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Thread: Amp Switch (2 amps into 1 Set of Speakers)

  1. #1
    Join Date: Jul 2017

    Location: Kent

    Posts: 550
    I'm Paul.

    Default Amp Switch (2 amps into 1 Set of Speakers)

    Having recently re-bought an Amptastic mini-1 to go into my main system which already comprises a Quad 306, I've decided to build my own amp switch box. In other words a speaker wire switch to save me having to unplug the speakers at either a. the amps or b. the speakers themselves.

    This is the first hifi type thing I've built so it may be a bit rough around the edges but it should hopefully do exactly what I need it to when it's complete. I'll be using a single 4PDT toggle switch and 12 speaker binding posts.

    Had some MDF lying around so I'm using that for the case:

    Amp switch a.jpg

    Leaving the front and back panels removable to aid in the soldering and testing and if I need to gain access in future (excuse the vinyl covering I know fake black marble isn't going to be to everyone's taste but again had it lying around) The labels are just off a hand held labeling machine:

    Amp switch b.jpg

    The toggle switch I'll be using should be identical to this:

    Amp switch 4pdt.jpg

    Once the toggle switch and binding posts arrive I'll stick up a few more pics to show the progress.

  2. #2
    Join Date: Jul 2017

    Location: Kent

    Posts: 550
    I'm Paul.

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    Quote Originally Posted by RothwellAudio View Post
    Just make sure the switch is break-before-make, not make-before-break. A momentary short could do some damage.
    I've read about the dangers of this Andrew. The switch is an On > Off > On design so does exactly that.

  3. #3
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

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    I don't like the idea of switch contacts in line with speaker cables.

  4. #4
    Join Date: Feb 2008

    Location: http://www.homehifi.co.uk

    Posts: 6,288

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    Looking forward to seeing the finished item. But if you are not happy with the end result, just remember that I already designed and sell something similar with a double switch and a metal case.

  5. #5
    Join Date: Jul 2017

    Location: Kent

    Posts: 550
    I'm Paul.

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    Quote Originally Posted by walpurgis View Post
    I don't like the idea of switch contacts in line with speaker cables.
    Get what you mean here Geoff but with all the switching and electrical circuits within each box you and everyone else uses, does it really make that much difference? I'll be using good speaker wire inside the switch with silver solder and heat shrink to isolate everything. I agree it it's maybe one more extra unnecessary link in the chain but to what detriment in real terms?

  6. #6
    Join Date: Jul 2017

    Location: Kent

    Posts: 550
    I'm Paul.

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    Quote Originally Posted by StanleyB View Post
    Looking forward to seeing the finished item. But if you are not happy with the end result, just remember that I already designed and sell something similar with a double switch and a metal case.
    Stanley, this is obviously the Ferrari of amp switches..........mine will be Dacia Sandero, but I'm hoping, with similar results just not as pretty.

  7. #7
    Join Date: Apr 2012

    Location: N E Kent

    Posts: 51,624
    I'm Geoff.

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    Quote Originally Posted by Pepperamip View Post
    I agree it it's maybe one more extra unnecessary link in the chain
    You summed it up there Paul.

  8. #8
    Join Date: Jul 2017

    Location: Kent

    Posts: 550
    I'm Paul.

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    Quote Originally Posted by walpurgis View Post
    You summed it up there Paul.
    Well i did but my point was is that of all the things that can effect the signal path on the way to the amp speaker outputs, adding a switch in that final chain is propably the least of anyone's worries when it comes to the final result. Maybe I'm being naive in that respect and if I am then I'd happily listen why.

  9. #9
    Join Date: Feb 2013

    Location: W Lothian

    Posts: 99,005
    I'm Grant.

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    not keen on them from a safety position, but sound wise if right switches and cables are used not sure there will be much degradation if any to note.
    Regards,
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  10. #10
    Join Date: Jan 2008

    Location: Out on the wild and windy moors Lancs / Yorks Border

    Posts: 592
    I'm Andy.

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    I have used Stanley's switch for years, never had a problem and my cloth ears certainly cannot detect whether the sitch is in the system or is out of the system and the speakers are being fed a direct signal.

    Just saying!
    Analogue
    401 / PU7 / AT33ev
    Longdog Audio Quartz turntable PSU
    Longdog Audio MCJ1 - Prototype Phonostage
    Digital
    Innuos Zen Mini Mk 3
    Topping D50s
    Caiman Seg & Dorado
    Cambridge CXC
    Amps
    Tron Seven Linestage
    Bel Canto Set 40 or Nick Gorham built 300B Set Monoblocks
    Speakers
    Tannoy GRF Memory.
    Tannoy ST100.

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