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Is there a way to switch one set of speakers between two sound systems?

This may seem nutty at first, but it's been suggested as an unorthodox solution to a tricky configuration problem.  Before dismissing it out of hand, I thought it'd be worth asking for constructive feedback on Audiogon.

Is there any way to switch a single set of speakers between two different amplifiers without compromising sonics?  Switching would be done often, so the mechanism would have to be easy -- preferably with a remote or the twist of a dial or even done automatically by sensing input signals, and definitely not involving moving cables.

If this is confusing, here's a simplified example: A listening room contains two systems, one solid-state, one with tubed components.  A single stereo speaker system has only one set of inputs.  Is there any product or configuration method that would like the speakers to seamlessly reproduce signals generated by either system.  Since the two amps would never be playing simultaneously, the speakers might merely play any signal that reaches them, like MartinLogan subs, which  automatically play any signal received at any of their three inputs.

I understand that a “simple” 2-to-1 junction box would not be so simple in an audiophile environment, especially when routing amplified signals from components that might have greatly different output-stage characteristics. 

Any ideas?

cundare2
deep_333
1,787 posts
 

deep+333: I see that Luxman also made what appears to be a stripped-down version with remote (the AS-50R) that is selling "new" for $300-350.

@cundare2 I ignored the AS-50R and the Van Alstine as they are powered devices/requires a power supply (an unnecessary complication). The AS-55 does not. I only use it in a "relatively affordable" rig. I don’t use it in my cost no object rig (there is no use case in that room).

I am unable to recall the name of a decent device i had over 15 years ago now from some obscure Eastern European manufacturer. It was around a 1000 bucks and was ok, while it lasted. There are minimal decent options out there actually...If the AS-55 didn’t work out for you, just sell it. At the least, it’s a nice looking piece and some Luxman fanboy around here will buy it (you will get your money back).

You could always get another pair of speakers, i.e. one separate pair for each amp for added variety of sound signatures and forget about switches. One can never have enough speakers.

qjm101
113 posts
 

https://www.amazon.com/Speaker-Selector-Switch-Switcher-Audiophile/dp/B07KMH5L18/ref=sr_1_15?crid=1ZPI9G0KGLMWT&keywords=speaker+selector&qid=1698622132&sprefix=speaker+selctor%2Caps%2C317&sr=8-15&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc

I use this precisely to switch between tube and SS amps. Works for my needs..

cundare2 OP
288 posts
 

The deeper I get into this, the more it seems as though it’s not a good idea. While some people are giving me some very good suggestions, just as many are telling me (here & elsewhere) that a switch box is to be avoided at all costs.

So maybe it’s not time for Plan B afer all.

I dunno, I’m not sure why this would be such a formidable engineering feat. How does the functionality I’m looking differ from that built into any integrated that includes a discrete headphone amp?

 

johnread57's avatar
johnread57
238 posts
 

I know this doesn’t fit but it is electrically isolated, I get up and swap the speaker cables. Batch your listening … so you’re not comparing tracks but say albums or sources.

eagledriver_22's avatar
eagledriver_22
87 posts
 

@johnread57 +1

I do use 2 pairs of separate speaker cables, every pair is constantly connected to the amps. In this case, I only have to swap cables at the speakers. With bananas, it is a no brainer. I do this about 2-3 times a week. If the speaker terminals are of good quality and the switching is done carefully, no problems. It works for me.

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