Sharing an amp for HT and Audio

Early B.

Got a question --

My friend has a 2-channel system and a HT system. Right now he is sharing the front speakers between both setups. The fronts are powered by a Krell amp. To share the amp, he is using two y-adapters on the Krell to run cables to his preamp and his receiver. He discovered that the only way he can get sound out of his fronts for HT is by turning on the preamp. Otherwise, nothing, zip, nada.

Why is that???

TheReaper

It is wired wrong, You can use a Y adapter to split 1 output to 2 inputs. But you shouldn't use a Y adapter to join 2 outputs into 1 input.

If his preamp can do a direct passthru (like Krells "Theater Throughput Mode"), he can use his preamp as a switchbox. Or if the amplifier can switch between two inputs, use that. Otherwise, he should use a switch box to switch between his receiver and preamp.

Early B.

Any harm in just leaving it as is? That way, there would be no need for a switchbox.

TheReaper

I don't know the answer to that question. Someone who knows more, will have to answer your question...

rskarvan

I have a Krell KAV250P with Theatre Pass-thru.
Basically, its a UNITY GAIN preamp in that mode. It works just fine for HT.

You have to move a jumper inside the Krell to set it up for HT Pass-thru.