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Hooking up 2 amps to one set of speakers

I have a HT setup and I would like to use a 2 channel amp for 2 channel audio use using the same set of speakers (B&W 804's). The obvious choice of adding a 2 channel is is to get one with a HT Bypass, but I am finding many other amps I like without this feature. As a workaround to a 2 channel amp without the HT Bypass, I was thinking of hooking up the HT receiver to the speakers using Banana connectors and the 2 channel amp to the same set of speakers using Spade connectors. As long as there is only 1 signal going to the speakers, I see no problem doing this. Could impedance be an issue? Any other concerns with doing this?
thanks to all.
pmwoodward
xti16
1,525 posts
 
Have you considered a speaker A/B switch. Connect the 2 amps to the speaker connection and the speaker to the amp connection. As far as I know there is no real direction in a switch. If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will chime in. I would also suggest looking for one that just does A or B and not both so there are no accidents.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Yes, a switch is non-directional, at least for those of us who believe that things like fuses are non-directional :)

"One that just does A or B" refers to what is called a "break before make" switch, which is definitely the kind to get (as opposed to a "make before break" switch, which would momentarily establish a connection to both amps as it was being switched).

If you use a switching arrangement, it would be good practice to be sure to have the unused amp turned off at all times. Tube amps generally cannot be safely operated without a speaker load; most solid state amps I believe can handle no-load operation ok, but there is no point to taking any chances.

Also, keep in mind that a switch can probably be expected to have sonic effects comparable to or greater than the differences between speaker cables, if you are one of those to whom that may be significant.

Regards,
-- Al
pmwoodward OP
94 posts
 
I am glad I asked. It seems pretty clear that this option is completely out of the question. Thanks for your responses.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
A (potentially effective, if not very creative or elegant) solution for your
problem, provided the speaker terminations are readily accessible.:

Use 2 amps as you suggest, but simply lay the terminated end of the speaker
cable from the "inactive" amp (that which is is not in use) on the
floor behind the base of the speaker. To switch amps, disconnect and drop
the active cable, replace with the other cable. This is a 30 second process. I
do it all the time.

Good Luck

Marty
pescolar
128 posts
 
I AGREE WITH MARTYKL,,,100%.

HAVE FUN.

PESCOLAR
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