Inexpensive analog bypass: a list (1 Viewer)

[Cooper_B]

I know there are plenty of stereophonic lovers out there. Stereophile Magazine got me into this audio hobby, because my first priority is good 2-channel music with emotional clarity and some bass impact when called for.

I will eventually go home theater, but I refuse to make this "upgrade" unless I can preserve the fragile balance of my current system with CD playing. That means I am looking for a receiver that, first and foremost, offers analog bypass and simultaneous subwoofer output. Too bad this isn't as easy as I hoped.

I have a Harman Kardon 3470 stereo receiver, hooked up to a pair of Paradigm Mini Monitors, a Yamaha CDC-775 CD player, and a Velodyne CT-120 sub. The all-analog 3470 has stereo subwoofer preouts, which apparently means that it splits the source signal and sends a full-range to the amp and an analog low-pass filtered signal to the sub (somewhere high, like 120Hz maybe). That's fine, because without high-pass filtering my speakers, I get an excellent blend with the sub's filter set around 70Hz.

So I'm trying to make a list of inexpensive surround receivers that have an analog bypass with subwoofer output, along with preouts (so I can use my 3470 as an amp for the front 2 channels). Oh, and I may end up getting the Paradigm X-30 crossover and route all bass through that. Here's what I have so far:

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* Denon 2802 - preouts, analog bypass w/sub out
Yamaha RX-V630 - preouts, analog bypass??
Marantz SR4200 - preouts, analog bypass with NO sub out
Onkyo TX-SR700 - preouts, analog bypass with NO sub out
Sony STR-DA2ES - preouts, analog bypass with ? sub out

Harman Kardon AVR320 - preouts, no analog bypass
Outlaw 1050 - preouts, no analog bypass?
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So the only unit that I KNOW does analog bypass AND a subwoofer out (by splitting the analog signal, DSP'ing 1 signal to go to a digital low-pass filter for the sub) is the Denon. I also would like 6-channel decoding, an 80Hz digital crossover for movies, component video switching, and a convenient way to switch between analog bypass and the other modes. This will probably mean a memory for different speaker setups depending on the current source, like the Denon has. Why should my life get more difficult when I just want to switch between DVD and CD?

The Yamaha unit looks close, as I've seen their tech support claim that Effect Off mode uses an analog bypass. However, some people believe otherwise. When I played with a Yamaha RX-V595a, Effect Off still clearly used a high-pass filter on the mains when they were set to "small", in addition to maintaining subwoofer output. That means either:
a) An analog high-pass filter (unlikely)
b) No analog bypass occurs
c) Analog bypass only occurs with Mains set to Large, in which case I don't know if the sub still works

Oh, and I say the AVR320 does not have analog bypass because I asked their email support (also posted in the AVR320 thread):

"The AVR320 does not have the analog bypass feature found in the AVR125 and AVR225. The AVR320 will process all audio through its DSP, with the exception of 6/8channel direct inputs which do not apply any bass management settings. I hope this helps."


I've spent quite awhile doing this research, but I would really appreciate it if some of you could fill in the holes and correct me where I'm wrong. And this forum is really an amazing resource, by the way!


-Cooper B

 

[Martice]

Hi Cooper. I was where you are not too long ago. Here are a couple of threads that address the Sony TA-P9000 and how it may help you and your situation. If you want to preserve you 2-channel sonics the Sony TA-P will allow you to do so by totally separating your 2-channel pre amp from your HT processor.
Here's a link which discusses the SONY TA-P9000es in detail including links to the rear of the unit.
Enjoy.

 

[Cooper_B]

Okay, I just got an email back from Yamaha, regarding their current dolby digital receivers:

"All Analog inputs are converted, even in 2 channel stereo mode. If you want a true analog bypass, use the 6 channel input.

Thank you,
Peter Gutierrez
Marketing Services Specialist"

So here's my updated list:

---------------
* Denon 2802 - preouts, analog bypass w/sub out
* New H/K AVR325 - preouts, analog bypass w/sub out
Marantz SR4200 - preouts, analog bypass with NO sub out
Onkyo TX-SR700 - preouts, analog bypass with NO sub out
Sony STR-DA2ES - preouts, analog bypass with ? sub out

Yamaha RX-V630 - preouts, NO analog bypass
Harman Kardon AVR320 - preouts, no analog bypass ?
Outlaw 1050 - preouts, no analog bypass?
---------------

-Cooper

 

[Cooper_B]

Oh, and thanks Martice for the info on the Sony preamp. That is a very interesting unit, albeit a step above what I am willing to spend. I am trying to spend < $500 for a preamp / 3-5channel amp (center, surrounds) / processor (if I buy online).

-Cooper

 

[John Garcia]

All of the Marantz x200 line have "source direct", which bypasses tone controls and bass management. This is what I use when doing "critical" listening.

I am now using the Minis full range, no sub, for music only paired with a Marantz SR4000, and I am quite pleased with it. The Minis are not the ideal speaker for music, as they kind of sounded a bit muffled in the midrange, but I am satisfied with them.

I would suggest trying to listen to a pair of Axiom M3Tis in this price range.