2. amps-preamps
  3. 1052865614

How to share speakers without bypass?

I hope I am not the only one in this predicament. I am adding a separate two-channel system into the same room where my home theater lives. I would like to share the two front speakers between the two-channel amp and AV receiver. No, I cannot consider using a HT bypass (or pass through). The two-channel amp is tubed and would need to be powered on and warmed up (20 min). This is not a problem for us adults, but when our 8 year old (or the other kids that flood in) needs to watch a DVD 'NOW', well, you see the problem.

So, my options are:
(1) Buy some additional front speakers to keep everything separate. Only drawback is the speakers would have to be small (space limitations and wife). This means HT would suffer a bit; Merlins vs satellite speakers.

(2) Find a quality switcher that connects two amps to one pair of speakers. Don't know if this is possible and would not want my two-channel listening to suffer.

Or? Please help if any of you have pondered this.
jazzalot
rap
58 posts
 
I have pondered this and I use option #2.
I chose the 47Labs input chooser. A nice little switcher box that is reasonably priced and built like a brick. Jena Labs has one or will make one also and it is outrageously priced IMO.
I switch an Audio Aero Captiloe MKII or a Theta Digital pre/pro to the power amp that feeds Kharmas for the front speakers. I detect no change in sound quality with the switcher.
stealth93es
64 posts
 
Just a suggestion, I am using Manley Amps that have both balanced XLR and RCA single ended inputs. I checked with Manley and they told me that I could use both inputs and just switch (using the factory installed switch) between the two inputs. I am using the single ended inputs for my two channel system and the balanced in for my HT. Just the flip of an input switch takes care of these separate systems.

I too, am using the Audio Aero Mk II and a Theta HT setup both have the correct outputs that I need to run to the power amp.

There are many quality amplifiers to choose from that have this switching ability. Just check around. Maybe the amp change will offset the need for additional switching and cables, all of which compromise the sound quality of both systems.

Good Luck,
lazarus28
339 posts
 
i have succesfully integrated the two, and the simple asnswer is always overlooked. connect your main speakers to your tube amp, and have the amp connected to your 2 channel pre. then, use a pair of rca's from your AV reciever's output to your 2 channel's input (one you're not currently using) and set it the that input when doing HT. this way, you do nothing to sacrifice your 2-channel at all.
jazzalot OP
3 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the input. However, I am not closer to any solution. I don't need to switch between inputs using one amp, and I can't wait to power-up a tube amp when the kids want to watch a movie.

If the speakers are connected to the tube amp, and I use any pre-out from the AV Receiver, all amps need to be powered when movie watching. My wife and kids do not have the patience to wait for the tube amp to warm up.

Is there a speaker switching device? Speaker connection from each amp to device, and hook up front speakers to device. Or am I dreaming?

Or, should I just give up on quality HT, and buy some small front speakers just for HT and mount out of the way. (Mirage Omnisats)

Any help is always appreciated
tqn999
17 posts
 
I'm using 2 Bryston speaker selectors for 2 dual systems with great result, each is used to switch main speakers between a 5.1 AV receiver and a stereo system.
Because the selector have only one source/ two outputs, so I have to "reverse" speakers connection to the source, one output to speaker out from AV receiver, one output to speaker out from stereo amp.
Radio Shack has one for $20-25, but I found my Bryston on Ebay for $80.
Russound makes some good one which have 2 sources/4 or 6 outs and even volumn control for each pair . Adcom has too.
But I like Jamo and Bryston, they use all binding posts.
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