ARC Pre tube life and PROC mode
 

Does anyone use their ARC Pre with PROC mode for Home Theatre? I was advised by ARC (as per below) that the tubes are still utilised.

PROCESSOR function locks the input level to unity gain (the volume control is deactivated) but the tube line stage is still on and functional. There is no way to shut off the tubes and still use the PROCESSOR function, as the tube gain stage acts as a buffer between the inputs and outputs.

I've sent them a follow up question to find while in PROC mode does it still deplete the tubes at the same rate if they were being utilised in normal/2ch mode?

The alternative which has been suggested is to use an input switcher and have both the PRE + AV Processor go to the switcher which then connects to the amplifier.

http://www.goldpt.com/sw2x_ang_4.jpg

http://www.goldpt.com/sw2x_rps_3.jpg

http://www.goldpt.com/sw2x.html

What does everyone else do?

I wouldn't want to connect anything to preamp outputs other than amplifiers and/or an active crossover. As for tube life: Periodic tube replacement is just a part of owning a tube component. If you keep spares on hand, it's not something to fret.

Tube life will be the same as 2channel since the tubes are still active. The preamp volume has to increase fairly high to reach unity gain for home theater.
Adding a switch box may degrade your 2 channel sound quality since there is a selector switch to select inputs and also have to add another pair of cables.

I have the same situation as audiohippo. I use my ARC Ref 6 and 250SE's for home theater on Processor mode. Not much one can do. I try not to think too much about the tubes' $/hour. The good thing is music videos sound great!