How do you A/B amps in your system?


Comparing two different amps in my system of separates requires changing speaker cable connections, inputs, and sometimes system volume. Do you have any tricks you use to simplicity the switch over and minimize time between hearing one then the other? I know audio reviewers make comparisons between amps, but for me there is more subjectivity at play than say comparing two input components. Is this just the nature of the beast, or do you veteran listeners have tips and tricks!?

peterf6

Thank you all for sharing your experiences and what you have found useful. @toddalin thanks for sharing your design and the warning about tube amps (which is one of what I'm comparing). And I guess @zlone your experience shows that it's possible to hear well enough to overcome bias, which was one of my primary questions.

I use a Beresford switch (from England). Allows me to switch from my Tube amps to my solid state amp. It has the added advantage of having dummy loads in it to prevent switching to tube amps without having the speaker load connected.

I bought an Audio by Van Alstine ABX Comparator to switch between my tube and solid state amps on the fly. Works like a charm  - it allows one to switch between 2 amps, 2 source devices or preamps, and 3 sets of speakers, in any combination. It also has an automated switching mode for true blind comparisons. Highly recommended.

I have a Schiit Kara preamp. It has three gain settings including a passive mode where the signal goes only through the RL volume control, and if the volume is wide open, not even that.

There are both SE and balanced inputs and outputs. I can connect multiple preamps, DACs, CD transport, etc. and output to multiple amps or powered speakers.

Selecting the correct input, gain mode, and volume setting I can quickly switch which combination of gear I'm listening to. It's very useful for quick comparisons though I do agree that extended listening is critical to a full evaluation. 

Thanks, @mashif, I also have a Schiit Freya preamp available -- which has multiple pre-out options. It would help with allowing keeping input connections into different amps and remove one element from switching, requiring just the speaker cable changes.👍🏻