Pure, Direct. Thus the preamp is simply a source selector and volume attenuator.

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IF I wanted ’better’ 2 channel equipment, I certainly would want ’better’ L/R amp(s) (most probably Tubes) so the AVR will be off and a method to get to the L/R speakers is needed.
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And, let’s not forget, the need for VIDEO (creating and maintaining L/C/R Imaging over WIDE multi-person viewing audience) is fundamentally different than AUDIO (refined/precise 2 Channel Imaging for a single listener).

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My contention: a specific speaker solution for WIDE L/C/R imaging for Home Theater, and try/use the AVR’s 2 Channel MODE for 2 channel source and force 2 channel to see if a surround source might sound better (often does). Simple Mode button, same volume, single remote.

2 Channel Music: a separate speaker type, thus a separate system.

I’ve always had a dedicated PC (even prior to HDMI) as an optional source for my HT, that’s my streamer and full net access, You Tube, Netflix, Prime etc. is on Smart TV’s now, but not in the old days. Even then, PC the source, I often find trying the AVR’s 2 Channel Mode sounds better. Audio and Video on the motherboard, no fan noise of dedicated video card.




elliottbnewcombjr
soix

HT Bypass is a DIRECT INPUT to the AVR Front L & Front R AMPS.

It USES the AVR’s primary L/R amps, at full gain, it does not bypass them, it does not involve other amps.

i.e. A CD Player, with it’s own Volume Control, like my Oppo 105 can be plugged into the HT Bypass, therefore get the Oppo’s superior processor’s 2 channel music signals, but the AVR amps are driving the main L/R speakers. However, the Oppo’s superior video (I don’t use mine) needs to be a direct input to the AVR, so ....

Several sources, thru your ’best in the world’ Preamp, still go to the AVR’s L/R amps thus the AVR is still driving the speakers, the preamp a switcher with volume control.
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Using separate amps for 2 channel is a different solution than the 2 options I mention here:

1. AVR’s Internal Audio Mode (auto-select/selecting/forcing 2 channel), or
2. external volume controlled sources (single direct, or several thru a switcher i.e. preamp or integrated pre-out) via AVR’s HT Bypass INPUT.
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Back to my Oppo 105. I can send it to one of the other AVR Inputs. IF 2 channel SACD or CD, the AVR will ’know’ it’s 2 Channel, OR, I can ’force’ 2 channel mode via AVR’s remote. 1 remote, or 2? Why/

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Let’s not forget, those of us with Home Theaters have chosen our AVR’s, and are very happy using them for Movies, any content involving Video. Most of us, I bet, use the HT more than the Music System, I sure do.

Many people do not have either the space, desire, funds for 2 systems, so, a ’dual’ system is often sought. Is the HT Bypass any better, that’s the question.

I contend the Imaging is fundamentally different for Video or Music, but, if you get a nice wide l/c/r image, you can always sit in the middle when listening to music.

Bass extension, i.e. SUBS with smaller Mains become an issue, i.e. Are the SUBS IN or OUT in your setup. I advise planning the crossover location so the subs are still involved in the AVR’s 2 channel mode. ’SUBS IN for either AVR Internal 2 Channel Mode, or HT Bypass method.


luxmancl38

Interesting, what are the equip model #s? I'd like to see the features/options, often these alternate uses are not apparent.

I once searched for integrated amps with remote balance controls (and volume), discovered many were buried menu items, not mentioned in product literature, had to download and read the manual, and often discovered remote controls were not shown in product photos.
artemus_5

Many times I have been too clever for my own good. Wives are good at reveling this. Takes us years to admit it.
deadhead1000, others

It's easy to pontificate and dismiss (not you, others in any HT thread), but many people want/need to solve the problem: HT for the family, and optional better 2 channel for music. Two sets of speakers not possible, and equipment space limited in the HT.

With a simple operational scheme. We sell our souls for convenience, gotta avoid that.

I think you got it, go for the easiest operational hookup, live with that sound quality, my contention, use the AVR's 2 channel mode, and even try that mode for content with surround, you may be surprised how much better it sounds, especially programs with musical content. I like surround for Blackhawk Down, Dinosaur Stomps, but MOST musical content sounds better in 2 channel mode.

or

two systems: HT or 2 CH Music.

2 sets of speaker wires with banana plugs to a 4' long female banana pigtail from the speaker works. I used to run 3 amp comparisons (2 channel): McIntosh MC2250 SS; Fisher Tube Receiver 500C; Fisher Mono Tube Amps. I put a hook on the wall behind the speakers to hang 3 sets of color coded speaker wires so I didn't need to bend much.

Everyone chose tubes over SS (sold the McIntosh), using a Cayin AT88 with remote volume now, the Fisher Receiver and Mono Amps idle now.

Then and now, everyone chooses LP over CD, and R2R tape over LP.






2 amp switch

https://www.amazon.com/Amplifier-Receiver-Speakers-Selector-Switcher/dp/B0796KGVXT/ref=asc_df_B0796K...

being cheap, or impatient until something arrives, I’ve used equipment ’backwards’,

like this Niles Speaker Selector, used ’backwards’, can be an amp switch for the front speakers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264779064938?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=533...

Not sure about internals, impedance protection, anybody know ’right’ and ’wrong’ about this ’too clever for my own good’ solution?