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 2 responses by tqn999

tqn999
17 posts
 
I'm using 2 Bryston speaker selectors for 2 dual systems with great result, each is used to switch main speakers between a 5.1 AV receiver and a stereo system.
Because the selector have only one source/ two outputs, so I have to "reverse" speakers connection to the source, one output to speaker out from AV receiver, one output to speaker out from stereo amp.
Radio Shack has one for $20-25, but I found my Bryston on Ebay for $80.
Russound makes some good one which have 2 sources/4 or 6 outs and even volumn control for each pair . Adcom has too.
But I like Jamo and Bryston, they use all binding posts.
tqn999
17 posts
 
Jazzalot
Yes, that's the one.
I also connect to this selector from receiver/amp using 12awg silver plated cable, and regular speaker cable out from it to speakers (Tara labs bi-wire, but twisted as one). I don't think I hear any reduction in sound quality.

Drawback ? Yes, the two buttons for A/B can be turned on at the same time, my wife mistakenly did it couple times and both system didn't get any problem ... yet. I had to remind her more than once, release the down button first, then push the other later.
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