2. speakers
  3. 1391131134

Using same speaker pair with two different amps

OK, here goes a question that will reveal my deficiencies once and for all. I have a stereo amplifier (Rogue Audio Sphinx) that I like very much and have been using for CD source music as well as DVD/TV. Popular demand has it that I reestablish surround capabilities to enhance sound for movies.

I have a B&K AVR 3700 receiver that could be used for this and I have leftover speakers from a time long ago when I did have a 5.1 surround system in the same room. These consist of JM Lab center, Vandersteen V2W sub and Speakercraft in-ceiling surrounds. The fronts, when in have them repaired, are Martin Logan Odysseys or their replacements.

I don't want to have 2 front speaker pairs, one each for stereo and theater, which I have tried. It worked but the installation was a bit busy. Also, I could use the receiver for both but I'm not wild about its sound for music.

Which brings me to this question; is there such thing as a source switching device that would give me the ability to use one speaker pair for stereo as well as HT listening.

I'm bracing myself for responses to this one.
128x128broadstone
Ag insider logo xs@2x
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
In my case, a pre-pro linked to my two channel linestage facilitates multi-channel (or stereo) very easily. A five channel power amp for multi-channel, and a choice of two different tube power amps for the front channels.

This is more a reflection of the different phases I went through in audio (I was bitten by the surround sound bug some years back), but now, mostly two channel, SET amps, etc.

Just switching the line stage to HT pass through, and turning on the pre-pro gets me to multi-channel mode.

Easy-peasy, but not inexpensive, depending on what components you want, and whether you buy them new or used.

Good luck,
Dan
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Get a Niles Amp AB switch
A little Rube Goldbergish but it will do as you wish.
JohnnyR
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
Thanks, Audioconnection. I've been doing this for over 50 yrs and have never even heard of this being done. I looked at the description of this Niles switching device and, you're right, it looks like it will do what I need.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Broadstone

I have 2 moderate power amplifiers powering the same set of speakers. I use a Niles DPS-1 to make make this happen.

Here is info about the Niles DPS-1

http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=DPS-1&recordID=Source%20Switching%20Systems&categoryID=Switching%20Systems&prdcdID=FG00003

It was 2 amplifier inputs and 1 amplifier output.

The issue I had was with the ends of the DPS-1. It has these screw down ends so I had to rig up an adapter to use the speaker cables I have that use banana plug ends. I used 14AWG wire from the rear of the DPS-1 to a speaker terminals and then plugged my banana plug speaker wires to it.

This set-up has been working well and I have not experienced any sound degradation issues.

Thanks and best of luck.
More to discover