Recommendation for a good and affordable A/B switch for speakers

[Bobby Bass]

Looking to purchase an A/B switch connecting two pairs of speakers to the same amp so I can switch back and forth between the two pairs of speakers. Have a Rotel amp putting out 200 WPC that can connect two pairs of speakers but both pairs run at the same time. Can’t switch between the A and B pairs to test one pair vs. the other or just listen to one pair at a time. Don’t have a lot of space so can’t keep switching speaker cables etc. Have seen a range of products and prices online. Want something that will work without impacting the sound between the amp and speakers at a reasonable price. Any recommendations?

 

[mono-bloc]

Amazon's probably your best bet, https://www.amazon.com/a-b-speaker-switch/s?k=a-b+speaker+switch

 

[Bobby Bass]

Thanks looks like the Solupeak SP2 for 49.99 is the best fit on Amazon. Douk has a cool looking box with UV meters but it can only handle 100 WPC.

 

[Focus SE]

Thanks looks like the Solupeak SP2 for 49.99 is the best fit on Amazon. Douk has a cool looking box with UV meters but it can only handle 100 WPC.

I am on a hunt my self for a multi channel switch and was running into the same problem of power being bottlenecked. I wanted to do the same thing and have at least a 4 set switch but I do not want to compromise the power passing through. I’m thinking I’ll end up having to find something commercial

 

[LeroyIckes]

Amazon's probably your best bet, https://www.amazon.com/a-b-speaker-switch/s?k=a-b+speaker+switch

Thank you for the link, I am thinking about this one https://www.amazon.com/Amplifier-Speaker-Audio-Switcher-Display/dp/B096KLDMCV

 

[Bobby Bass]

Thank you for the link, I am thinking about this one https://www.amazon.com/Amplifier-Speaker-Audio-Switcher-Display/dp/B096KLDMCV

I love the look of that unit with the meters. Only problem is it says it can only handle 100 watts and my Rotel amp puts out 200+. Went with the Solupeak but it‘s nothing to look at.

 

[LeroyIckes]

I will try to find 200+

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks looks like the Solupeak SP2 for 49.99 is the best fit on Amazon. Douk has a cool looking box with UV meters but it can only handle 100 WPC.

They probably all can only handle a few watts safely. Switching speakers is NOT like switching light bulbs. Speakers are a highly inductive load. Inductors like speakers resist make and break circuits, so will generate huge back EMF (That is high voltage). So as long as you switched speakers at low or no power you will get away with it. If you switch the speakers at power expect a blown amp.

You must be indecisive, most people do not have trouble knowing which speaker they like and stick to it.

 

[Trell]

You must be indecisive, most people do not have trouble knowing which speaker they like and stick to it.

Really? Here we’ve someone that wants to test speakers and this is your reply?

 

[TLS Guy]

Really? Here we’ve someone that wants to test speakers and this is your reply?

Well, it is unlikely that the speakers have the same sensitivity, so they will not play at the same level. So this is a lame way to evaluate speakers in the first place. If you are going to do this properly then you need two amps and two sets of speakers, so you can level match them. Then you switch the inputs and do not switch speaker leads. These speaker switches are really designed for extension speakers in other locations. The take home though is that switching speakers at power at the speaker leads is asking for trouble.

 

[Trell]

Well, it is unlikely that the speakers have the same sensitivity, so they will not play at the same level. So this is a lame way to evaluate speakers in the first place. If you are going to do this properly then you need two amps and two sets of speakers, so you can level match them. Then you switch the inputs and do not switch speaker leads. These speaker switches are really designed for extension speakers in other locations. The take home though is that switching speakers at power at the speaker leads is asking for trouble.

You and I know that very well but why end your otherwise informative post on such a sour note?

 

[Swerd]

Looking to purchase an A/B switch connecting two pairs of speakers to the same amp so I can switch back and forth between the two pairs of speakers. Have a Rotel amp putting out 200 WPC that can connect two pairs of speakers but both pairs run at the same time. Can’t switch between the A and B pairs to test one pair vs. the other or just listen to one pair at a time. Don’t have a lot of space so can’t keep switching speaker cables etc. Have seen a range of products and prices online. Want something that will work without impacting the sound between the amp and speakers at a reasonable price. Any recommendations?

I think I agree with TLS Guy's criticism, even though I also agree with what the original poster wants to try. I've always advocated that people compare speakers' sound qualities, not their looks or price tag. Usually most people do that kind of rigorous comparison before they buy speakers, not afterwards. It must be a case of Audio Nirvana Nervosa more serious than mine, to keep comparing speakers you already own .

There is such a switching device, but at $1,400 it ain't cheap. That's the price these days to indulge Audio Nirvana Nervosa. This device can safely switch among as many as 3 pairs of speakers, using high-powered amps. It also allows switching of up to 2 preamplifiers and 2 power amplifiers. It has a remote control, and allows the listener to precisely adjust volume levels to match within 0.1 dB.

I once had my hands on this item. When Dennis Murphy displayed his different Philharmonic Audio speakers at a local audio show, he also used pre-amps & amps borrowed from Audio by Van Alstine. Frank Van Alstine also threw in this switch/comparison device for the show. It worked well. But to be honest, I don't know anyone who wanted to buy one.

ABX Switch Comparator

Due to high demand we have produced another run of our ABX Switch Comparator. This unit allows seamless switching of up to two preamplifiers, two power amplifiers, and three sets of speakers either with or without subwoofers. The AVA ABX Switch can be used to evaluate cables and component parts...

avahifi.com

 

[Bobby Bass]

I think I agree with TLS Guy's criticism, even though I also agree with what the original poster wants to try. I've always advocated that people compare speakers' sound qualities, not their looks or price tag. Usually most people do that kind of rigorous comparison before they buy speakers, not afterwards. It must be a case of Audio Nirvana Nervosa more serious than mine, to keep comparing speakers you already own .

There is such a switching device, but at $1,400 it ain't cheap. That's the price these days to indulge Audio Nirvana Nervosa. This device can safely switch among as many as 3 pairs of speakers, using high-powered amps. It also allows switching of up to 2 preamplifiers and 2 power amplifiers. It has a remote control, and allows the listener to precisely adjust volume levels to match within 0.1 dB.

I once had my hands on this item. When Dennis Murphy displayed his different Philharmonic Audio speakers at a local audio show, he also used pre-amps & amps borrowed from Audio by Van Alstine. Frank Van Alstine also threw in this switch/comparison device for the show. It worked well. But to be honest, I don't know anyone who wanted to buy one.

ABX Switch Comparator

Due to high demand we have produced another run of our ABX Switch Comparator. This unit allows seamless switching of up to two preamplifiers, two power amplifiers, and three sets of speakers either with or without subwoofers. The AVA ABX Switch can be used to evaluate cables and component parts...

avahifi.com

Thanks using to A/B test speakers to help decide which to keep. A pain having to switch cables to test. Plus never hurts to have new equipment. I’ll either keep or pass it on Like all my other stuff over the years. Another fun part of the hobby.

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks using to A/B test speakers to help decide which to keep. A pain having to switch cables to test. Plus never hurts to have new equipment. I’ll either keep or pass it on Like all my other stuff over the years. Another fun part of the hobby.

Sounds more like eyes down for a back injury to me, rather than fun.

 

[lovinthehd]

Don't see the point of running two stereo pairs simultaneously, or switching between pairs without level matching ability. Some amps do provide 4ch output, and can be switched on/off.....

 

[Focus SE]

Don't see the point of running two stereo pairs simultaneously, or switching between pairs without level matching ability. Some amps do provide 4ch output, and can be switched on/off.....

As mentioned before I have done this. The question is why would I or anyone run more than one pair at a time? The answer is the speakers currently available are insufficient and it is an attempt to enhance a full sound not available in the current equipment and replacement is cost prohibitive. Why does a speaker with one tweeter one mid range and one woofer not sound as “full”as a speaker with two each. ( personally I don’t care why, or even how, they just do) Currently I no longer have a need to enhance sound. Because I now have a quality set of speakers In fact I’m now having to rename my my speakers the “microscopes”. They show every flaw in many of my favorite childhood playlist. The A/B switch would allow me to go back to lesser speakers to simply enjoy the music as I remember it without hearing all the flaws. So given the knowledge of how not to damage equipment I see zero problem. If purity in stereo is the goal, for sure do not run more than one pair but imo if good full sound comes from adding additional speakers and that’s what you have, go for it. And if having an A/B switch allows you to dial back the microscopes and just listen for the love of the music and not the definition projection sound stage and letting meters tell you if it’s good or not, GO FOR IT

 

[ben_]

Not sure that argument is going to find much (any?) support here, but if it makes you happy...

 

[lovinthehd]

As mentioned before I have done this. The question is why would I or anyone run more than one pair at a time? The answer is the speakers currently available are insufficient and it is an attempt to enhance a full sound not available in the current equipment and replacement is cost prohibitive. Why does a speaker with one tweeter one mid range and one woofer not sound as “full”as a speaker with two each. ( personally I don’t care why, or even how, they just do) Currently I no longer have a need to enhance sound. Because I now have a quality set of speakers In fact I’m now having to rename my my speakers the “microscopes”. They show every flaw in many of my favorite childhood playlist. The A/B switch would allow me to go back to lesser speakers to simply enjoy the music as I remember it without hearing all the flaws. So given the knowledge of how not to damage equipment I see zero problem. If purity in stereo is the goal, for sure do not run more than one pair but imo if good full sound comes from adding additional speakers and that’s what you have, go for it. And if having an A/B switch allows you to dial back the microscopes and just listen for the love of the music and not the definition projection sound stage and letting meters tell you if it’s good or not, GO FOR IT

A bit weird, but suum quique.

 

[Verdinut]

You don't need two pairs of speakers. Just use simple switches to disconnect the tweeters, and you will be closer to the sound you are looking for.

 

[Focus SE]

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