Zory is a fireman, nothing he can't handle
bi-amping with Tube and SS amp
Bi-amping question:
Is it possible to use a tube amplifier to run my HT speakers without disconnecting HT SS amp?
In other words, can I connect a tube amp to my L R channel using top binding posts and use the tube amp for music. The HT amp will be off but remain connected via bottom posts.
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- 12 posts total
@ei001h I am not an electrical engineer, but I wouldn't connect to amplifier together with speaker cables which is essentially what this would be doing. I doubt amplifiers have a lot of circuit protection from this type of load. |
@mceljo is correct. You need a switcher with built-in dummy load to connect both tube amp and HT amp to your speaker. Amplifier-Receiver-Speakers-Selector-Switcher The resistor dummy load is to protect the tube amp’s output transformer from damage if accidentally switch the tube amp disconnected from speaker while the tube amp still turn-on. |
Since most SS amplifier can stay on without load connected to its output, it is perfectly OK to use just 2 channels out of 5. If the 5 channel SS amp designed with one transformer to power all 5 channels, use just 2 channels the power supply will provide more power reserve than use all 5 channels.
Most (not all) SS amplifier has relay at the output for delay turn-on and protection. If both tube amp and SS amp are connected to the speaker and only the tube amp is on, it will do no harm to both amp because the SS amp output stage is disconnected by its built-in relay. |
- 12 posts total