Does anyone play two pairs of speakers at the same time?

Years ago, many systems had an A B speaker choice. It seems that faded ( no pun) with the times, but not for me. 

I have stayed with two sets of speakers for the fronts and find it  flexible based on recording and music types. Volume levels too.

My system:

• Oppo 105
• Parasound P7 preamp
• 3 Hafler 9500 amps
• JBL 250 Ti
• Tekton Pendragons’
• 2 DD 15 subs

    The secret sauce here is the P7. When switched to the surround mode (actually stereo) it is wired to deliver to the two sets in the front ( JBL and Tektons) . Using the remote - front to back fade, you can send more or less volume to each set of fronts. 

It gives a choice to the amount of influence each set provides, but almost always the setting is close to split for best sound. As you raise volume, or have older rock playing, the JBL’s win out. Bass is tighter with the Pendragons with more live sound.

Sound is much better when speakers are combined usually.

It seems to work for me.

I wish one speaker set could do service to all the different quality and types of mastering out there. My audio collection is spread from the late 50’s to present. Many of these recordings have distortion, require mid bass enhancement and a “forgiving” tweeter. These qualities are better accomplished with a speaker design which has these qualities.

This same speaker will not deliver the tight bass and ultra clarity that better recordings offer. Another speaker with higher resolution and flatter response will deliver these goods better!

Hence, two speaker sets ( fronts)  could expand your appreciation to a broader range of music. Especially when you have contrasting types of speakers.

Comparing music playback quality is challenging for most people with their “music memory'. For me, it must be A-B immediate to really “see” the diff. After a couple years of using the two set speakers as either fully on or off, I acquired the Parasound P7. It offers a way to do it all. Set A, Set B or any individual volume of the both together. Tone sounds full and complete.

Have not noticed time delay issues or muddiness, though both speakers are precisely measured to ear distance. 

Just imagine Hendrix cranked up on ribbon tweeters and 6.5” woofers…. Could a vintage JBL sound better?

There may be some losses to this type of set up. It has been better for me.