2. amps-preamps
  3. 1195371801

Please help Two amps to one pair of speaker?

Hi,

I have a tube system for music and solid state for home theater. The problem is that I have to merge two systems in same room and my room can not have two pairs of speaker (small room).
I'm thinking of connecting two amps to one pair of speaker, turn on only one amp at a time and the other amp must be off without removing the speaker cables. Does this way create any problems with only one amp is on?
Thanks for your help!
Tran
worldcup86
porziob
316 posts
 
Not until the day both accidently get switched on together & you've destroyed one amp for sure, & have an excellent probability of damaging the other amp along w/ the spkrs. You either need a switch box or a pre amp/processor w/ a pass thru.
worldcup86 OP
68 posts
 
Thanks for all your helps. I probably go with pre-amp pass through or install another pair of in wall speakers.
rwwear
2,873 posts
 
You shouldn't do it even if one of the amps is off. You need to use an A/B switch. Or get a preamp with pass-thru.
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
This has been covered before.

Do not under any circumstances connect both amps to the same speaker without an AB switch. If you do, each amp sees as its load impedance the speaker in parallel with the output stage of the other amp. This may be quite a low value, and could result in a nice fireworks show and possible expensive damage to both amps.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
I agree wholeheartedly with Newbee. My grandfather once blew up my speakers due to this situation. If you don't have any kids or grandfathers around, maybe.
More to discover