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Switch Box Advice

gregmcm

gregmcm

Active Member
I've searched a number of threads and posts on the topic of using two receivers with the same speakers and before I pull the trigger on a solution I wanted to get some expert advice.

Objective: what I want to do is have the ability to use and existing A and B speaker set for either a Sansui G-7500 or Setton RS 660 Receiver. The speakers I'd be using are rated at 8 ohms. To clarify, I would like the ability to say use the Sansui G-7500 for FM listening and then, using the same speakers, have the ability to switch to using the Setton RS 660 for vinyl listening - all the while doing so in a safe manner and not blow anything in the amplifier. I would add that I often run both A&B speakers for listening at lower volume levels.

I've seen a number of manufactured switch options and one in particular that looks like a good option is a Russound SDB 2.1. Does anyone have an opinion on this switch for my application?

I'd also add that I would/could make a switch if anyone has a suggestion and plan that would fit my needs. My concern here would be ensuring that this approach would yield a safe to use switch designed to ensure nothing gets destroyed in the receivers circuity. I have read some threads where a home made solution was suggested but there always seems to be a caveat regarding ensuring the receivers are turned off before switching or similar such concerns to ensure no damage etc. Thanks in advance.
 
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The RUSSOUND SDB 2.1 is made precisely for your purpose, it would work just fine and is a good safe choice at that.
 
A regular speaker selector switch box with one input from amp/receiver and two or three sets of outputs could be used in 'reverse' - i.e. connect receivers to the 'outputs' on the box and the pair of speakers to the 'inputs'. The problem here is what you alluded to: if both receivers are selected at once, their outputs become connected which may (not always) damage something. Nevertheless I have used this exact setup in various systems. All you have to do is remember to always deselect one receiver before selecting the other. I've got in the habit and never had a problem. The receivers don't have to be turned off if you push buttons in the right order.

A box designed for the purpose is much safer though.
 
So I've picked up a Russound SDB 2.1 on ebay and it was just delivered. I've checked it out and all looks almost new - I also downloaded the Owners Manual from Russounds site.
If anyone has experience with this or other Russound SDB units could you answer the following questions:

Setup I'm Targeting:
1: 2 receivers and two pairs of 8 ohm speakers hooked up to the SDB 2.1
2: each receiver is turned on and lets say one is on FM (Amplifier A) and one is on Aux to an ipod (Amplifier B)
3: Amplifier A is selected for both sets of speakers (Speaker 1 and Speakers 2)
4: the jumper instructions for the Russound SDB 2.1 are set to the correct location according to the owners manual.

Questions:
- Does running two pairs of speakers at a time put any undue stress on the receiver? I ask because when I normally listen to two pairs of speakers on my receiver I do so by selecting both the A & B buttons on the receiver. In the case of the Russound only A would be wired into the back of the unit.
- would it be OK to change the Russound input to the other receiver on the fly. The owners manual makes no reference to this and the last thing I need is some smoke from the receiver.
Thanks
 
gregmcm said:
So I've picked up a Russound SDB 2.1 on ebay and it was just delivered. I've checked it out and all looks almost new - I also downloaded the Owners Manual from Russounds site.
If anyone has experience with this or other Russound SDB units could you answer the following questions:

Setup I'm Targeting:
1: 2 receivers and two pairs of 8 ohm speakers hooked up to the SDB 2.1
2: each receiver is turned on and lets say one is on FM (Amplifier A) and one is on Aux to an ipod (Amplifier B)
3: Amplifier A is selected for both sets of speakers (Speaker 1 and Speakers 2)
4: the jumper instructions for the Russound SDB 2.1 are set to the correct location according to the owners manual.

Questions:
- Does running two pairs of speakers at a time put any undue stress on the receiver? I ask because when I normally listen to two pairs of speakers on my receiver I do so by selecting both the A & B buttons on the receiver. In the case of the Russound only A would be wired into the back of the unit.
- would it be OK to change the Russound input to the other receiver on the fly. The owners manual makes no reference to this and the last thing I need is some smoke from the receiver.
Thanks
Click to expand...
You do not want to be changing any connections while any of the gear is powered up. :no:
 
darkblue94 said:
You do not want to be changing any connections while any of the gear is powered up. :no:
Click to expand...
dark, that was my inclination for sure and just sounds like a smart approach. DO you see any issue with stress on the receiver running two pairs of speakers at low to medium volume?
 
It depends on the receiver and the speakers. If both pairs are 8 ohm that's a 4 ohm load. If your receiver is rated to handle a 4 ohm load then you're fine. If not - if the manual or the back of the receiver says not to drive two pairs of 8 ohm speakers at once - then it's not a good idea.

If the Russound also has impedance matching though, that's a different story.
 
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