amplifier switch

[aragorn723]

Hi,

Does anyone know of good amplifier switches?  What I'd like to do is use 1 set of speakers, and be able to switch between two different amplifiers.  One amplifier would be from the 2 channel setup, and the other would be a Onkyo HT receiver (so the speakers can be used for both music and HT).  Niles makes one called DPS-1, but is $90.  Are there other options that aren't as much $$?  (plus the box doesn't look that nice :-0

Dave

[Paul Birkeland]

Which 2 channel amplifier are you wanting to use?  You may be able to drive the 2 channel amp with your Onkyo.

[jake111]

Hey Dave,
I built one of these: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=354119
Works great for switching between my HT amp and Quickie + Trends T-amp. Also nice for quick AB amp comparisons. Easy to make too.

Jess

[jake111]

Oops, sorry about the up side down pics.

[aragorn723]

Cool!  Looks like that would work.  What is in your version?  Looks like some kind of transformers?  What would be a good switch for this?  Parts express has this:

http://www.parts-express.com/4pdt-heavy-duty-toggle-switch--060-572

Is there another company that has a switch that would give a high quality signal transfer for audio?

Dave

[jake111]

 Yeah that's the same switch I used. There might be ones out there with gold or silver contacts, I'm not sure.
 My HT amp kept shutting down because of the 6ohm main speakers I use. That thing you see in there is a wall mount volume control with multiple impedance settings. I set it so the HT amp sees 12ohms which keeps it from shutting down.
I don't need the volume control in there. I'd like rewire it so just the autoformer part is used, but that's a little over my head.

[aragorn723]

Gotcha..  Is the switch an on-on function?  (2 position with no middle position).
Dave

[jake111]

Yes, two position.

[aragorn723]

Would it be possible to combine this and a battery box?  I have a bunch of boxes already:

amp
preamp
cd player
tuner
switcher for inputs

Would combining 3 12 volt batteries into a box and the 4pdt switch for switching amps cause any noise issues?  Would this be something that should have a metal wall between the two sides to cut down noise?  It would be nice to combine a potential 2 more boxes into one 

Dave

[jake111]

 Ah yeah space saving. I doubt it would make any noise. You could run your speaker wires by the battery pack maybe even coiled around and listen for noise.
 I just made a little pack of 9v batteries (36v) moved them around in my switch box with music playing and not. Couldn't hear any noise. But probably not fair comparison.

[Grainger49]

DC does not cause hum.  I would say that you should have no problem with the switch and batteries in the same box. 

After all, the switch is for speakers, and that is the highest signal voltage level you have.  It is the least susceptible to noise pick up.

[STURMJ]

I've made A/B boxes using switches similar to the one you posted. I put them into a Hammond enclosures (di-cast aluminum). The switch on top, and ins and outputs on the sides. And give it a nice paint job before you put it all together.

[aragorn723]

Sounds cool, do you have any pictures?

[borism]

Thanks to this forum topic and Jess (great Audiokarma link) I was able to address the issue of two amplifiers and one pair of speakers. I used an NKK 4PDT switch from Mouser, binding posts from Madisound and 14 g stranded wire. Works great!

Boris

[jake111]

Nice work Boris. Happy to contribute.
Jess