Selecting a preamplifier to use with more than a single pair of front speakers

[donstewart]

I am tuning up my music listening room and discovering that simple stereo seems to be the sound that I like best. That said, I would like to experiment with combination of speakers in the main (front) position including driving multiple pairs simultaneously.

My perfect solution would be a preamplifier that accepts single input from CD transport (preferably digital), has individual volume adjustment and balance for at least four amplifier outputs, a master volume control, and a remote for that last item. Some corssover controls to select what frequencies go to what output would be a bonus.

Here is what I have:
- CD transport
- Sunfire Theater Grand Processor (to be replaced by this preamp or preamps).
- Carver m1.5t
- Carver m1.0t
- Dahlquist DQ-20i pair
- Polk model 12 pair
- M&K powered sub
- Polk powered sub

The SunFire is working great on the "Source Direct" setting, but only has a single front speaker output to amp. Is there an audiophile appropriate preamp or set of preamps I could put together to deliver the output from my CD transport to those speakers and subs while offering controls for balancing and volume?

 

[Kal Rubinson]

Sounds like you need a matrix switcher with mixing controls.

 

[donstewart]

Thank you! That appears to have pointed me in the right direction. Thinking now that I should keep the SunFire but send that output to a mixer that provides the volume and balance adjustments I am looking for to both amplifiers. Once balanced, the remote on the SunFire provides the master volume control needed.

That said, can anyone recommend a audiophile quality mixer? (1x2 or 1x3 )

 

[Solypsa]

Marchand makes crossovers with losts of custom options; tube or solid state. Might work for you.
Or
Crookwood can make you a 'mastering controller' to your spec. Even with dacs onboard if you like.

Of course there are loads of small mixers that might do; audiophile quality will take some investigation and trial. Usually in pro gear there is functional or there is expensive.

 

[donstewart]

Submitted my question to Crutchfield also and they recommended using a "line distribution amplifier".

https://www.crutchfield.com/I-rXYEc111/cart/EmailCart.aspx?emKey=2347928

I see that unit also on Amazon (same price) and it has good reviews. There is no balance control but I could run each channel in mono to create individual volume and balance controls for 2 pair of front monitors.

I'm going to give this a try.