[guillaume bougard]

Hi

I'd like to know if there is a possibility to hook two different amps to the same pair of speakers.
Is there a switch box that could do that?
And is there another switch box that would be positioned between the sources (CD player, turntable, ...) and the two amps?

that way, I could A/B the amps using the same source and the same speakers

Basically it would look like this


                                [Amp1]>>>>>
[source]--->{switch} ///////            [switch 2]>>>Speakers
                                [Amp2] >>>>

what I don't know is if there would be issues with electric current from amps to speakers, shorting issues, etc...

thanks

[syzygy]

If the amps were tubed, I'd be concerned about running one of them without a load, which I understand may be harmful to that amp.

[borism]

Hi,

I was faced with the same problem, having two amplifiers and one set of speakers. Both amplifiers are tube amplifiers (Atma-Sphere and Bottlehead) and there has not been any issue for either running without a load.

Here is a thread about a DIY amplifier switch (if DIY is an option):

http://bottlehead.com/smf/index.php?topic=7476.0

Also a few photos of the switch I built using a wooden box:








At the source I just used a splitter for the RCAs. So you don't necessarily need two switches. It works great.
Good luck!

[Rusty Jefferson]

I believe the safest way to handle this would be to use an A/B/X box.  I believe Van Alstine manufacturers one, as well as others.  It's a wonderful tool.
http://www.avahifi.com/products/accessories/abx-comparator-switchbox

[pursuitofnow]

The Decware Zen Switch Box may do what you need. http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZSB.html

[Rusty Jefferson]

The Decware Zen Switch Box may do what you need. http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZSB.html

I don't think this would be an application for that device. You would still have 2 amplifiers attached directly to 1 pair of speakers.

[mrvco]

Yep, that Decware box is a line level switcher.  MonoPrice has an inexpensive speaker level switcher if you want to try it out before spending real money:

Monoprice 109995 4-Channel Speaker Selector

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DIGD604/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_R03hybC8A0EB9

It just doesn't limit you to only selecting one amp connection at a time, so be careful.

[Rusty Jefferson]

Sorry, I don't believe that is appropriate either.

[parbaked]

Dr. P makes one for ya: https://hollowstate.netfirms.com/otherproducts.htm