Can One Pair of Speakers Be Connected To Two Amplifiers? (1 Viewer)

[James Edward]

A friend wants to utilize his big old Hafler pre/power amp for 2 channel CD playback, and an Onkyo receiver for separate 5 channel movie watching.

Can he simply connect two sets of speaker wires to the front speakers, and have only one source on at a time playing? I am certain that the speakers won't be damaged like this, but what about the amp or receiver? Is there any 'backflow' or some such thing that might go back to the amp or receiver that is switched off?

Thanks for your replies...

 

[James Edward]

Anyone?

 

[Alex F.]

Yes, amplifier damage would be likely. Niles (nilesaudio.com) makes a high-quality, heavy-duty switchbox, the DSP-1, for the specific use about which you inquired. It costs about $80.