2 Pair of Speakers + 1 Sub?

[B Side]

Can I connect 1 sub woofer to 2 pair of speakers using the high-level input of the sub?
In my small listening space, I have 2 system each with its own pair of speakers. Is it possible to use the sub with either system by connecting both system to the high-level input of the sub?
Of course, I would only be using one system at a time with the sub. And no, I don't have space for another sub.

 

[twiiii]

I guess if the electronics have a mixed sub line out puts. Then you can use a small switch box with RCA connectors to switch between the two. But make the sure the two systems are at the same ground potential.

 

[the skipper]

You don't want to have the two amps connected together.

This tread might interest you. It's essentially the same thing.

[edit] Oops... I forgot the link. Here it is

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...itch-2-amps-1-set-spkrs.983031/#post-15309313

 

[WaynerN]

Easy with a speaker selector switch. Have both amps feed into each section of a speakers (out) of the selector switch, then put the sub on the input side. Kind of like wiring it in reverse. The sub is constantly in the loop, one amp or the other is the variable.

Or... as I do it, I have a line level input selector switch. Both of my preamps have 2 lines out to an amplifier, so one pre goes to one input from its second line out, the other pre go to another input from its second line out and then that signal gets sent to the subs line level input from the switcher's line level output.

 

[B Side]

I guess if the electronics have a mixed sub line out puts. Then you can use a small switch box with RCA connectors to switch between the two. But make the sure the two systems are at the same ground potential.

Unfortunately, both amps don't have any sub line output.

 

[B Side]

You don't want to have the two amps connected together.

This tread might interest you. It's essentially the same thing.

[edit] Oops... I forgot the link. Here it is

https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...itch-2-amps-1-set-spkrs.983031/#post-15309313

I figured it might be a bad idea. Good thing there is wealth of knowledge here on AK.

 

[B Side]

Easy with a speaker selector switch. Have both amps feed into each section of a speakers (out) of the selector switch, then put the sub on the input side. Kind of like wiring it in reverse. The sub is constantly in the loop, one amp or the other is the variable.

Or... as I do it, I have a line level input selector switch. Both of my preamps have 2 lines out to an amplifier, so one pre goes to one input from its second line out, the other pre go to another input from its second line out and then that signal gets sent to the subs line level input from the switcher's line level output.

Interesting. I have a speaker selector switch in the set-up. Do I tap it into the input section of the speaker switch for one of the amps?

 

[whoaru99]

I think you will need two switches (or possibly modify the switchbox you have).

You'll need an "amp selector" before the sub (S1 in illustration below). The common output from that would go to the sub. Then, a "speaker selector" after the sub (S2 below), with the common input coming from the sub, with the switched outputs to the speakers.

Something along the lines of this if the sub is simply parallel (eg. without high pass filter) (showing one channel) -



If the sub has high pass filter and you're using it then something like this (again, showing just one channel).

 

[WaynerN]

I think you will need two switches (or possibly modify the switchbox you have).

You'll need an "amp selector" before the sub (S1 in illustration below). The common output from that would go to the sub. Then, a "speaker selector" after the sub (S2 below), with the common input coming from the sub, with the switched outputs to the speakers.

Something along the lines of this if the sub is simply parallel (eg. without high pass filter) (showing one channel) -

View attachment 2441317

If the sub has high pass filter and you're using it then something like this (again, showing just one channel).
View attachment 2441324

And to go off of your nice diagram, would we not assume that a DPDT switch is being used to direct one or the other amp? If so, the center set of terminals is the tap for the sub, assuming all is of common ground.....left and right channel hots (+) on the switch center.

 

[WaynerN]

edited due to stupidity.

 

[whoaru99]

And to go off of your nice diagram, would we not assume that a DPDT switch is being used to direct one or the other amp? If so, the center set of terminals is the tap for the sub, assuming all is of common ground.....left and right channel hots (+) on the switch center.

I prefer not to use common ground as some amps don't like common ground. But, if you know all the gear can stand common ground, yeah, that can make it a bit simpler.

 

[whoaru99]

Wait a minute, the main speakers are always on..right? Tap the speaker terminals to go to the subwoofer. Problem solved.

If "amp A" is always paired with "speaker A" rather than being able to mix match any combination then, yeah, that's easier too.

 

[WaynerN]

I think we forget that he has 2 amps and 2 sets of speakers. SO he's using the box to shut off one amp and its set of speakers in leu of the 2 system. That is getting more complicated.

Looks like a DIY from the OP...we need a wiring diagram.

 

[whoaru99]

I think we forget that he has 2 amps and 2 sets of speakers. SO he's using the box to shut off one amp and its set of speakers in leu of the 2 system. That is getting more complicated.

Looks like a DIY from the OP...we need a wiring diagram.

He may have the necessary switches in the box but, yeah, it would need some sort of common output added to feed the sub, or split output/input if the sub has HPF that is being used. These are what the diagrams in post 8 show.

 

[B Side]

I think we forget that he has 2 amps and 2 sets of speakers. SO he's using the box to shut off one amp and its set of speakers in leu of the 2 system. That is getting more complicated.
Looks like a DIY from the OP...we need a wiring diagram.

He may have the necessary switches in the box but, yeah, it would need some sort of common output added to feed the sub, or split output/input if the sub has HPF that is being used. These are what the diagrams in post 8 show.

Not a DIY. Got if off Ebay. I don't have a wiring diagram but I did open it up and the negative terminals have a common ground. Didn't realize that not all amps can stand a common ground.


Thanks for the diagram @whoaru99. Seems I need to modify the switch box to have it parallel with whatever amp or speaker I choose.
Or can a simpler solution be to connect a parallel line from the speaker outputs to another speaker switch box (2in & 1out) which then leads the to speaker level input of the sub? Will going through another switch box have any effect on the sound coming from the sub? Or is this a disaster waiting to happen?

 

[whoaru99]

You could do it either way, whichever is more convenient I'd say, but with a 2nd switch of course you'd have more switches to switch.

To modify that one my opinion would be this, red lines representing left and right positive from common point (middle two terminals of either switch - see attached), then pull the negatives from any of the negative terminals since they're all common.

 

[WaynerN]

Well, then end result is that he needs it to work. I can come up with a circuit mod and I'm sure @whoareu99 can figure out a fix, too.

 

[izeek11]

russound 2.1 at crutchfield. protects your gear and does not degrade sound quality.
simple and sure.

 

[Hajidub]

Just a reminder: using the high-levels outputs on a powered sub (depending on what input format you're using) will determine whether one or two subs are required.

 

[whoaru99]

Just a reminder: using the high-levels outputs on a powered sub (depending on what input format you're using) will determine whether one or two subs are required.

What will dictate one or two?