"AudioGeek" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have two computers with a pair of speakers each. The speakers are
standard MM speakers, powered with a sub that serves as amp. I want to
use the speakers on one computer as the rear set of surround sound
speakers on the other computer, and still have the computers be able
to
send to their respective speakers.
What I have designed is a switch box that allows me to select which
computer signal goes to which speaker set,

That will work. A passive resistor matrix would work also
(assmuing you can make up the level loss.)

with diode protection on the inputs from the computers to prevent
backfeed.

No, no, no. You don't use diodes for audio. At best, a
diode will produce horrendous and unlistenable distortion,
and at worse, they won't pass any audio at all.

Second, "backfeed" is not necessarily something to be
concerned about (depending on eactly which sound card
and speakers you have).

My question is twofold - First, are the speakers going to be able to
handle the dual signal from both computers? I can't decide if the amp
will handle it or not.

Are we dealing with line level or speaker level here? At line
level (which most comptuers & speakers use), there should be
no issue of whether the amp handles it, as the amps will still
be driving only their own speakers.

Second, do the grounds or cable sheilds need to be diode protected as
well, and if so, which direction? Toward or reverse from the input
signal direction?

Thanks.