Another silly question about HT Bypass in my pre

[Mat-with-one-t]

Hi gang.  I have a wonderful Wyred4Sound STP-se preamp (essentially passive) with loads of features, including stacks of rca inputs, and 2 sets of xlr in and out.  It also has an excellent vol control design.  It's currently paired to my awesome OAD prototype power amp (by Jon De Sensi here in Melbourne) via XLR's.

Now here's the thing:

- the STO-se has an assignable HT bypass function.

- I am aware of the intended use of HT Bypass - to bypass the vol control and run l and r front channels of a surround system and so on.

- I am interested in using a tube pre at times, especially for vinyl

- is it possible to assign a different pre to the HT bypass channel and thus be able to have the choice of either pre at any time without unplugging anything?

Does this make any sense or am I completely missing something or misunderstanding the functions?

cheers!

Mat

Edited June 1, 2017 by Mat-with-one-t

[DoggieHowser]

You could. But I believe the signal is still going through some active circuits in the W4S.

It can come in handy if you are using a power amp that might have too low an input impedance for a tube preamp.

[Mat-with-one-t]

So is that to say the signal would come from the second pre, into the W4S, and bypass its vol control, but otherwise go via all its circuitry?  Given that it runs as passive unless cranked (as I understand it) where it adds about 6dB, then would this matter at normal listening volumes?

 

I can see a few possible scenarios (where any combo of some components connected to tube pre, and some directly to W4S, may sound the best).  I currently run cd, phono via an MC phono stage, digital source (Consonance Suzanne).

 

1. Phono+phonostage (and any other chosen source>rca into tube pre with vol left in one sweet spot>w4S pre>xlr to power amp

This would leave the W4S with attenuation duties as usual on all incoming signals.  

- may cause unforeseen issues with dual paths

- would alter overall volume of each source at a given volume selected on the W4S?  Or does it deal with this automatically?

 

2. Use the HT bypass fuction when using tube pre

- downside is it bypasses the very part of the W4S that is its strength - a killer attenuation design.  Still (likely) uses rest of circuitry as discussed above

 

is this getting too complicated?  Is being spoilt between choice of tube or passive pre at the flick of a switch pie in the sky?  Could I manage a setup whereby I could A-B each source via either tube pre or passive pre (which adds gain only at higher volumes if required) and simply run them via whichever pre sounds the best?  

 

mat

Edited June 1, 2017 by Mat-with-one-t

[Mat-with-one-t]

Hi all.  I'm still mulling all this over (the idea of having multiple sources and the choice between tube (active gain) or passive pre attenuation as described above.  I thought I'd reawaken the thread and see if anyone may have some experiences here?

Mat