booz Posted November 1, 2024 Posted November 1, 2024 Good afternoon, Semi new to this whole thing and need some advice. I want to A/B test 2 different amps using a switch and the same source (Cambridge Audio DAC Streamer) I have seen things such as the Douk Audio VU switcher that I can attach 2 amps and one set of speakers to. Question is can I split the output from the DAC so it plays on both the amps? So that I can A/B test the same music. If so what is the best way to do this? Any help would be great, Many thanks.
frankn Posted November 1, 2024 Posted November 1, 2024 You could use two RCA “Y” cables , so the output of the DAC goes to both amplifiers. Something like the attached. Not sure how you will connect both amp’s simultaneously to one pair of speakers though. 1
stereodave Posted November 1, 2024 Posted November 1, 2024 If you are up for some DIY Rod Elliott's web site has a project for this purpose with some useful explanations: https://sound-au.com/absw.htm 1
BugPowderDust Posted November 1, 2024 Posted November 1, 2024 (edited) Make sure you gain /level match them or your listening experiences will be misleading. Edited November 1, 2024 by BugPowderDust 1
almikel Posted November 2, 2024 Posted November 2, 2024 As per @frankn - it's completely fine to "split" signals to 2 amplifiers with a "splitter" cable (off topic but never use these "splitter" cables to "join" signals like left and right into a single sub input!) 23 hours ago, frankn said: Not sure how you will connect both amp’s simultaneously to one pair of speakers though. you need an "amp switcher" device of some kind, as opposed to a "speaker switcher" device. 21 hours ago, stereodave said: If you are up for some DIY Rod Elliott's web site has a project for this purpose with some useful explanations: https://sound-au.com/absw.htm This would work fine if you're into DIY - and useful to read the article anyway! This would work also - but doesn't seem to be available anymore https://www.amazon.com/Amplifier-Receiver-Speakers-Selector-Switcher/dp/B0796KGVXT https://www.homehifi.co.uk/S/tc-7220mk3.htm https://www.beresford.me/S/home_htm_files/TC-7220MKII.pdf 20 hours ago, BugPowderDust said: Make sure you gain /level match them or your listening experiences will be misleading. ^ this is very important! cheers, Mike
frankn Posted November 2, 2024 Posted November 2, 2024 Personally, I’d spend some time listening to music you like and are familiar with using Amp A and your speakers, then switch it off , connect the speaker cables to Amp B, switch it on, wait 15-20min then listen to the same music. Quickly switching between A/B using an automated/remote system will give you an snap-shot of differences between the presentation of the amps but it won’t tell you definitely which is best, unless one is SO much better than the other. Teasing out the details, what engages you with your music is often very subtle and does not emerge instantly in comparisons. Take your time. Enjoy the process. 3
booz Posted November 10, 2024 Author Posted November 10, 2024 On 01/11/2024 at 3:17 PM, frankn said: You could use two RCA “Y” cables , so the output of the DAC goes to both amplifiers. Something like the attached. Not sure how you will connect both amp’s simultaneously to one pair of speakers though. Hi Frank, thanks for the answer. This is where my knowledge really has a limit. Does the one rca output from either left or right channel carry both the left and right signals to the amp? Does not the left and right channel carry different audio and therefore one amp play the left signal and one play the right? Or is that not the case and both the left and right output carry the same audio? Therefore both channels of audio are being sent to both amps. Help is appreciated thanks
almikel Posted November 10, 2024 Posted November 10, 2024 40 minutes ago, booz said: Hi Frank, thanks for the answer. This is where my knowledge really has a limit. Does the one rca output from either left or right channel carry both the left and right signals to the amp? No - an RCA cable only carries the left or right channel. An RCA splitter cable splits the same channel from a single source (say CD or pre-amp) device to 2 downstream inputs (say 2 power amps). You need 2 x RCA splitter cables for stereo (left and right) to go from a single source (say CD or pre-amp) to 2 downstream inputs (say 2 power amps). 58 minutes ago, booz said: Does not the left and right channel carry different audio Absolutely - you've got it! Each analog RCA cable only ever carries a single channel. You should never use RCA splitter cables to join/combine signals, say combining the left and right outputs of a pre-amp to go to the single input on a sub. This would severely overload the output of the pre-amp. Splitter cables are completely OK for splitting signals - they are not designed for joining/combining signals. Mike
frankn Posted November 10, 2024 Posted November 10, 2024 50 minutes ago, booz said: Hi Frank, thanks for the answer. This is where my knowledge really has a limit. Does the one rca output from either left or right channel carry both the left and right signals to the amp? Assuming you are using a stereo source to a stereo amplifier. The source output (Cd player, DAC, Radio, Vinyl) will have a Left channel output and Right channel output. Left and Right channels will have both different signals and common signals - this gives you some spatial differences, perhaps a guitar or singer seemingly towards one side, while also having a main singer centred between the speakers and the drums covering a wider soundscape between the speakers. You need both L & R channels going to your amplifier L & R inputs for this to occur properly. The Y cable attached to the Right channel of the source would have one cable connected to amplifierA Right input, The other cable coming from the Right would be connected to amplifierB Right input. Eg: /— input L AmpA Source output Left ——< \__ input L AmpB /— input R AmpA Source output Right —< \__ input R AmpB
frankn Posted November 10, 2024 Posted November 10, 2024 (edited) If you had a MONO source then the same signals go to BOTH channels. And then you will not have the perception of stereo. But, let’s not complicate things atm. Edited November 10, 2024 by frankn Clarity
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