Is there a way to switch one set of speakers between two sound systems?


This may seem nutty at first, but it's been suggested as an unorthodox solution to a tricky configuration problem.  Before dismissing it out of hand, I thought it'd be worth asking for constructive feedback on Audiogon.

Is there any way to switch a single set of speakers between two different amplifiers without compromising sonics?  Switching would be done often, so the mechanism would have to be easy -- preferably with a remote or the twist of a dial or even done automatically by sensing input signals, and definitely not involving moving cables.

If this is confusing, here's a simplified example: A listening room contains two systems, one solid-state, one with tubed components.  A single stereo speaker system has only one set of inputs.  Is there any product or configuration method that would like the speakers to seamlessly reproduce signals generated by either system.  Since the two amps would never be playing simultaneously, the speakers might merely play any signal that reaches them, like MartinLogan subs, which  automatically play any signal received at any of their three inputs.

I understand that a “simple” 2-to-1 junction box would not be so simple in an audiophile environment, especially when routing amplified signals from components that might have greatly different output-stage characteristics. 

Any ideas?

cundare2

deep+333: Well, that sounds like an option.  I saw a lot of $50-150 switching boxes on Amazon, etc., but obviously that's not what I was looking for.  I'll take a look at the Luxman and if I buy one and it does degrade the sound, $500 isn't the end of the world.  Thanks!

I see that Adcom & Van Alstine also made switching boxes -- all discontinued now, of course! -- but it's possible that some of them switch speakers, not amps.

How about 2 sets of speaker cables from 2 separate amps-- one banana, one spades that are connected simultaneously to the same set of speakers.  If one amp is engaged in the on position and the other is off, I'll leave it to the electrical experts to call it.

gpgr4blu: That’s an interesting suggestion. But I think that there would be interaction between the output stages (and the cables) in most cases, even if one amp was powered down.

I see Beresford also made a similar device. I guess they’re out there, but I’m not so sure that inserting any but the most exceptionally designed box at this point in the signal path would be a good idea.

Still, the Luxman is worth a try if no better options emerge. The Japan distributor seems to no longer be active, but there are used boxes on eBay, as was mentioned earlier, in the $500 range.  Which is pretty close to free, by today's audiophile standards.

 

deep+333: I see that Luxman also made what appears to be a stripped-down version with remote (the AS-50R) that is selling "new" for $300-350.