Two Amps and One Pair of Speakers

[joswald21]

I want to be able choose between one of two 2-channel sources and drive the same pair of speakers.

Why?

I just picked-up a NAD 3020 Series 20 integrated amp that's in REALLY good shape. Gus Rubino, proprietor of a 40+ years-in-business TV and audio repair shop and a good man, tested-it-out and gave it high marks.

I want to switch to it when I'm feeling nostalgic - e.g., blasting tunes from Peter Gabriel's Melting Face album.

Is there a simple solution?

[novisnick]

I use a set of manual switch boxes. Three positions, amp one, dead center and amp two. Do not run an amp without a load on it.

[joswald21]

Oct 10, 2017 2:57:35 GMT -5 novisnick said:

I use a set of manual switch boxes. Three positions, amp one, dead center and amp two. Do not run an amp without a load on it.

Thanks nick...did build or buy?

[kauai82]

Niles makes a switch box that works well. You see them on eBay occasionally.  I owned one but sold it.  They run about $80 to $120. For the life of me I can't remember the model number.  It's a simple black box with push switch.  Matt

[joswald21]

Oct 10, 2017 8:30:31 GMT -5 kauai82 said:

Niles makes a switch box that works well. You see them on eBay occasionally.  I owned one but sold it.  They run about $80 to $120. For the life of me I can't remember the model number.  It's a simple black box with push switch.  Matt

Thanks kauai82...

[joswald21]

Here are a few choices...

www.amazon.com/TC-7220-Amplifier-Selector-Comparator-Crossover/dp/B00LNOAGZQ

www.mfspdesigns.com/index.php/en/all-products/switch-box/speaker-switch-box-detail

www.crutchfield.com/p_543AB22/Russound-AB-2-2.html

[gsand]

Hello,
I have one of the Niles DPS-1 amplifier speaker A-B selector's for sale if you are interested.

[bluemeanies]

My system serves two purposes. One 2channel stereo and 2nd Home Theater.
One pair of speakers are the workhorse for both systems.
I help with the design and did some work on them. I had another forum member who finished the build.
They work flawlessly and are more durable than what is on today's market IMO.
If interested I can put you in contact with the forum member who did the painting and assembly of the switch boxes...one for each speaker.

[joswald21]

Oct 11, 2017 12:37:22 GMT -5 bluemeanies said:

My system serves two purposes. One 2channel stereo and 2nd Home Theater.
One pair of speakers are the workhorse for both systems.
I help with the design and did some work on them. I had another forum member who finished the build.
They work flawlessly and are more durable than what is on today's market IMO.
If interested I can put you in contact with the forum member who did the painting and assembly of the switch boxes...one for each speaker.

Thanks for the reply and the offer to help.  That's exactly what I wanted, no more no less.

I just ordered one of these, www.ebay.com/itm/Speaker-switch-1to2-Amplifier-selector-switch-1-to-2-1-2-120w-watts-4%CE%A9-8%CE%A9-tool/302372953630?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

It doesn't have binding post but looks like fun, ey...?

[bluemeanies]

I had seen similar devices from NILES but I did not like the idea of using bare wires.
Hey that's me.
That's why there are choices, lots of choices with this never ending hobby.

Good Luck

[leonski]

Oct 10, 2017 2:57:35 GMT -5 novisnick said:

I use a set of manual switch boxes. Three positions, amp one, dead center and amp two. Do not run an amp without a load on it.

As long as switches are 'break before make' which means that at some point there WILL be no load on the amp.  

Folr SS this is OK.      For Tube amps?   Not so good and certainly NOT recommended.  

Make before Break switches CAN cross connect and that would be a REAL bad idea.

The 3=position solution from Novisnick should work.     Just make certain the center position is completely isolated from 
either of the other positions.

Also?     The NAD3020 is fairly low power.      I don't think such a switch arrangement will handle lots of power.

www.bestbuy.com/site/rocketfish-4-pair-stereo-speaker-selector-black/9746779.p?skuId=9746779&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=829efb92-d4ea-4f8d-bba1-44ad1466faca&ksprof_id=16&ksaffcode=pg252604&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwpLq1Iv51gIVkTVpCh1MCwDMEAQYBCABEgJjG_D_BwE

This might work wired BACKWARDS.    Intent is one amp in and 4 pairs of speakers out.     Maybe 2 amps in......and 1 pair of speakers out?      Listed @40watts maximum.

I'd figure someting out with PLUGS so disconnect and connect are both positive with not chance of a Cross Zap.

[novisnick]

Oct 17, 2017 21:12:16 GMT -5 leonski said:

Oct 10, 2017 2:57:35 GMT -5 novisnick said:

I use a set of manual switch boxes. Three positions, amp one, dead center and amp two. Do not run an amp without a load on it.

As long as switches are 'break before make' which means that at some point there WILL be no load on the amp.  

Folr SS this is OK.      For Tube amps?   Not so good and certainly NOT recommended.  

Make before Break switches CAN cross connect and that would be a REAL bad idea.

The 3=position solution from Novisnick should work.     Just make certain the center position is completely isolated from 
either of the other positions.

Also?     The NAD3020 is fairly low power.      I don't think such a switch arrangement will handle lots of power.

www.bestbuy.com/site/rocketfish-4-pair-stereo-speaker-selector-black/9746779.p?skuId=9746779&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=829efb92-d4ea-4f8d-bba1-44ad1466faca&ksprof_id=16&ksaffcode=pg252604&ksdevice=c&lsft=ref:212,loc:2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwpLq1Iv51gIVkTVpCh1MCwDMEAQYBCABEgJjG_D_BwE

This might work wired BACKWARDS.    Intent is one amp in and 4 pairs of speakers out.     Maybe 2 amps in......and 1 pair of speakers out?      Listed @40watts maximum.

I'd figure someting out with PLUGS so disconnect and connect are both positive with not chance of a Cross Zap.

True! Even with my three position isolation switch I only move them when the amps are off! Can you be too careful? NOPE