Best PreAmp with HT pass-thru?

All of the Big boys offer this feature now: Audio research, Krell, Mark Levinson, Classe. What ever your taste is, go for it. I do have to say I own the Audio Research Ref II and experience a little crackling noise when put in the processor input. I was told this was from the tubes and it is normal. I have never experienced it before but this is my first tube preamp. If anyone knoes otherwise or has a cure, please let me know!......thanks......Vader

If you're looking for absolute transparency I'd also recommend the Adcom GFP-750(see Stereophile, www.soundstage!.com, and www.stereotimes.com for reviews), which can be run passive or active. Another solid state unit you might consider is the new McCormack RLD-1 that really does a nice job combining the virtues of both tubes and solid state(see www.soundstage!.com). If you're considering tubes, in addition to those mentioned above there is also Rogue Audio. All excellent units with HT pass throughs that really will come down to personal taste and system interaction. Best of luck.

Tim

Sonic Frontiers SF3SE & SF2SE preamps have HT pass throughs. Used you can find a 2SE in your range.
Peace. Keith

I also have Totem's (Mani-2), and used the ARC LS-16 in a combo 2-ch/HT system with excellent results (I actually preferred it to the more $$ LS-25).

Pass Labs x-0 ($8k) has a pass thru. x-1 and x-2 do not.