Tube pre w/ HT bypass?

cary audio slp 98.  very nice.  

Check out Rogue Audio...

@geof3, I looked at the rp-7, but I don't think it has HT bypass. will look further

I have an Octave Audio HP700SE that I really like a lot.   If you can, check it out.  Neutral sound with great soundstage depth.  Great for HT as well.

The RP-7 has HT-passthrough.

RP5 does. (Unity Gain In)- Phono stage as well. From the manual...

Connecting a home theater processor or surround receiver:
The RP-5 features unity gain bypass inputs that allow you to integrate your two channel music system into a multichannel home theater system. This conveniently enables you to share speakers and amps between the two without changing interconnect or speaker cables.
Simply connect the left and right front preamplifier outputs from your processor to the HT inputs on the RP-5. When the RP-5 is turned off, these inputs automatically route the home theater signal directly to the power amp completely bypassing the active circuitry in the RP-5. When turned on, the RP-5 controls your sources and outputs the audio signal to your power amp. Note that no

Oh shoot - maybe I misread, thanks!

@geof3 it doesn't have trigger inputs/outputs...so it would work properly just off connecting via XLR? interesting, will read further

The RP5 is single ended only, (RCA) as is the RP7 for the HT in’s. Not sure why you would need triggers?

Misunderstanding on my part - I thought I had to connect it to my processor (for HT bypass) and my amp. 

There is a site out of Norway that maintains a good list of integrateds and preamps with HT pass through.

Modwright, Odyssey Audio are a couple an then this has a bunch of preamps listed:

http://audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input

What's your budget?  I have a Modwright LS 100 and while I've changed many components since I've owned it, I've had zero thoughts about replacing it.  It's more of a detailed and neutral sound than "warm and smooth".  If that's what you're looking for, it might not be the right piece.  It responds nicely to tube rolling, but isn't really "tubey" sounding.

@big_greg not sure yet. wanted to stay like $3k and under for now...dont mind buying used. its my first time trying this, so don't wanna go "all out". will look up the modwright

List of gear with HT Bypass (last update Sept 2020)
http://www.audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/426-amplifiers-with-processor-input

Scroll down past the list of integreated to get to preamps.

Look for a Sonic Frontiers Line-1, or Line-2, or Line-3.  Oldie but gooooodie!  I have a Line-2 that I use in my HT hybrid system just for this feature.

My bad, I missed that cascadesphil already posted that link! 

I have owned both a Odyssey Candela and Modwright anniversary as well as my current Rogue RP 7.  The Rogue is a few steps up from the other two   Try to find a demo or buy used for around 3k.   

Dodd battery powered preamp.