Pre-amp HT passthrough???

[MikeSp]

Although I have considered the MX150, I also would like to consider perhaps a C2300 or C2200 preamp and then a Denon AVP pre-pro for HT use.

In such a combination, how would they both be connected from source units to amplifiers, so that I could enjoy the advantages of a pre-amp for stereo use and also the advantages of lossless 7.1 audio and quality video for HT use?

Hope that made sense and if not, let me know and I will try again -- sometimes it is tough to even correctly ask a question when there is not enough smarts to even ask it.

Thanks,

MikeSp

[jdandy]

Mike.......This is from the C2200 Owner's Manual.

The PASS THRU Mode on the C2200 allows it to be part
of a Multichannel System for the Left and Right Front
Channels, when it is connected to a McIntosh Multichannel
Processor such as the MX134.
Any of the C2200’s High Level Inputs may be used for
the PASS THRU Function. The C2200 default setting for
the PASS THRU feature needs to be changed in Setup.
Connect the basic system as outlined in the two previous
pages and then add the two following connections. The example
below uses the AUX Input for the PASS THRU
Mode.

1. Connect a Power Control Cable from the McIntosh A/V
Controller Power Control Zone A to the C2200 PASS
THRU Jack.
2. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh A/V Controller
Zone A Front Left and Right Audio Outputs to
the C2200 AUX 1 INPUTS.

The C2200 can be part of a Multichannel Sound System.
The Right and Left Front Channels from a McIntosh Processor
or Decoder can “Pass Thru” the C2200 and on to its
associated Power Amplifier(s). The Setup Mode allows the
Selection of the Input that will be used for the Right and
Left Front Channels Pass Thru Mode. In the example below,
the Right and Left Front Channels from the Multichannel
Processor/Decoder will be connected to the AUX Input
on the C2200.
1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words
PASSTHRU OFF appears.
3. Rotate the INPUT Control until the Front Panel Alphanumeric
Display indicates PASSTHRU AUX.
4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.

Pass Thru Mode
When the C2200 is connected together with a McIntosh
Multichannel A/V Control Center or Surround Decoder and
has the PASS THRU MODE activated, it will automatically
Turn-On whenever the A/V Control Center or Surround Decoder
is switched On. It will indicate on the Front Panel Alphanumeric
Display “PASSTHRU”.

In the PASS THRU Mode, the OUTPUTS 1&2 Pushbuttons
remain active. The remaining C2200 Front Panel
Controls and Push-buttons are deactivated as long as the
C2200 is in the PASS THRU MODE.

[MikeSp]

WOW - - thanks for taking the time to type all of that out -- very nice of you.

Mike

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......This is from the C2200 Owner's Manual.

The PASS THRU Mode on the C2200 allows it to be part
of a Multichannel System for the Left and Right Front
Channels, when it is connected to a McIntosh Multichannel
Processor such as the MX134.
Any of the C2200’s High Level Inputs may be used for
the PASS THRU Function. The C2200 default setting for
the PASS THRU feature needs to be changed in Setup.
Connect the basic system as outlined in the two previous
pages and then add the two following connections. The example
below uses the AUX Input for the PASS THRU
Mode.

1. Connect a Power Control Cable from the McIntosh A/V
Controller Power Control Zone A to the C2200 PASS
THRU Jack.
2. Connect an Audio Cable from the McIntosh A/V Controller
Zone A Front Left and Right Audio Outputs to
the C2200 AUX 1 INPUTS.

The C2200 can be part of a Multichannel Sound System.
The Right and Left Front Channels from a McIntosh Processor
or Decoder can “Pass Thru” the C2200 and on to its
associated Power Amplifier(s). The Setup Mode allows the
Selection of the Input that will be used for the Right and
Left Front Channels Pass Thru Mode. In the example below,
the Right and Left Front Channels from the Multichannel
Processor/Decoder will be connected to the AUX Input
on the C2200.
1. Press the SETUP Push-button to access the Setup
Mode.
2. Rotate the BALANCE Control Knob until the words
PASSTHRU OFF appears.
3. Rotate the INPUT Control until the Front Panel Alphanumeric
Display indicates PASSTHRU AUX.
4. Press the SETUP Push-button to exit the Setup Mode.

Pass Thru Mode
When the C2200 is connected together with a McIntosh
Multichannel A/V Control Center or Surround Decoder and
has the PASS THRU MODE activated, it will automatically
Turn-On whenever the A/V Control Center or Surround Decoder
is switched On. It will indicate on the Front Panel Alphanumeric
Display “PASSTHRU”.

In the PASS THRU Mode, the OUTPUTS 1&2 Pushbuttons
remain active. The remaining C2200 Front Panel
Controls and Push-buttons are deactivated as long as the
C2200 is in the PASS THRU MODE.

[Masterlu]

That's why we call him "Dan the Man"

[jdandy]

Mike.......You are welcome. No typing involved, though.......just copy and paste.

[MikeSp]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Mike.......You are welcome. No typing involved, though.......just copy and paste.

Still very much appreciated although not quite as much .
(just kidding)

Mike

[jdandy]

Mike.......

Taking credit for something I did not do would make me feel uncomfortable. Anyway, the PASS THRU set up and use is simple, and works perfectly.

[-E-]

Hey - just be happy the Mac folks actually completed that user manual.

[altbrewer]

I have a similar setup with my C2300 and a Denon AVR. One thing that drove me crazy when setting it up was that you must have a power switching cable (i.e.stereo miniplug cable) connected from the AVR to the the passthru socket on the preamp. The power signal is what puts the McIntosh preamp into the passthrough mode. Maybe that is obvious to everybody else who reads the instructions, but it sure wasn't to me.

[piolaxo]

I have a similar setup with my C2300 and a Denon AVR. One thing that drove me crazy when setting it up was that you must have a power switching cable (i.e.stereo miniplug cable) connected from the AVR to the the passthru socket on the preamp. The power signal is what puts the McIntosh preamp into the passthrough mode. Maybe that is obvious to everybody else who reads the instructions, but it sure wasn't to me.

So when there is no cable, the C2300 doesn't get into pass thru mode? The C2300
treats the input as a regular one? Just curious. The manual from the C2300 does
specify how it has to be connected to the AVR.