• 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

Marantz 2230 w/ External Power Amp - Switching speakers

K

Kcusick81

New Member
Good morning AK,

I have a quick question...

I have a Marantz 2230 that I use as a preamp connected to a Peachtree Audio Amp500 that powers my Infinity CS-3008 floor standers. A few months ago, I picked up a nice little pair of Kef Q150 bookshelf speakers on sale. I gotta say, I was VERY impressed with the Kefs. Originally, I just wanted to audition them, but I ended up keeping them. Anyway, depending upon my mood, the music I'm listening to, or the source, I like to switch it up and listen to the Kefs as opposed to the Infinitys and vice versa. For now, whenever I want to listen to the Q150s I plug my cables running to my power amp back into main in and run them through 2230. Which sounds pretty great, I must say! I'm just wondering if there is a way to streamline switching back and forth between the two speakers? Is a selector switch my only option? Is there another way to accomplish the same thing? If a switch is necessary, could you guys throw out a couple of suggestions? Also, how exactly would that configuration work? Or would it, even?

As always, thanks in advance!

Kyle
 
Register to hide this ad
You could always use the Marantz to drive one pair directly and the Peachtree to drive the other with the Marantz as preamp (would need RCA Y cables for pre-main). Simple as switching off the speaks on the Marantz while listening to the Peachtree. Listening to the Mararantz is a little trickier, you would have to either unplug the pre out, or use the dubbing or a tape monitor as your output - or just power off the peachtree.
 
Or get a preamp for your peachtree. Use a 'tape out' from your marantz to the input (like AUX) of your pre to use the sources connected to the marantz.
 
UPDATE!

I know it's been a little while, but I wanted to thank you guys for the responses and let you know that I came up with a solution that's pretty great. I have a Cambridge Dacmagic 200m integrated into my system for digital sources. I bought a pair of XLR cables years ago, purely out of curiosity, because I wanted to try running the DAC straight to my power amp. I never got around to it and completely forgot that I had them. I found the XLRs in my audio bin the other day while rummaging for speaker cables. I decided to give using the DAC as a preamp a shot, like I had planned. Effectively, separating my system into two separate systems - one digital, one analog - and inadvertently solving my speaker switching issue. So now, the Infinitys run the digital inputs and the Kefs run the analog inputs! Worked out great! On a side note, I've heard that a balanced connection can sound better than an unbalanced one, but man was I sleeping on how night and day the difference would be! Just thought I'd share!

Thank you again,
Kyle!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom