Can hooking up 2 source-rigs to one set of speakers hurt?

jrlouie

What if I want to run my Lsi15's in a 5.1 setup, and a 2-channel setup (don't have room for another set of speakers) with 2 pre's/amps? The 5.1 setup would have its own pre/amp/speaker wires going to one set of binding posts and the 2-channel setup would have it's own tube pre/amp/speaker wires going to the other set of binding posts.
Obviously the binding-post jumpers would have to be in place to get use of the full range of the towers.
I didn't know if loop/current could effect one or the other amps even if it was turned off, having just one amp on at a time. If that would be okay, what if you had both powered on at the same time, just only one source playing?

P.S. - I realize there are probably more optimal solutions: another set of speakers, a multi-channel tube pre with theater-pass, some sort of switch box, etc., etc. Just curious about the above scenario.

okiepolkie

I would go against this idea.
The safest thing to do would be just to unplug the set of wires you are not using. Just make sure the ends do not touch, maybe come up with an enclosure for one wire, so if one set is unplugged they do not touch and fry something.

Zach

BlueMDPicker

I smell smoke.

madmax

Possibly fire! No, you can't do that.
madmax

jrlouie

Okay, appreciate the feedback. Figured, didn't hurt to ask. Now I know for sure.
I can't wait until I move and get a little larger place

reeltrouble1

I suppose it would depend on the gear. You would need a diode to act as a traffic cop and keep the current flowing one way only. Its just not a good idea.

RT1

WilliamM2

A diode wouldn't work either, as the amps output is AC, it flows both directions.

You could build or purchase a small switch box. Something similar to this:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-571

unc2701

Just get a speaker selector, but wire it backwards.

Dennis Gardner

Can hooking up 2 source-rigs to one set of speakers hurt?

To save your speakers, hook both sets to your fuzzy boys and run 'em both on high.................then report back to us tomorrow morning.

I'll be anxiously waiting your report!

ND13

Dennis Gardner wrote:

Can hooking up 2 source-rigs to one set of speakers hurt?

To save your speakers, hook both sets to your fuzzy boys and run 'em both on high.................then report back to us tomorrow morning.

I'll be anxiously waiting your report!

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


What are you drinking/taking???? You need to share with the class.

Dennis Gardner

ND13 wrote:

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


What are you drinking/taking???? You need to share with the class.

Sometimes ya' gotta see things from that "live life to the fullest" point of view.

We get too damn serious about building the perfect rig, and seem to lose focus of the fun that started it all. This is one of the only forums that isn't run by a bunch of elitist a**holes and humor tends to keep it loose. Just tryin to hold the status quo.

Cheers,

DG

reeltrouble1

^^^^^^Right on Dennis^^^^^^^


WilliamM2--the diode goes in the gear to protect it and regulate flow, the ac going into the amp is converted by the power supply to dc which ultimately powers the speakers, it was however a joke, just not as good as Dennis.

RT1

RT1

WilliamM2

I'm glad it was a joke, but the speakers output is AC. DC current will fry them fairly quickly.

BIZILL

WilliamM2 wrote:

I'm glad it was a joke, but the speakers output is AC. DC current will fry them fairly quickly.

the speakers' output is sonic waves......... :rolleyes: sorry, had to.

reeltrouble1

William,

I just dont get you man. First the amp output is AC, then the speakers output is AC, what you got something against DC. Here is Nelson Pass's diagram of an amplifier power supply circuit.

reeltrouble1

As far as direct current frying up a speaker, well, seems like that kind of thinking overlooked at little thing called the transistor radio, right. So maybe we are talking this from two angles and meaning the same thing??? I suppose you are saying that the power is alternated inside the speaker to reverse the poles of the electromagnet, which is then AC.

opus

Dennis Gardner wrote:

This is one of the only forums that isn't run by a bunch of elitist a**holes and humor tends to keep it loose. Just tryin to hold the status quo.

Cheers,

DG

+1
opus

WilliamM2

So maybe we are talking this from two angles and meaning the same thing??? I suppose you are saying that the power is alternated inside the speaker to reverse the poles of the electromagnet, which is then AC.

Yes, I believe we are talking about the same thing. In the diagram you posted, as in most amp designs,coupling capacitors are used to block DC from reaching the speakers.

The output from the amp is alternating current, it has to be, or the cone would only move one direction, overheat, and fry.

unc2701

reeltrouble1 wrote:

As far as direct current frying up a speaker, well, seems like that kind of thinking overlooked at little thing called the transistor radio, right. So maybe we are talking this from two angles and meaning the same thing??? I suppose you are saying that the power is alternated inside the speaker to reverse the poles of the electromagnet, which is then AC.

power is alternated by the input audio signal appplied to the tubes or transistors. that diagram is just the power supply end of an amp, not the output stage. the current coming out of the amplifier is AC.