Jeff,
Yes, you will be sending the signal for the L&R front channels through 2 pre-amp/volume controls when playing HT sources. It is not the optimum setup, however it will not cause any problems. Considering both pre-amps/volume controls are only in the circuit during HT playback, it may not be noticable at all. Most front channel output comes from the center channel during HT playback, so the L&R channels aren't as noticable. Also, because HT is primarily a video sensory experience, where audio is additive to the experience, having absolute sound quality is less important.
Now, if you plan to do a lot of multi-channel music playback, you might want to consider only units with an HT bypass since audio fidelity would be more important.
Of course, this is all just my opinion based on my experience and my tolerances regarding HT sound. Some folks that are more critical of HT sound may have the opposite opinion.
Happy Easter!
TIC
Yes, you will be sending the signal for the L&R front channels through 2 pre-amp/volume controls when playing HT sources. It is not the optimum setup, however it will not cause any problems. Considering both pre-amps/volume controls are only in the circuit during HT playback, it may not be noticable at all. Most front channel output comes from the center channel during HT playback, so the L&R channels aren't as noticable. Also, because HT is primarily a video sensory experience, where audio is additive to the experience, having absolute sound quality is less important.
Now, if you plan to do a lot of multi-channel music playback, you might want to consider only units with an HT bypass since audio fidelity would be more important.
Of course, this is all just my opinion based on my experience and my tolerances regarding HT sound. Some folks that are more critical of HT sound may have the opposite opinion.
Happy Easter!
TIC