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Wiring two systems to one set of speakers...crazy?

Here is a thought That occurred to me I n seeking a solution to reduce hours on my REF5se and save tube life. Right now I am using a Anthem D2V pre-pro with a McIntosh MC205 (5 channel amp) for center and rears. I am also using the REF5 with a MC402 (2 Channel amp) and using Unity Gain for the Front speakers. When I am watching movies/Tv I have all the components on and the REF is just passing the front signal thru to the fronts. This adds hours to the tubes and the rest of the circuitry and really adds no quality to the sound than if I were to run the fronts thru the MC205 which has the 2 extra channels if I wanted too. Use those for fronts. 
So my latest thoughts are, run a new set of cables from the MC205 to the same front speakers and leave the MC402 wired as well. The two systems HT and 2 channel would never be on at the same time so the two amps would not have signal going to the speakers. I would leave one system off, e.g. Listen to vinyl the Anthem/MC205 would be off, OR for movies the REF/MC402 would be off. 

So my question, with the front speakers (which are bi-wired) wired from two amps, would I create and shorting issues that could cause damage to the amps or speakers? One concern is would I cancel or negate the benefits of bi-wiring as both sets of cables would be connected all the time? Has anyone ever done this or am I crazy thinking this would work?
128x128theo
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theo's avatar
theo OP
2,689 posts
 
I do keep a full compliment of tubes on hand, and my motive here is not so much saving money as it is saving wear on the component.
I had wondered about the "in use" amp back feeding into the idle amp and damage that might cause damage. I wasn't sure since idle amp would be off. But I guess reading it kinda makes it more clear that, yes, not a good idea.
Thanks for the responses
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cleeds
5,950 posts
 
marktomaras
... audio research gear is built to be used and to last. A new set of tubes for your ref 5 can be had for $200-$300. The specs say the tubes will last 4000 + hours, which is 2.7 hours, every day of the year, for 4 years.

i would skip this and just use the ref 5, keep is simple!
+1. Keeping tubes running in an ARC preamplifier isn't particularly expensive - in relation to the cost of high-end audio in general - and I think it's nothing to be concerned about. It is wise to keep a spare set of tubes on hand but other than that I don't think it's worth worrying about the cost of operation. If that cost is something that the OP just can't overcome, perhaps he should consider a solid state preamp instead.
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Preamp tubes run a very long time, and audio research gear is built to be used and to last. A new set of tubes for your ref 5 can be had for $200-$300. The specs say the tubes will last 4000 + hours, which is 2.7 hours, every day of the year, for 4 years.

i would skip this and just use the ref 5, keep is simple!
auxinput
2,920 posts
 
Yeah, not a good idea.  When one amp is powering the speakers, the voltage would cause damage in the other amp that is currently turned off.  If you want to do this, your best bet is to use two different sets of speaker cables with banana plugs and just unplug/plug whichever speaker wire relating to the amp you want to use.
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