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Tube Home Theater PreAmp?

What choices do we have for a tube preamp with DD and DTS home theater preamp? I want the best of both worlds for Home theater and 2 channel stereo vinyl. I know that Cary Audio has a new home theater preamp but I beleive thats all solid state. ANy recomendations?
Help is greatly appreciated.
stylinlp_38
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Have you thought about one of the mods on DVD's for 5 channel tube?
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
Get the 2 channel tube preamp you like that has a pass-through for a separate HT processor. Only then will you really have the best of both worlds.

Many high-end companies will add a processor loop by special order, so don't assume any tube preamp won't work. Check with the company or a dealer first.

I am a Blue Circle distributor, so if you would like information on their tube preamps let me know. (Yes a processor loop is available on all models).
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
Sugarbrie makes an excellent point! I have a BAT VK-3i which has a "Unity Gain" setting, whereby it will pass two channels (L/R) directly to the power amp without attenuation or gain. This allows a separate processor to send its L/R signal through my pre-amp to the power amp > speakers. Of course, you would need separate amplification for Center/Surrounds and that amp would get its signal directly from the HT processor.
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
If you wan't tubes in your home theater system, for all practicality and performance where it COUNTS in an HT systme, I recommend tube amps and horn speakers, if you must have tubes for your sound...
flrnlamb
508 posts
 
My experience with the likes of the Fosgate, is compromised overall extremes. Also, no DD/DTS processing. This is a dynamic compromise to say the least, as you must process DD/DTS from your dvd player! This is not ideal, at all!!!
I've yet to come across a processor that's bassed on tubes for the preamp section, or whatever. That said, I'd still stick with the old tube preamp or amp for 2 channel, and loop in a standard 5.1 digial av pre/pro for my movies. This works, why screw with it?! You'll just have compromises all across the board, for certain!!!
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