2. amps-preamps
  3. 1052865614

How to share speakers without bypass?

I hope I am not the only one in this predicament. I am adding a separate two-channel system into the same room where my home theater lives. I would like to share the two front speakers between the two-channel amp and AV receiver. No, I cannot consider using a HT bypass (or pass through). The two-channel amp is tubed and would need to be powered on and warmed up (20 min). This is not a problem for us adults, but when our 8 year old (or the other kids that flood in) needs to watch a DVD 'NOW', well, you see the problem.

So, my options are:
(1) Buy some additional front speakers to keep everything separate. Only drawback is the speakers would have to be small (space limitations and wife). This means HT would suffer a bit; Merlins vs satellite speakers.

(2) Find a quality switcher that connects two amps to one pair of speakers. Don't know if this is possible and would not want my two-channel listening to suffer.

Or? Please help if any of you have pondered this.
jazzalot

Showing 1 response by rap

rap
58 posts
 
I have pondered this and I use option #2.
I chose the 47Labs input chooser. A nice little switcher box that is reasonably priced and built like a brick. Jena Labs has one or will make one also and it is outrageously priced IMO.
I switch an Audio Aero Captiloe MKII or a Theta Digital pre/pro to the power amp that feeds Kharmas for the front speakers. I detect no change in sound quality with the switcher.
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