Go with the Luxman AS-55. It uses heavy duty switching contacts which never get "dated". Most switches are rated for DC voltages, which is why a flimsy looking switch can be rated for (DC) 10 amps -- but pass a 10-amp AC voltage and it arcs the contacts. You don't find many 2-pole AC selector switches that can handle 20 amps, like the switch Luxman uses.
A switch for 3 amps
I’m hoping for a solution: I’m running the usual Frankenstein setup for multiple source playback, CD, streaming, and vinyl. This hybrid system: tube preamp, SS amp, and WiFi streamer all lead to 1.7i modded Maggies (GR Research). In the chain is a Schitt Lokius (primarily for digital only). The room is an open plan family room. The issue is I want to add 2 mono tube amps to the system for moderate volume playback (jazz, acoustical, etc.), but I want to use the SS amp too with a switch to go back and forth from the monos to the SS for different music (prog rock and electronic). Is this even possible? I’ve looked and see switch’s but nothing that exactly address my setup. The room is 20 x 30, 9’ ceiling damped by rug, and heavy fabric furniture. And, to add to all that, the mono’s are Quicksilver M60s which are only 60w per, but I got a great price on them and have heard others who’ve used them with 1.7 or 1.6s with good results at moderate volume. So I want to give it try. Thanks for your suggestions.
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Do you mean that I should not turn the tube amp on with the speaker off? Or vice-versa? I think I do get the idea that tuning the tube amp on and off willy-nilly is never a good idea. Also, can I use a 12v trigger to the tube amps connected to the preamp so the tubes and preamp come on together, or no, don’t do that either? I know the foregoing may sound pretty ignorant, and that what I’m trying to do seems, even to me, to be kinda insane, but, maybe good, if I can pull it off without blowing-up everything? |
You can try Welcome to Mapletree Audio Design you will want the SCC1 system configuration controller, I had one made for me custom, by Al Freundorfer al@mapletreeaudio.com I use it to control 2 tube amps, a CD player, and turntable hooked up to 2 different sets of speakers. I can switch from either amp to one of the sets of speakers, I can have both amps on and switch back and forth to the speakers to hear which amp sounds the best with what music I am currently listening to from either the TT or the CD player. it ran about $450.00 USD 2 years ago, just email Al and tell him how you want it configured and he wil quote you a price then build it for you. |
I have an SET Class A Tube AMP and a Marantz SS amp connected to a Douk Audio "LITTLE BEAR". It can also drive two sets of speakers too so you have up to 4 amp/speaker combination. Key is the Little Bear presents a LOAD to the tube amp even if not selected. Some tube amps require that to be powered on. Been using it for two years with zero issues. Now, Amir at Audio Science Research poo poo’s this unit due to noise but I am thrilled with it. The Luxman speaker selector switch mentioned above appears to drive 3 pairs of speakers on one amp ? Not familiar with it and I can't any manuals to confirm it can handle 2 pairs of amps.... |
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