Do you use a preamp in your HT system to improve sound?

First, get a good sounding processor. A lot of them are thin sounding, lack dynamics and bass. Anthem is not one of them. I’ve had bad luck with Onkyo and Emotiva, and find Marantz bright to harsh.

I also really llke Theta Digital, but it's hard to tell if they are even in business or not.

Second, they do make stand-alone tube buffers that can add the tube glow.

I have a mixed 2 channel / HT setup.  I use a Herron Audio VTSP-360 preamp for 2 channel.  None of the home theater components are engaged when I listen in 2 channel.  A home theater processor wouldn't hold a candle to the VTSP-360.

The VTSP-360 has home theater bypass, so I can use my main speakers and subwoofers and my monoblocks that I used for 2 channel in the home theater system also. 

Best of both worlds, unless you have room and budget for a dedicated home theater and a dedicated 2 channel system.

Not anymore. I got rid of my HT system and listen to everything in stereo now. Much more clarity.

Big greg

thx, but point here is to assess how preamps impact HT sound when preamp circuits are engaged when fed by processor preouts, and many do this.

To be honest I was having a hard time deciphering what your point was exactly. I'm still not sure. Maybe I need more caffeine.