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

The preamp (C8) in my HT system doesn’t effect the HT sound at all. I have a new McIntosh mx100 processor. The processor only offer balanced in/outs everything is super clean and natural. I think matching manufacturers helps too. 

Raysmtb1, nice lookin processor and makes sense with mac amps.

Millercarbon,

i need to go both ways, 2 ch and multi. 
 

need center for voices when doing ht.  A good thing. Mains still do really well.  Any chance u could be more open?  

I use 2 preamps w/out HT pass through. W/my Bryston 3B Cubed I hook up my balanced connections from my amp to my Krell Showcase processor and w/the single ended connections I power my Luxman CL 38U SE tube preamp. All I do is flip the balanced and unbalanced switch on the amp.  

emergingsoul, much of HT is two channel, so by using the Ayre preamp I get the benefit of its superb sound. I use the Bryston SP3 more as an HDMI receptacle than surround processor -- I often set it to stereo for cable. I use KEF Reference 1s for front LR, KEF Reference 204/2C center, and LS50s for side and rear surrounds. Sources for HT are Cox Cable and an Ayre DX-5 DSD disc player, for music Roon via Ethernet to an Ayre QX-5 Twenty streamer and the disc player.