2. amps-preamps
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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
soix
10,345 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
144 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.
rap OP
58 posts
 
7p... I have been looking into this exact alternaive. I have found a couple of devices but they include volume controls and no remote or something like a Creek or Placette passive pre. Do you or anyone know of any selector only devices?
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