Amp Switcher Question

[ZionNatlPark]

Has anyone had experience with Amplifier Switchers? I have a series of different amps (and speakers) that I'd like to be able to switch back n' forth. Currently 4 separate amps and 10 speakers. I'm simply looking to alternate between, and switch from one given amp to my choice of speakers. Remember the old stereo/quad audio rooms back in the 70's. Same approach really.

I have higher than average equipment. Speakers; 4 Klipschorns, 2 Klipsch Lascala's, etc. Amps; McIntosh MC275, Marantz 4270, Denon AVR 3805, etc. The reason I revealed my choice of equipment isn't prestige rather, to reveal the nature of electronics being used.

I've seen A LOT of "switchers' out there and quite frankly, I'm lost. Anyone have any helpful tips? I'd be most grateful to you.

Tony ... from Zion Nat'l Park :>)

 

[restorer-john]

If you want to switch between active amplifiers, a comparator is required. These devices were common in HiFi showrooms in the 1970s and 80s, until the single speaker demos became the norm. They now sell for obscene amounts due to the fact collectors want them.

Active amplifier switching necessitates break-before-make switching and is best accomplished with relay switching. Without break before make switching, amplifier output stages are instantly destroyed.

Speaker and source switching is somewhat easier. Do not be tempted to ever use a speaker switcher in reverse for amplifier switching- I've seen that done and the results were not pretty.

 

[quiet]

But but but, I used a break before make source selector run in reverse with good success for swopping receivers.
You got two options.

Run a comparator as in the first picture or similar box, I use one from a 4channel set up, top right. It does everything but select sources. For that I run a simple source selector in front of it.

Or run at least four boxes. Three of what's in the second picture. And one of something like the AR in the third and fourth pictures.

One to gather the sources. A source selector not in reverse. Up to eight is common.

One to send that to the amps. A source selector in reverse. Up to eight is common.

One to gather the amps to go to the speaker selector. A source selector not in reverse. Up to eight is common.
.
One to distribute to the speakers. A speaker selector. A load matching speaker selector if you want to run more than one pair of speakers. Up to eight is common.

As you know you can then switch from one amp to the other instantly. I do not. I power down before switching amps. BUT I select next speakers before killing speakers.