Using splitters for input?

[Tod]

So here's my question: it's totally OK to split output from the receiver pre-outs for multiple subs, etc for any one channel. Is it harmful at all to use a splitter to have two sources sharing the same input?

I just bought a Blu-ray player, and while I was tempted to wait for the Oppo that will supposedly be universal, all of the sudden it was payday and also I was afraid the Oppo might be just a bit over budget. Went with the Panasonic BD-55 as the best one with analog outs. However, I then lose the place to plug in multi-in for SACD. Can they share as long as they don't compete? I can't imagine why anything would light on fire if I did it, but just felt it worth the while to ask...

Thanks.

 

[mike c]

i'm pretty sure it's not advisable.

as to why, i'm not sure ... maybe because the inputs on the source that's not running would receive a signal from the one that's running. and i believe that's a no-no.

 

[markw]

It may not light a fire, but it's akin to connecting one pair of speakers to two different amps simultaneously, which is not a good thing to do. One or both the amps may quietly cease to function.

Note I qualify this with "may", which means I may be wrong. Are ya feeling lucky, kid?

 

[jamie2112]

No it is not advisable at all. You can seriously damage your gear doing that..

 

[Adam]

Alright, I'll be the one who encourages someone to play with fire.

I hooked up my parents' system like that years ago, and everything still works fine. The TV only has two inputs, but they have three sources. So, I used combiners to run two of the sources into one input. As long as only one of the sources is on at a time, it works fantastic. I'm not saying that there's isn't risk, but my limited experience was with successful implementation of that approach.

 

[Midcow2]

Be Very Careful! use upstream switch

Alright, I'll be the one who encourages someone to play with fire.

I hooked up my parents' system like that years ago, and everything still works fine. The TV only has two inputs, but they have three sources. So, I used combiners to run two of the sources into one input. As long as only one of the sources is on at a time, it works fantastic. I'm not saying that there's isn't risk, but my limited experience was with successful implementation of that approach.

The pre-amp signal is a low level signal and is not speaker level and Adam's solution will work fine. But as he says, you really have to be careful with what you are doing. If you accidently turn both on at the same time, then potential problems.

Connecting the speaker level (from the AMP or AVR) two speakers simutaneously is what is a normally a no-no unless you really, really know what you are doing. For example if you have two sets of speakers with 8 ohm nominal impedance and connect them at the same time you have in effect put a 4 ohm load on the amp which normally takes twice as much power. Again connecting two sets of speakers to a single amp output is not recommended.

It might be better to use one input on the AVR for both the Panasonic BD-55 and the multi-in for SACD and do the switching before (upstream) you get to the AVR. Make sure the switch is a "break before make" type; in otherwords it disconnects or "breaks" the first circuit,example BD-55 , before "making" or connecting the second circuit "SACD".

Good Luck----Never Mess with the laws of eletricity!

MidCow2