Need to switch 2 amplifiers to 1 set of (5.1) home theater speakers. Can it be done?
#1
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Need to switch 2 amplifiers to 1 set of (5.1) home theater speakers. Can it be done?
Okay, here's what I'm trying to do and why:
I've got one 5.1 DTS amp & a second 5.1 amp that doesn't do DTS, but has a built in RF Demodulator that I can use for my AC-3 laserdiscs.
Now I realize it would be easier to just buy a small RF demod unit, but I really like my old Pioneer Elite and if there's a way to switch between the amps to one set of speakers I would be a happier man!
I'd never, EVER run them together, but just to be safe I know I'd need some sort of protection circuit inside the switcher to stop the amplifiers from seeing (and potentially killing) each other! &
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Tek
I've got one 5.1 DTS amp & a second 5.1 amp that doesn't do DTS, but has a built in RF Demodulator that I can use for my AC-3 laserdiscs.
Now I realize it would be easier to just buy a small RF demod unit, but I really like my old Pioneer Elite and if there's a way to switch between the amps to one set of speakers I would be a happier man!
I'd never, EVER run them together, but just to be safe I know I'd need some sort of protection circuit inside the switcher to stop the amplifiers from seeing (and potentially killing) each other! &
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Tek
Last edited by The Edit King; 07-09-04 at 09:40 PM.
#2
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Sounds like you need a dual 6 input, single 6 output switchbox capable of handling a reasonable amount of power. That wouldn't allow both amps to drive the speakers at the same time. Although you'd want to make sure the amp that isn't being used is shut off.
Maybe you could use a speaker switcher, but use it "backwards".
http://www.surroundpro.com/articles/...icle_207.shtml
Maybe you could use a speaker switcher, but use it "backwards".
http://www.surroundpro.com/articles/...icle_207.shtml
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WOAH! Hey X!
(Long time no blab!)
I was at radio shack (in the neighborhood) earlier tonight looking around and pondering the possibilities and thought about that speaker switcher backwards thing. I'll be stopping by Fry's in Burbank tomorrow to see what they have.
But in the link you provided it nails it right on the head:
"The A/B 5.1 switcher is designed to be used as either a simple selector between two 5.1 speaker systems or used to select between two different input sources to feed a single 5.1 speaker system."
Now that sounds EXACTLY like what I need but at $455, it's a bit more than I'm willing to spend, and if the backwards speaker switcher idea doesn't work, a RF Demod off ebay may be the best way to go. (Damn! I wish there was someone selling a Pioneer RFD-1, Yamaha APD-1 or even Sony MOD-RF1 out here in my area. I've always liked that "Cash & Carry" idea the best...)
Unless of course I just end up building something myself. &
Thanks for taking the time to deliver the mighty info!
(I really appreciate it.)
----------------------------------
EDIT KING UPDATE: After applying a little more thought to the situation, the A/B 5.1 switcher sounds great and is a truly wonderful piece of equipment, but it doesn't actually do what I need it to do.
And so I went to Fry's.
(Why in the WORLD I ever thought the guys at Fry's would know anything about audio electronics escapes me. )
Then I got serious and was on my way to Pacific Radio but stopped by Ametron on the way there, and found out plain & simple that if I really need it, I'm just gonna have to make it (using X's original idea of a dual 6 input, single 6 output switchbox) which will not be too difficult at all.
THEEK!
(Long time no blab!)
I was at radio shack (in the neighborhood) earlier tonight looking around and pondering the possibilities and thought about that speaker switcher backwards thing. I'll be stopping by Fry's in Burbank tomorrow to see what they have.
But in the link you provided it nails it right on the head:
"The A/B 5.1 switcher is designed to be used as either a simple selector between two 5.1 speaker systems or used to select between two different input sources to feed a single 5.1 speaker system."
Now that sounds EXACTLY like what I need but at $455, it's a bit more than I'm willing to spend, and if the backwards speaker switcher idea doesn't work, a RF Demod off ebay may be the best way to go. (Damn! I wish there was someone selling a Pioneer RFD-1, Yamaha APD-1 or even Sony MOD-RF1 out here in my area. I've always liked that "Cash & Carry" idea the best...)
Unless of course I just end up building something myself. &
Thanks for taking the time to deliver the mighty info!
(I really appreciate it.)
----------------------------------
EDIT KING UPDATE: After applying a little more thought to the situation, the A/B 5.1 switcher sounds great and is a truly wonderful piece of equipment, but it doesn't actually do what I need it to do.
And so I went to Fry's.
(Why in the WORLD I ever thought the guys at Fry's would know anything about audio electronics escapes me. )
Then I got serious and was on my way to Pacific Radio but stopped by Ametron on the way there, and found out plain & simple that if I really need it, I'm just gonna have to make it (using X's original idea of a dual 6 input, single 6 output switchbox) which will not be too difficult at all.
THEEK!
Last edited by The Edit King; 08-04-04 at 05:11 PM.