Connection help

Thanks gent! Now Im making progress. I think I prefer the line level switch. Would you say the one listed is best, or should I look somewhere else
thanks

I was wondering if I used Y connectors at the power amp and ran ics from both the pre and HT receiver to the amp that way if it would work better than a speaker switch

It's generally not a good idea to connect two line-level outputs together, even if you avoid having both components turned on at the same time. Depending on the particular designs it might work ok, or it might degrade sonics to some degree, or it might even compromise long-term reliability.

What would work well, if you want to use the same power amp for both purposes, is to insert a line-level switch to select whether the pre-outs of the receiver or the outputs of the preamp are routed into the amp. The DB Systems DBP-2JAU/5 ($110), listed near the top of this page, would be a good choice. See the links just above it for the DBP-2J/5 for further info.

The other choice, as you realize, would be a speaker-level switch. I doubt that the line-level switch would have a perceptible effect on sonics, but I wouldn't be too surprised if a speaker-level switch did have a slight effect. Other opinions may differ. I did use that specific DB Systems switch in my system many years ago, btw, with excellent results.

Regards,
-- Al

P.S: Just saw JJ's post. Great minds think alike!

I was wondering if I used Y connectors at the power amp and ran ics from both the pre and HT receiver to the amp that way if it would work better than a speaker switch

No, it would not be better than a speaker switch as whichever was feeding the amp would see the high impedance at the amp input in parallel with the much lower output impedance of the other pre out. The resulting impedance would be much to low to perform properly.

However, you can use a high quality line level selector switch between the pre outs and the amp inputs. In that way you can easily select which pre outs is feeding the amp.

Now we are on the right track everyone. The only issue i have ewith connecting the HT receiver which for clarity is a rotel 1570 into one of the preamps inputs which is a rogue metis is I use NOS tubes in the pre and dont want to wear them out watching TV, movie etc.
Bob's post about sharing the fronts is the crux of the situation. I want the amp for music only.
I was wondering if I used Y connectors at the power amp and ran ics from both the pre and HT receiver to the amp that way if it would work better than a speaker switch
thanks, I almost have it figured out

Jameswei is on the right track, as he explained why I as asking about RCA preouts on the HT receiver, however when using the HT receiver, the source used will need to be connected to an input on the HT receiver. If you are using a universal player, then take digital out to the HT receiver, and L/R audio out to the analog preamp.

Presumably, your HT receiver has high level outputs (RCA?) for the two front channels. These can be connected to your analog preamp inputs, perhaps "source #4 or whatever."

When you want to listen to your 2 channel sources, just select them and play them through your preamp.

When you want to listen to your 5.1 (or 7.1) HT material, just select "source #4 or whatever" on your analog preamp. Then your HT receiver will play your center and rear speakers while your two front speakers will be played by your 2 channel amp driven by your analog preamp which has been selected to the HT receiver as a source.

As Bob pointed out, you will need to adjust your analog preamp level to correctly balance the output volumes of the left and right front speakers.

This requires that your HT receiver has a high level output (like RCA) that can be connected to your analog preamp. And it requires an unused pair of inputs on your analog preamp.

Does your HT receiver have preouts, or why not list your equipment? Knowing the components is necessary to determine your options.

I dont think im explaining my problem correctly. What I want to accomplish is have the pre go directly to the amp running the fronts at the same time have the HT receiver go to the center, the rears and the two main fronts. Sorry if I confused my request
thanks

If your pre has a tape out connection, you can use that. Or an auxillary output. If none of the above, you can use a "Y" connector to get the signal to your receiver.

Good luck.