2. amps-preamps
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Two different amps to same speakers for two different applications?

I have a 7.1 theater system with a Rotel 2-channel amp powering the L&R.  I'm considering putting a 1980s Audio Research tube amp into the mix for a dedicated vinyl rig.  

So question is, can I wire my L&R channels from both amps and obviously just use one amp at a time?  Seems perfectly do-able to me but I've done silly stuff before and I don't want to blow anything up.  :-) 

My Paradigm Studio V3 speakers have bi-wire inputs so perhaps use bananas from both Rotel & AR, one into the top 2 (highs) & the other into the bottom 2 and use the jumpers?

Thanks for any thoughts.
thxphotog
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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
No, you absolutely should not do that.  See discussion of a similar question, and some possible approaches, in the following recent threads: 

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/one-system-two-amps-one-for-tv-and-the-other-for-music

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/bryston-2wsb-switch-box-to-choose-amp-that-drives-speakers

Regards,
-- Al 
thxphotog OP
6 posts
 
Just why I came here. Thanks for the info. Will explore options.... I think before I would ever run a switcher box of any sort, I'd simply unhook wires at the speaker and hookup the other to keep the signal as pure as possible.  Thanks again!
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,669 posts
 
get a descent switching unit, not expensive and will isolate one amp when using the other. Bottle Head, parts express etc have them
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almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Doesn’t switching gear take away from the sound stage, the quality?
Not necessarily, IMO. While I suspect that a lot of audiophiles would assert that it does, I doubt that very many if any of them have performed an evaluation of a variety of well chosen switchboxes (note the selection criteria I cited in the second thread I linked to, involving isolation of negative as well as positive amplifier outputs, as well as power handling capability), and in a variety of diverse systems, and in a thorough and disciplined manner that is sufficient to support that assertion with any conclusiveness.

Regards,
-- Al
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