So not all Bypass modes sound the same

[misterdoggy]

I haven't had a chance to test the theory, but isn't bypass = bypass. I mean isn't the signal untouched or are there other factors ie: wiring, plugs. I mean there has to be something in order to control volume.

I am about to go bypass mode thru a Pass Labs X1 which the volume control will be coming from A Lexicon mc12b.

Before I had the bypass run thru the lexicon direct from the DAC for stereo but now will run stereo thru the preamp and bypass the l&r channels of the HT.

Can anyone shed light on the subject.

[Karma]

HI doggy,
Not all bypasses are created equal. There are different ways to implement it; expensive and cheap. In the case of the Krell KAV-280p preamp, relays are used to implement the gain change and alter the signal path. This is the expensive way.

My Denon AV receiver does it differently. Here an analog circuit called an "Analog Switch" is used. They are pretty good and are used extensively where signal quality is not of absolute importance. But it is an active circuit (not exactly but kind of like an amplifier with a gain of 1) which can and is characterized by its performance limits. This is the cheap and most common way especially in less than top end equipment. Best to avoid if possible.

Relays, done right, are much better since there is less opportunity to corrupt the delicate audio signal. This and a thousand other very definite things are the reasons that some equipment costs more than others.

But, in the final analysis, the simplist signal path is almost always best. There are some restrictions even here because the reality of physics imposes itself. For example, will that nifty passive circuit drive the necessary cable capacitance? And the list goes on. Blanket statements will almost always prove wrong in specific cases. Only our ears will reveal the truth .

Sparky

HI Doggy,
I posted the above quote maybe two weeks ago in YOUR thread talking about this very issue. You now ask a question about as though it has never been mentioned. I can see why you might want to get more information but, for the sake of others who might want information on the same subject, you should at least reference the earlier post.

NO, not all bypasses are created equal.

Sparky

[misterdoggy]

whoops

Sparky,

You are right. Its I'm getting old and forgetful. I was away in Guadeloupe for 8 days and came back thinking about the same subject that passed my mind before leaving.

I read a chat somewhere about how a bypass sounded in one receiver as opposed to another and still can't figure it out.

Just wondering how the bypass in the Pass Labs X1 Preamp will compare with the bypass in the Lexicon Mc12B. Both are top quality items in their respective realms

thanks
Doggy