Audiophiles: If I need to split a standard analog audio signal, will a Y-cable

[Kosh]

suffice? I have a need to split an audio signal to a TV and to an amp. The audio signal is standard line-level and conntecte via standard RCA plugs.

I know I could use a standard Y-cable to do this - but would I run into problems with impedence or low signal levels, thus degrading the signal?

If a Y-cable would work fine, great. But if I might encounter problems, then what's a good, inexpensive solution to split the signal? Are there any cheap analog audio signal splitters out there? If so, which are recommended?
Astralpen, sometimes I don't want to have the whole amp on, sucking power, every time I wish to watch a basic TV show. I know what you're saying but if there's a way to do it, I'd like to.

DanielK, I was thinking it woudn't be TOO much a problem; I just wasn't sure if the loss would be noticable. My real high-Q material is from other sources, anyway; I just want to use my old sat box until such time as I go all-digi

 

[Endeavor]

A "Y" cable will work just fine. Yes, you'll have a small impedance drop, but the high impedance inputs of your TV and AMP aren't going to load that output much at all so it won't be noticable from a listening standpoint.

 

[astralpen]

It will work, but you will lose signal. Why do this? If you are going to the amp, just listen to the tv through the amp and not through the tv speakers.

 

[DanielK]

Kosh - Yes it will work fine and there will be no loss in quality. Y cables work great for this purpose.

What you do not want to do is combine two audio outputs to one using a Y cable.