Single Sub Woofer for two separate systems?

Cool

You're welcome Jamesk58, few years ago I been using SP-6C with D90 for 2 channel and Denon with Sunfire Amp for HT, a speaker switcher on single pair Thiel CS1.6 and happy with the result.

Thanks Imhififan, I'll look into the Niles switch.
Sounds like a good way to go.

The Niles SAS-1 switcher will do the job, you can use one pair speaker with one sub for Ht and 2channel system.

A tape output is not the same as a main output. It does not go thru the bal or vol controls.

There are two outputs on the pre, one main and one tape but I don't believe the tape will work.

Not really concerned about using the splitter on the main out. If there is a sound degradation from previous set-ups, I don't notice.

Thanks, I may look into the switch.

James, if I had the Carver sub to work with, then I'd work with it, meaning: don't ask it to do something it wasn't meant to do, and in the process, degrade the performance of your system in it's other (non-HT) modes.

Just enjoy the audio (in all modes, both 2-channel music and AV HT) as a two channel system with a subwoofer. The LFE functions don't provide that much xtra low frequency versatility, especially since the sub already offers x-over, phase, and level control right at the sub -- set it once and forget it.

It sounds like you don't even have 2 sets of main outputs on your preamp, and splitting the preamp's output already introduces a small but noticeable amount of sonic degradation.

Until you can upgrade your preamp (to one with at least two sets of main outputs) and your sub (to one with separate LFE and 2-channel inputs) and in the meantime if you just must do SOMETHING ;--) I'd go with Jedinite's suggestion and use a Niles or other input selector switch, which will make it easy to select between the two modes of operation within the capabilities/limits of your current equipment.
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Thanks all. Unfortunately my sub (Carver) does not have a single LFE input. Instructions say to use the Left Line Level input for a single cable to the AVR.

The sub does have controls for a xover, phase, and sound level.

It also has Speaker Level inputs where I could double wire the sub with my front audio speakers. Did this before and seem to work fine.

Currently, I have the sub hooked to the music amp/preamp by way of splitter off the Main Pre outputs. I believe that is the preferred method.

I also have a dedicated electric line with hospital plug so I could separate the two systems from each other. Double wire the sub from the Speaker Level inputs to the audio amp speaker outs, keep the single LFE cable hooked to the sub's Left Line In from the AVR, and just make sure one system is off?

How about a Niles AXP-1 input selector? Take the subwoofer outputs from each system and plug them into an input on the Niles AXP-1. Then from the Niles AXP-1's output plugs connect that to your subwoofer. When you want HT or your other set-up just change inputs on the Niles. I use the Niles now and don't have any sound degradation issues. It is built quite well too for the $ IMO. You may or may not need some RCA F to 2 RCA Male Y adapters too. I had some laying around so I used them with my Niles. Good luck.

You can do what you want. Just confirm that your sub will allow you to use 2 seperate systems. I have a pair of Velodyne DD10Plus that say that you can do that.

Everything Erikt said, absolutely! EXCEPT you can't do what Erik says UNLESS your sub is equipped with L and R line level (2-channel) inputs and a separate (single) LFE (low frequency effects) input. I know the MartinLogan Depth and Descent are configured this way, and probably many others these days -- but check first!
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You can.

I do - works perfect.

AVR sub out goes to the LFE input on the sub.

Integrated amp with HT Bypass with preouts goes to the line level inputs to the sub.

For movies, Int Amp set to HT input, preouts are disabled, and the AVR sub out drives the sub with the scary low LFE effects.

For music, AVR is off, and source components are directly connected to the int amp, sub gets full range audio and the xover is set to blend with my mains.

No feedback, no cable swapping.

You can do what you want if you have or can find an NHT X-2 XOVER.

Keep the ARC music gear unplugged until use and then unplug the HT receiver when using the SW with the ARC set-up?

or maybe keep the SW hooked to the ARC gear and only use the SW w/HT when watching movies or something worthwhile for bass. Don't really need the SW for watching regular TV or even sports, but for good action movies, yes.

You are encouraging feedback into the system that's not being used at the time.
I wouldn't do it.
You should unplug the one not in use.