Used Pre-amp with HT pass-thru

I used the BAT VK-3i for a short period of time. It has a "unity gain" stage which effectively nulls the effect of the volume control. EXCELLENT sonics for music, and performed very well for HT as well. These can be had for $1000- $1300 here and on other classified sites. Just keep in mind that you're adding more interconnects to what should be a minimal circuit.

I'll third the recommendation for the Sonic Frontiers Line 1. It's a fantastic preamp and for the prices you can pick one up for, it's almost a steal for all that you get.

Good luck! Mike.

FT Audio LW-1 Passive

That is what I bought in order to work around that dilemma.

I wish AC-3 SS processors were more affordable.