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Outputs of 2 amps share common return - problem?

I'm planning to add a tube amp to my current setup. Both amps will share the same speakers through A/B switch.
When I finished wiring the switch I dicovered that only one side of the speaker wire is being switched from amp A to amp B, while the return side of the speaker wire is permanently connected to both amps, thus making them share the same return wire. All of you, tech gurus, please help.
Will I have a problem with this amp switching?
More so, one amp is SS and the second one will be a tube SET.
zoya
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
In digital amps (all I have seen) both speaker output terminals are hot wrt ground. So don't try this switch with a digital amp. Otherwise, no problem.
sean
6,231 posts
 
I would not do this nor recommend it. I'm sure that it has been done a million times before, but that doesn't mean that it works well or you won't be the one to experience problems. Sean
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zoya OP
120 posts
 
Thank you guys for responding. I think I'll be rewiring the speaker cables so all 4 are switched, especially that I prefer to keep my Mc amp ON 24/7.
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Sean...Unless the interconnects are disconnected (or switched) all the amp grounds are tied together by the signal returns, even if you go to the trouble of disconnecting the speaker returns. (Assuming RCA interconnects). If you follow your argument to its logical conclusion, one should disconnect all unused items in the audio system.
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