2. amps-preamps
  3. 1019001720

2 Channel pre-amp...where to start...

I have a dedicated HT/2 channel listening room. I know, it's not the best of both worlds but the room was designed for this purpose with complete acoustical wall and ceiling treatment (Owens Corning).

As I selected equipment, whenever a trade-off was involved I favored 2-ch stereo. That's how I ended up with 2 Aloia pwr amps vertically bi-amp (quite nice). The front end for the past couple of years is a Theta Casanova. HT is great and the audio is pretty good as well.

Now thinking of adding a 2 channel pre amp but because of the configuration I need one with a unity gain input (HT pass through) and remote control. The ones I know of are C-J and McCormack. I'm sure there are others. Aloia pre-amp doesn't have the pass through or would probably be an obvious choice. Since I will be looking in the pre-owned market I will have to read reviews, get some input and take a chance without auditioning. I don't like using (abusing) the local dealers and then purchasing elsewhere.

What other options to consider? Where to start? Thanks.

Speakers: Dunlavy Cantata
Source: Audio Aero Capitole
rap
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
It is a shame that you need a preamp for HT pass through, because the Capitole sounds best run directly into amps.
soix
9,456 posts
 
In addition to those mentioned above, Adcom(GFP-750), Rogue, and VAC also offer stereo preamps with HT pass throughs. Of course any stereo preamp will work if you have a line level input open, you'll just have to set a reference volume level on the stereo preamp when doing HT--this obviously opens up many more choices for a stereo preamp, but is a little less convenient. Best of luck.

Tim
bwyoung
143 posts
 
My Krell KRC-3 has HT throughput. I love it.
nighthawk
259 posts
 
Jeff Rowland Synergy IIi has a unity gain pass-through. Beautiful visually and sonically. Rrsclyde, I believe the Pass X1 has the 12V trigger output.
7p62mm
97 posts
 
Another approach would be to add a two port passive selector switch in series with the input to your amp. One port facing your two channel audio preamp and the second port facing the home theatre processor.
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