dual amplifiers, common stereo speakers

[Ian Farmer]

I use two amplifiers, a Harmon Karden for the home theater (no phono input), and a NAD for phono with common front L/R stereo speakers. At present I have to switch the speaker cables from one amplifier to the other dependent on which source I want to listen to. I want to insert a switch with inputs for amplifier A or B, and output to one pair of speakers. Can anyone recommend a solution or product? All I can find is A/B speaker selectors

 

[TLS Guy]

I use two amplifiers, a Harmon Karden for the home theater (no phono input), and a NAD for phono with common front L/R stereo speakers. At present I have to switch the speaker cables from one amplifier to the other dependent on which source I want to listen to. I want to insert a switch with inputs for amplifier A or B, and output to one pair of speakers. Can anyone recommend a solution or product? All I can find is A/B speaker selectors

We have been asked this before. There is no device, and it would be dangerous, as if the two amps get connected at their outputs even for an instant, both will be ruined.

I don't understand the need for this. I would just buy a phono preamp for the H.K. You really should be able to settle on one unit to do the job or replace both. Your system is really a nonsense if you think about it.

 

[slipperybidness]

OP did not list the NAD he is using. Any chance it has pre-amp outs?

If it does, then simply use the NAD for phono, but use the preamp outs to the HK.

 

[AUTOBOT]

I use two amplifiers, a Harmon Karden for the home theater (no phono input), and a NAD for phono with common front L/R stereo speakers. At present I have to switch the speaker cables from one amplifier to the other dependent on which source I want to listen to. I want to insert a switch with inputs for amplifier A or B, and output to one pair of speakers. Can anyone recommend a solution or product? All I can find is A/B speaker selectors

Russound-AB-2-2
Niles-ABS-1-FG00271
Available at crutchfield

 

[highfigh]

I use two amplifiers, a Harmon Karden for the home theater (no phono input), and a NAD for phono with common front L/R stereo speakers. At present I have to switch the speaker cables from one amplifier to the other dependent on which source I want to listen to. I want to insert a switch with inputs for amplifier A or B, and output to one pair of speakers. Can anyone recommend a solution or product? All I can find is A/B speaker selectors

Are you doing this only because of the phono preamp, or do you prefer one amp over the other? If you have no preference and only keep the NAD around for the phono section or some other reason, all you need to do is connect a set of audio cables from the record out jacks of the NAD to an input jack of the HK. Set the NAD's speaker selector to OFF and leave the volume control at minimum. DONE.

 

[efzauner]

Old thread but why so unusual? Many of us have an HT receiver and a higher quality stereo setup using the same L-R mains. Of course you cannot use a traditional speaker switch because most allow parallel speaker connections and that would be disastrous for most amps if they do not have some sort of out put short protection.
However, a pair of double pole double throw switches would do the trick quite safely. Or a quad pole dual thrown if you can find such device. Or a relay setup that only allows one relay on at once.