2. amps-preamps
  3. 189919-148010

A switch for 3 amps

I’m hoping for a solution:  I’m running the usual Frankenstein setup for multiple source playback, CD, streaming, and vinyl.  This hybrid system: tube preamp, SS amp, and WiFi streamer all lead to  1.7i modded Maggies (GR Research).  In the chain is a Schitt Lokius (primarily for digital only). The room is an open plan family room.  The issue is I want to add 2 mono tube amps to the system for moderate volume playback (jazz, acoustical, etc.), but I want to use the SS amp too with a switch to go back and forth from the monos to the SS for different music (prog rock and electronic).   Is this even possible?  I’ve looked and see switch’s but nothing that exactly address my setup.  The room is  20 x 30, 9’ ceiling damped by rug, and heavy fabric furniture.  And, to add to all that, the mono’s are  Quicksilver M60s which are only 60w per, but I got a great price on them and have heard others who’ve used them with 1.7 or 1.6s with good results at moderate volume.  So I want to give it try.  Thanks for your suggestions.

128x128audiodidact
audiodidact's avatar
audiodidact OP
79 posts
 

Thanks!  I looked at both the units and the Luxman looks to be pretty solidly built, but dated, while the Douk is a newer and a great price, but less sturdy looking.  Lak, have you personally used the Luxman?  I wonder if it delivers better for the roughly $450-$500 price tag. Thanks again to you guys.  

mlsstl
1,436 posts
 

I know nothing about the switching options offered, but one needs to be careful with most tube amps -- you shouldn't remove the speaker load when they are turned on but not in use. An option would be to have them switched to a suitably sized (ohms & wattage) when not connected to the speaker.

gs5556
1,234 posts
 

Go with the Luxman AS-55. It uses heavy duty switching contacts which never get "dated". Most switches are rated for DC voltages, which is why a flimsy looking switch can be rated for (DC) 10 amps -- but pass a 10-amp AC voltage and it arcs the contacts. You don't find many 2-pole AC selector switches that can handle 20 amps, like the switch Luxman uses.

audiodidact's avatar
audiodidact OP
79 posts
 

Do you mean that I should not turn the tube amp on with the speaker off? Or vice-versa? I think I do get the idea that tuning the tube amp on and off willy-nilly is never a good idea. Also, can I use a 12v trigger to the tube amps connected to the preamp so the tubes and preamp come on together, or no, don’t do that either? I know the foregoing may sound pretty ignorant, and that what I’m trying to do seems, even to me, to be kinda insane, but, maybe good, if I can pull it off without blowing-up everything?

mlsstl
1,436 posts
 

I see I made a typo in my prior post that didn't say things as clearly as intended. Don't power on a tube amp with no speaker connected, though it is acceptable if you use a suitably size resistor in place of the speaker.

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