[mca]

Can I hook two different systems up to one pair of speakers? I have an Oppo DVD/Rotel HT receiver that I use for movies only. I also have an SB3/Response audio tube amp that I use for music only. Right now I am swapping speaker wires each time I want to go from movies to music.

What I want to know is, can I wire both amps up to my speakers so I don't have to keep swapping them? One system would be completely shut down before the other one would be turned on.

[Scotty]

No, not without using a DPDT switch connected to the speaker terminals to  switch between the amps. I think you could get a couple of these switches from
RadioShack to do the job.
Scotty

[avahifi]

Wiring one set of speakers to two amplifiers puts the low output impedance of each amp as a load on the other amp, nearly a dead short!

Result, you will blow up one or both of the amplifiers, and depending upon the failure mode, damage the speakers too!   

Don't do it.

Using a DPDT switch at the speakers wired with the amp inputs at each end and the speakers in the middle set of switch lugs could work, assuming you can find a switch of adequate rating (one hundred watt amp and five watt switch likely is bung). Make sure it is a "break before make" switch design.


Frank Van Alstine

[mca]

Thanks guys. I had a feeling it was a no no, but thought I would double check.

[Texas42]

Niles makes a switcher that does the trick; the DPS-1.  I use it and love it.  I use an HK AVR 630 for my home theater needs and a Cary AES-25 Tube amp and Transcendent tube preamp that I use for two channel music listening only.  Both amps are connected with speaker wires to the Niles with one set of speaker wires then going from the Niles to my speakers.  There is a simple A/B pushbutton to select between them.  Foolproof and gives me the option of having an audio only system and home theater system both using the same main speakers. 

[Daygloworange]

What if you wanted to do the opposite? Could you use a DPDT switch to alternate 2 pairs of speakers to one amp?

Cheers