• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Amplifier/receiver switch

Raphaz

Raphaz

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Is there such a thing as an amp or receiver switch?
I’m looking for something simple to switch between two vintage receivers but output sound to the same (analog) speakers.
I’m not skilled to make a switch myself. I’m looking for a good quality switch that doesn’t filter or alter the sound or introduce any unwanted noise.
 
Register to hide this ad
I just realized that, with the sub connected to the R-2000 pre out, I may not be able to just switch between receivers with a device like the Douk mentioned above. From what I understand you can hook up and switch between two amps or receivers and two pairs of speakers. I would lose the sub when switching from one receiver to the other.
Right?
 
Raphaz said:
I just realized that, with the sub connected to the R-2000 pre out, I may not be able to just switch between receivers with a device like the Douk mentioned above. From what I understand you can hook up and switch between two amps or receivers and two pairs of speakers. I would lose the sub when switching from one receiver to the other.
Right?
Click to expand...
Or is there a way? Maybe with a Y-splitter?
 
Maybe I have to rephrase my question:

How can I have one set of main speakers plus one sub (the latter currently fed via the pre of a one of the receivers), and switch between two receivers using the same mains/sub (without rewiring each time)?

Can it be done with a Douk VU3 Pro or with a similar switch?
I’m not sure how I’d handle the sub — maybe with an added Y-splitter? How would I wire everything?

Or is there another way to do this?
 
There is always a way to do something. But it might help to know what receivers you are talking about. I take it the sub is active so it is driven from a preamp. But then from the preamp the signal for the rest needs to go to two different receivers and a switch. Sounds like maybe only one of those receivers has a preamp out/main in...
 
coonmanx said:
There is always a way to do something. But it might help to know what receivers you are talking about. I take it the sub is active so it is driven from a preamp. But then from the preamp the signal for the rest needs to go to two different receivers and a switch. Sounds like maybe only one of those receivers has a preamp out/main in...
Click to expand...
Yamaha R-200
Nikko 1219
KEF Q500
Klipsch 12” sub (active)
 
Raphaz said:
I’m not sure how I’d handle the sub — maybe with an added Y-splitter? How would I wire everything?

Or is there another way to do this?
Click to expand...
Run the sub at speaker level if it has speaker level inputs.

If no speaker level inputs, consider a speaker to line level converter.

Hook in after the amp selector switch so the sub gets signal regardless which amp/receiver is selected. Easy peasy.
 
Raphaz said:
I’m not sure how I’d handle the sub — maybe with an added Y-splitter?
Click to expand...

No - you don't want to combine two outputs to one input, as that's a bad idea. You'd need to use an additional line-level switch instead - or alternatively follow whoaru99's suggestions, if you'd prefer to avoid a second switch.

Greetings from Munich!

Manfred / lini
 
Thank you all.

i attached a picture of the amp plate - it says Line In and LFE.

I’m not a tech. Can I ask you to confirm the following?

I understand that LFE is short for low frequency effect. Does that mean it’s not a speaker level input, but meant for dedicated sub or pre out on the receiver side?

Do I need an additional line-level converter or switch?
If so, does the sub handle the crossover, meaning only amplifies/outputs the lower frequencies (adjustable via the two dials on the back)?

If my assumptions above are correct, would I have to adjust the crossover and volume on the sub every time I switch receivers? Or, given I adjusted both receivers to a satisfying, similar overall and bass volume, would the sub handle the bass proportionally and the bass output would be similar? Sorry, not sure how to phrase that better.
If relevant:
- Nikko 1219: 100 WPC @ 8 Ohm
- Yamaha R-2000: 150 WPC @ 8 Ohm

One more question:
Since I probably will add a receiver switch (like mentioned earlier in the thread) and maybe also need a line level switch for the sub, is there something that can handle both (in my setting)?
I want to avoid having too many switches and gadgets, each performing simple tasks, when I can combine some of it.
I already have a switch for switching between sources before the Wiim Pro+ (long story).
 
LFE is a low level signal, not speaker level.

The sub would work exactly the same way it does now. The only difference is it would get the signal from the speaker connections via the speaker level to line level converter rather than from the pre out.

Since the speakers are not changing, I'd expect you'd be able to tune the sub to blend with the speakers. Then, if you perceive differences between receivers when you switch, you'd adjust the receiver in use, not retune the sub/speaker blend.
 
I have the Fosi switch box. As the OP pointed out having a sub complicates this but I solved it by having my sub connected to my Yamaha A-S501’s sub out. The two integrateds that I have feeding the Fosi amp switch are the Yamaha and an Onix tube amp which does not have a sub or pre out connection.

When I want to use the tube amp I also power up the Yamaha so the sub gets a signal. This only works of course if your source is sending a signal to BOTH amplifiers. In my case it’s a streamer with multiple outputs.

There’s no harm in leaving a solid state amp powered on without speakers connected but that’s not true for pretty much all tube amplifiers.

 
There are also cheaper (yet effective) amp switchers that don't include VU meters. I have one from amazon called Solupeak P2 that has a simple switch on the front. RCAs for the two inputs and one set of RCAs out to speakers. If your subwoofer has two inputs you can run one from each of your receivers to a single input on the sub. I think the Solupeak cost $60 or so a few years ago. Simple, effective.
 
DavidTT said:
There are also cheaper (yet effective) amp switchers that don't include VU meters. I have one from amazon called Solupeak P2 that has a simple switch on the front. RCAs for the two inputs and one set of RCAs out to speakers. If your subwoofer has two inputs you can run one from each of your receivers to a single input on the sub. I think the Solupeak cost $60 or so a few years ago. Simple, effective.
Click to expand...
I already have a Solupeak, an RCA Switch, to switch between sources (TT; CD; tape) before my Wiim Pro+ (music streaming is picked up by the Wiim Pro+ directly). From the Wiim Pro+ it goes out to the wireless remotes and at the same time wired to the receiver for my wired main speakers. The quality seems to be solid. So the P2 could be a contender.
Unfortunately, my sub only has one input, and adding a Y-split before the sub may not be a good idea I think.
 
prisoners said:
I have the Fosi switch box. As the OP pointed out having a sub complicates this but I solved it by having my sub connected to my Yamaha A-S501’s sub out. The two integrateds that I have feeding the Fosi amp switch are the Yamaha and an Onix tube amp which does not have a sub or pre out connection.

When I want to use the tube amp I also power up the Yamaha so the sub gets a signal. This only works of course if your source is sending a signal to BOTH amplifiers. In my case it’s a streamer with multiple outputs.

There’s no harm in leaving a solid state amp powered on without speakers connected but that’s not true for pretty much all tube amplifiers.

Click to expand...
In addition to streaming I also have conventional sources like CD and TT - see my answer to the next poster below. So my setup differs a bit from yours. But, maybe I could do something similar with the two receivers connected? Hmmm.., my brain needs some rest before I can think that through.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom