seeking Hybrid Integrated Amp recommendations

Definitely just a matter of terminology, as “HT bypass” and “HT pass through” get used regardless of how it is actually implemented, and may be even be called “HT direct” or “A/V direct”. In one case, an input is switchable between AUX and HT, implying selecting a fixed or unity gain. Another case is a dedicated input for HT, implying a true pass through. I have seen both of these scenarios on preamps and integrated amps. I actually have an integrated amp with the HT dedicated input, and the manual states it is a direct connection to the power amp, therefore a true “HT bypass”.

Jpg1975, after doing some research for a hybrid integrated with “HT bypass”, I could not find anything for your budget. So, here’s another idea. As we discussed in your other thread, you will also need a DAC. How using the Jolida FX Tube DAC with a nice SS integrated amp?

I have done some reading on integrateds and some do have HT bypass that goes to the internal amps. There is a distinction that some companies make between a unity gain circuit, which passes through the pre-amp to the amp section but has a fixed gain of 1 and a home theater bypass, which is just a direct path to the amp section of the integrated, bypassing the pre-amp section of the integrated completely. (Some have what I am used to - a home theater bypass that passes the signal to a separate external amp, but that is another issue.)

However, I am not sure there are any under $2K hybrids with either type of HT input. I think the $4K Peachtree has that function, but is out of your price range. It also uses a tube buffer rather than an active tube preamp.

David12 - I have a Pathos Classic One hybrid, but I am pretty sure it does not have any sort of HT bypass.

PrimaLuna has a pure tube integrated (Dialogue One) with a direct pass through to the amps. But it is pure tubes, not hybrid. Nice unit, however.

On the pure SS side, Naim is often matched with Totem. The Sttaf would work well with the Naim Nat 5i2 which does have a unity gain input. Don't worry about the 50 watt output. It drives the Sttaf well.

Good luck.

Thanks for the recommendations Dtc, I will look these all up.

Several of the Musical Fidelity line of integrated amps have HT "Bypass" - they call it HT Direct.

My MF A5 Integrated Amp has an input specifically called "HT Direct".

Works great for my combo setup for HT and Music.