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Integrated Amps with HT bypass?

I'm looking to purchase an integrated amplifier to match with a pair of Paradigm Studio 20s. I would like to limit my search to those with HT bypass, throughput, pass-thru, or whatever it's being called these days.

My budget is around 1K used so any models that retail for 1500-2000 might be ok too.

It's hard to find a list of amps with this feature so I'd like to hear about any models that have an HT bypass, even if your not too keen on the sound.

Thanks for any and all input.
portraitinjazztv
portraitinjazztv OP
3 posts
 
To elaborate, I currently have no amplifier,pre-amp, integrated or receiver of any kind, so my system is currently dormant.

I will be using whichever integrated I choose to power my Paradigm Studio 20s in a small room (10'x13'6") and my source is a Cambridge Audio D500se CD player.

I would like to get an integrated amp (for budgetary reasons) that will satisfy my need for quality 2 channel music but will also allow me to add an AV receiver to handle the processing and the additional speakers for my home theater needs later on down the line when my budget permits.

Therefore, I would like to take a look at whatever integrated amps have an HT bypass feature (I know there are not many), in order to make the future upgrade easier.

Thanks again for any wisdom in this matter.
portugal11
52 posts
 
I believe that the Plinius integrateds have a HT bypass... My 8200 does...
cruz123
585 posts
 
If you like tubes, the VAC Avatar has a bypass. Also, I believe you can get the Blue Circle integrateds optioned with a bypass.
chadlesko
94 posts
 
2 years ago I was on the same quest...at that time the following had HT bypass:

Musical Fidelity A5 - I bought this one and loved it
Musical Fidelity A3.5
Musical Fidelity older models as well
Krell 300xi & 400xi (Various Integrated Models)
Plinus 8500 or 9200 - I think have HT Bypass

I highly recommend the A5...might push your budget by a few hundered, but it worked perfectly sounded fantastic and had a good phono MM stage if you want to try it down the road as well...

As a side note...you might consider buying a Receiver first. For $1000 used you can get a nice one that would give good sonics for 2 channel and then buy your 2 channel integrated or Pre/Amp combo as money allows. I had/have an Arcam 200AVR that I used with the A5 and now use with my seperates...for my HT needs I see no need to go further. But, Arcam, Rotel and others sell excellent sounding units that will rival integrateds at your price point. Just a thought...the A5 was better but the Arcam is very close for a few hundred less and I sold the A5 for seperates while I see no need to move on from the Arcam!

Happy Listening
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