if testing, you could also try running one amp into each speaker and using the pre-amp to "switch"
this won't test the sound staging and some other things, but costs nothing
this won't test the sound staging and some other things, but costs nothing
High quality Speaker switch box for multiple amps?
Regarding a line-level switchbox to go between your preamp and the two or three power amps, and assuming that all of the connections involved are single-ended (i.e., RCAs), I’ve had good results with the DB Systems model DBP-2JAU/5 ($110) listed near the top of this page.
I've used it in a couple of different 2-in / 1-out applications, but it
can also be used 1-in / 3-out among other ways. It is similar to the
DBP-2J/5 for which a review and description are linked to, except that
it has gold-plated jacks. For contact information go to their home page. Another possibility, although it costs $359 plus options, is the Decware Zen Switchbox. Good luck. Regards, -- Al |
3 amps is tough. I see this one for two amps into one or two speakers: https://www.amazon.com/TC-7220-Amplifier-Selector-Comparator-Crossover/dp/B00LNOAGZQ I would use this between the preamp and amps (unfortunately, no longer made but can find used): https://www.amazon.com/Niles-Black-FG00002-Auxiliary-Selector/dp/B00006I5J0 |
I finally found a perfect solution for this problem. I tried the Mapletree Audio switch box, which admittedly is a little more elegant, but I did some A/B testing and felt like there was a loss of that last 5% of resolution and substance. I do have a very resolving system. I don't think the difference would be noticeable with a mid-level system. I looked inside and I have to assume that the puny contacts and hook up wire do not do the job (even though they use a high quality rotary switch). So I thought about a hard connection to avoid small contacts and skinny wire. A simple, old school knife switch works best. I felt like I got that last 5% back. I tested two big copper 4PDT switches and this one has the largest contact area and the most copper where it counts: Tatoko Knife Switch Dual power Copper Power Disconnector Switch Semicircular switch 4P 100A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V5Z6GP7/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_J-8yEbBBR32DH Remember, if you have a tube amp you should have resistors in the circuit so that the tube amp is never on without a load. Not sure what the load should be. Do your research. I used the resistors that Maple Tree sent with their box. Btw, anyone want a good deal on that box? :) |