Have recently got yhe 950 and was wondering what is the stero bypass feature do and how does it work?

You can either click on owner’s manual here or go through the one that came with your 950. It explains there.

Basicly, the stereo bypass mode allows you to bypass the digital processing of analog stereo inputs. If you had a DVD player or CD player with very good DACs and wanted to use the player's DACs instead of the 950's, you would connect the player's analog audio output to the 950 and then choose "stereo bypass" when using that input to bypass the analog-to-digital conversion, digital processing, and digital-to-analog conversion applied normally to all stereo analog inputs.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

Thanks for the response.Will I be able to use my subwoofer with just the lfe cable on stereo bypass?

When in stereo bypass mode, the main speakers get a full range signal (unavoidable, since the signal bypasses the bass management, which takes place in the digital domain). If the mains are set to "small", however, the 950 will take a copy of the signal, convert it to digital, apply bass management based on the crossover setting for the main speakers, and generate a signal for the subwoofer. This means that to get subwoofer output in stereo bypass mode, you need to have the mains set to "small." Some people are worry about the double bass present in this mode (the low frequency data sent to the sub is also being delivered to the main speakers), but the theory behind the 950's design is that if the crossover point is selected properly it is not likely to be an issue -- the speakers will not be able to reproduce the low frequency information that the sub is handling, at least not at any significant level.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

I have my Cary running thruogh stereo bypass and also use a sub with mains set to small and crossed over at 60hz, I have not noticed any double bass.

I have my CD player’s analogue signal running through stereo bypass of 950, use a sub with mains set to small and crossed over at 80hz and I have not noticed double bass either. However, the word “bypass” may need to be thought about.

After doing A & B test between 950’s bypass versus direct connect to pair of my mono amps (have volume control & bypass), there was a noticeable difference in mid to upper frequencies. The former was a bit brighter and leaner. The latter sounded warmer and a bit fuller. One can conclude that the difference was made by the type of volume control used. If not, perhaps the bypass mode in 950 has the signals going through more than just volume control circuit? I’m just curious.


[This message has been edited by Spiker (edited April 01, 2004).]