2. home-theater
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AVR: Internal 2 CHANNEL AUDIO MODE. OR: HT BYPASS (external equipment for 2 CH Sources)

1. AVR, every one I had includes an AUDIO MODE for 2 CHANNEL which sends ALL signals ONLY to L & R Amps/Speakers. True 2 Channel sources, OR, ’unencode’ or ’down-mix’ surround to 2 Channels (often sounds better). Critically, surround center signal goes equally to L/R. Poorly done surround or cable created pseudo surround is ’put back together’.

or

2. HT BYPASS: separate L/R inputs direct to AVR’s L/R Amps (at full gain). You send volume controlled L/R signals (devices with their own volume control or via a preamp). (I’ve never had one, nor anyone I know).

https://hometheateracademy.com/home-theater-bypass/

In both cases, the AVR L/R amps only are driving the L/R Speakers, thus the amp’s sonic signature is the same. Using ’better’ equipment to feed the same amp?
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Why HT Bypass? Shortage of Inputs?

Blu-Ray players play CD, SACD so that’s already covered.

Aside from everything else, you need 2 remotes if you use HT Bypass (to control 2 Channel Volume).

Pure Signal? Many AVR’s offer ’PURE’ or ’DIRECT’. Many preamps offer tone bypass, i.e. Pure, Direct. Thus the preamp is simply a source selector and volume attenuator.

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IF I wanted ’better’ 2 channel equipment, I certainly would want ’better’ L/R amp(s) (most probably Tubes) so the AVR will be off and a method to get to the L/R speakers is needed.
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And, let’s not forget, the need for VIDEO (creating and maintaining L/C/R Imaging over WIDE multi-person viewing audience) is fundamentally different than AUDIO (refined/precise 2 Channel Imaging for a single listener).

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My contention: a specific speaker solution for WIDE L/C/R imaging for Home Theater, and try/use the AVR’s 2 Channel MODE for 2 channel source and force 2 channel to see if a surround source might sound better (often does). Simple Mode button, same volume, single remote.

2 Channel Music: a separate speaker type, thus a separate system.

I’ve always had a dedicated PC (even prior to HDMI) as an optional source for my HT, that’s my streamer and full net access, You Tube, Netflix, Prime etc. is on Smart TV’s now, but not in the old days. Even then, PC the source, I often find trying the AVR’s 2 Channel Mode sounds better. Audio and Video on the motherboard, no fan noise of dedicated video card.




elliottbnewcombjr
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,200 posts
 
deadhead1000, others

It's easy to pontificate and dismiss (not you, others in any HT thread), but many people want/need to solve the problem: HT for the family, and optional better 2 channel for music. Two sets of speakers not possible, and equipment space limited in the HT.

With a simple operational scheme. We sell our souls for convenience, gotta avoid that.

I think you got it, go for the easiest operational hookup, live with that sound quality, my contention, use the AVR's 2 channel mode, and even try that mode for content with surround, you may be surprised how much better it sounds, especially programs with musical content. I like surround for Blackhawk Down, Dinosaur Stomps, but MOST musical content sounds better in 2 channel mode.

or

two systems: HT or 2 CH Music.

2 sets of speaker wires with banana plugs to a 4' long female banana pigtail from the speaker works. I used to run 3 amp comparisons (2 channel): McIntosh MC2250 SS; Fisher Tube Receiver 500C; Fisher Mono Tube Amps. I put a hook on the wall behind the speakers to hang 3 sets of color coded speaker wires so I didn't need to bend much.

Everyone chose tubes over SS (sold the McIntosh), using a Cayin AT88 with remote volume now, the Fisher Receiver and Mono Amps idle now.

Then and now, everyone chooses LP over CD, and R2R tape over LP.






elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,200 posts
 
2 amp switch

https://www.amazon.com/Amplifier-Receiver-Speakers-Selector-Switcher/dp/B0796KGVXT/ref=asc_df_B0796K...

being cheap, or impatient until something arrives, I’ve used equipment ’backwards’,

like this Niles Speaker Selector, used ’backwards’, can be an amp switch for the front speakers.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264779064938?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=533...

Not sure about internals, impedance protection, anybody know ’right’ and ’wrong’ about this ’too clever for my own good’ solution?
soix
8,756 posts
 
HT Bypass is a DIRECT INPUT to the AVR Front L & Front R AMPS.

Several sources, thru your ’best in the world’ Preamp, still go to the AVR’s L/R amps thus the AVR is still driving the speakers, the preamp a switcher with volume control.
I think we have a fundamental misunderstanding of what is meant by HT bypass vs. a “Pure Direct” mode of an AVR. HT bypass as it’s most commonly used here is an input on the stereo preamp, not the AVR — that would obviate the whole point of a “bypass.” The whole idea of the HT bypass is to do just that — have your higher-end sources completely bypass the AVR. Once they enter the AVR in any fashion, any higher-quality audio signal is effectively ruined. Specifically, the front L/R preouts from the AVR get routed into the stereo preamp’s (or integrated’s) HT Bypass input along with all other critical 2-channel sources connected to other line inputs thus “bypassing” the AVR while the stereo pre allows the AVR’s front channels to pass through it unaffected by and independent of the preamp’s volume control. Hopefully this helps put things in a clearer perspective.
Post removed 
elliottbnewcombjr OP
5,200 posts
 
soix

Well I’ll Eat My Hat,

You are correct, I misread the link.

Wrong: I thought the AVR had the HT Bypass Input (wrong), to convert itself into a simple 2 channel amp, skipping all of it’s processing and deactivating all of it’s speaker outputs except it’s Front L & R. Wouldn't that be a decent budget solution?

I think this is Correct:

It requires both an AVR for HT Surround Sound AND a separate 2 Channel Integrated Amp with HT Bypass feature.

The HT AVR needs FRONT L & R Pre-Out.

HT Bypass is an INPUT on a separate 2 channel Preamp or separate 2 channel Integrated Amp.

here’s a list of ones with that feature I found

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

found here

https://www.avsforum.com/threads/ht-bypass-input-a-list-of-integrated-amplifiers-and-preamplifiers-that-have-one.3127374/

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Kindly explain what/how the front speakers are wired/powered.

It’s still a case of two amps to one set of front speakers isn’t it?

How does surround sound front l and front r get to the speakers; how does 2 channel music front l & front r get to the speakers.

In each case, what amps are powering the front speakers?

I think both systems must be on and the separate 2 Channel Integrated always powers the front speakers. No front l or r speaker wires from the AVR. Thus the integrated sends any 2 channel source to the front, or it sends the Surround Sound front signals via HT Bypass (should be called HT Front IN IMO).

Yes?

This presumes 2 separate systems, not for the budget minded.



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