Amplifier A-B Selector

gce

I want to put a tube amp in my all in one rig (HT, 2 channel) using the same 2 front speakers so I can switch to my SS amp for everyday use and switch to a tube amp for 2 channel when using my pre-amp.

I’ve started to research A/B amp switch boxes and I see there’s a lot to choose from. I’m reading that some can handle 350 watts per channel and some are 100 watts per channel. The SS amp I’m using is 250 watts p/c and the tube amp I’m looking at is 100 watts p/c. Reviews also say that they do not degrade the signal and or sound but you know how reviews are.

I wanted to ask you guys if anyone has used one of these and if they do what they say they do with no problems and if they do indeed not degrade the signal and sound? Any recommendations?

gce

So I'd use the switch box for the IC's only and have 2 sets of speaker cables connected to each amp...is that what you're saying?

gce

Took me a minute to rape around that but I think I got it. That would be a solution. Having an A/B box and 1 set of cables would be easier to switch over and also have the ability to use either amp.

So I guess my question is an A/B box a bad way to go?

haimoc

DIY switch...
http://www.amplifier.cd/Technische_Berichte/Lautsprecher_Umschalter/speaker_switch.htm

gce

Thanks for that, options are always good. I found another unit that has great reviews but I do understand what Skip is saying. The thing is, is my right speaker cable would make it hard to run 2 sets. So I'm still thinking this out.

tonyb

The easier solution, in my view anyway, is to just use the SS amp and get a tubed pre with HT pass thru, no cables to change that way.

An integrated might also work well.

mhardy6647

011 by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
014 by Mark Hardy, on Flickr

:-)

I've been meaning to set up something intelligent for component mixing and matching (but only as an adjunct to the 'real' hifi) upstairs with this box (obtained from Gary Kaufman, who got it on eBAY) for... well, probably a year now. Since it uses 1/4" phone plugs for much of the "I/O", I have to muster up the gumption to actually fabricate some cables -- so it's one of those "long-term" projects.

In the 1970s, switch boxes like this, or sometimes slightly more sophisticated "comparator" (a level-compensated switch box), were de rigieur in hifi stores for component demos.

In principle, my philosophy's aligned with Dskip; less usually is more when it comes to hifi componentry... but there are times it's nice to be able to do comparisons on the fly (allowing, of course, for some of the vagaries of psychoacoustics -- our ears and our brains can play tricks on us).

Sorry -- that turned into a much more loquacious answer than originally intended! :-P

lightman1

[/quote] Sorry -- that turned into a much more loquacious answer than originally intended! :-P
[/quote]

We wouldnt expect anything less from you, Mr H.

gce

Tony, I have a tube pre and SS mono's. I just want to try going all tubes to warm things up a little and having an A-B box would allow me the switch back and forth when needed.

This is the box I'm looking at...

http://www.adventuresinhifiaudio.com/13/06/2010/the-beresford-tc-7220-what-exactly-is-an-audio-crossover-network/

and this is the tube amp I'm looking at...

http://www.10audio.com/rogue_stereo100.htm

mhardy6647

lightman1 wrote: »

sorry -- that turned into a much more loquacious answer than originally intended! :-P

We wouldnt expect anything less from you, Mr H.

Point taken :-)

tonyb

DSkip wrote: »

I'd possibly look at selling the W4S amps and going with a solid class A/B amp rather than introduce a second amp.

Another good suggestion. Didn't realize he had W4S amps.....not exactly warm and fuzzy are they ? I'll second that suggestion, a better SS amp with some warmth under the hood might go a long way.

Some that come to mind....Belles, Parasound, McCormack, B&k, Cary, Musical fidelity and a few more I've forgotten.

If your 2 channel and HT is being run off the same system in the same room with the same speakers.....you might want to consider a different avenue. Make one system capable of both and kill a few birds with one stone.

That means a good pre/pro....Cary cinema 12, Marantz's top gun, Classe, Aragon, and others.....coupled with a warmer SS amp like the McCormack and you might be pleasantly surprised. Good cabling too shouldn't be left out in the cold.

gce

Don't get me wrong I like the way the mAmps sound in my system. When I got the Rogue pre everything when to a new level. When I got my MC cartridge another step up. Then IC's and a power cord.

So what I'm saying is I'm always looking for something that's going to give me a different sound. Everything has it's own signature, we all know that. Maybe sometimes you want a pure SS sound and others a pure tube setup for analog.

The mAmps are used all the time, for TV, movies and music. They're work horses and haven't given my a bit of trouble. They don't get hot and have the slam when its called for and they fit anywhere.

But keep the suggestion coming, I'm easily swayed.

pongshi

mhardy6647 wrote: »

lightman1 wrote: »

sorry -- that turned into a much more loquacious answer than originally intended! :-P

We wouldnt expect anything less from you, Mr H.

Point taken :-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGraw1mODv4&list=PL_6pLXoVayONVqSHuTL0wZZdTliJl42aF&index=2

tonyb

gce wrote: »

Don't get me wrong I like the way the mAmps sound in my system. When I got the Rogue pre everything when to a new level. When I got my MC cartridge another step up. Then IC's and a power cord.

So what I'm saying is I'm always looking for something that's going to give me a different sound. Everything has it's own signature, we all know that. Maybe sometimes you want a pure SS sound and others a pure tube setup for analog.

The mAmps are used all the time, for TV, movies and music. They're work horses and haven't given my a bit of trouble. They don't get hot and have the slam when its called for and they fit anywhere.

But keep the suggestion coming, I'm easily swayed.

IMHO, a tubed amp may go against all the things you like about the W4S amps. They may get pretty hot, wont have that slam of SS, and do require more attention, maintenance, tube rolling.

This is usually why most settle on a tubed pre and SS amps. Just a matter of finding that right combination. Some SS amps can sound very close to tubes in the that midrange and upper frequencies, more musical in other words. To my ears, W4S has good slam but not the most musical brand. The same things that separate the Rogue from the receiver, can be found in amps too, a more musical presentation.

Belles or McCormack would be on my short list to seek out in SS amplification for a system that pulls double duty. Musically, either will walk all over the W4S, and especially with the McCormack, slam is not a concern for that brand.

gce

Thanks Tony...I'll look into the Belles and McCormack's. I guess if I can find something that is going to be more musical then my W4S's and be able to run both I could be happy.

I just had an itch to go with a tube amp for my 2 channel.