9
Theater Bypass / Amp Input
The HINT 6’s Bypass/Amp input makes it suitable for both the highest quality stereo reproduction
and powering the L and R channels in a surround sound system. This unique feature benefits your
system in several ways. It will improve the performance of your left and right speakers in a
surround sound system because the power amp built into the HINT 6 is superior to any surround
sound receiver’s amp. This will also relieve your AV receiver of the burden of driving the left and
right speakers so that more power is available to drive the center and surround channels.
This feature also enables your subwoofer(s) to operate with stereo sources and the sub channel(s)
in your surround sound system.
Note: The HINT 6’s Theater Bypass function requires preamp output
jacks on your surround sound processor or AV receiver.
How it Works
The HINT 6 Theater Bypass function routes the incoming L and R (front) channels from your
surround receiver (processor) L and R Preamp Output jacks directly to the HINT 6’s power amp
stage, bypassing the preamp stage and all controls. The HINT 6 functions as a pure standalone
power amplifier when its Bypass input is used.
Your surround processor’s or AV receiver’s sub out jack(s) are routed from the HINT 6 Bypass
Sub In jacks directly to its Sub Output jacks. When you select the HINT 6 Bypass input its
preamp circuits and controls are entirely out of the signal path.
Note:
The HINT 6 must be turned on for the balanced XLR outputs to
function for the Bypass Input. This is because the XLR balanced
outputs require active driver circuitry.
The HINT 6 Bypass Input circumvents all controls:
Adjusting the HINT 6’s Volume knob or remote control volume buttons will not
change the volume level of the Bypass input.
The Bass and Treble Tone controls do not function and frequency response is flat,
regardless of how these controls are adjusted.
The Left-Right Balance control does not function. L and R channel balance is equal,
regardless of how this control is adjusted.
The Pre and Speaker Outputs are full range, regardless of the Preamp Output
Crossover settings.
The Sub Outputs are full range, regardless of the Sub Out Crossover settings.
Note:
If you adjust any of the above controls while the Bypass Input is selected you will not
hear changes. But the changes will become audible when you select any other HINT 6 input.
The Surround Sound Receiver or Processor Stays in Control
The exclusions above are intentional so that your surround sound receiver volume control and
bass management settings are preserved when you are listening to surround sound with the left,
right and subwoofer channels routed through the HINT 6. Please see the owner’s manual for your
surround sound receiver to set and calibrate speaker levels, distance and bass management.
After adding the HINT 6 to an existing surround sound system you should recalibrate your system
with the calibration microphone that’s typically included with surround sound receivers. Don’t
forget that the volume control on the HINT 6 will not work when the Bypass Input is selected. Use
the volume control on your surround sound receiver (or processor).
