Speaker selector box only has 2 amp inputs but 6 outputs. What now?

[ThirdEye]

I have 3 pairs of 8 ohm in wall JBL SP5's in zone 1. They are paired in parallel bringing the impedance to 4 ohms. I plan to have all 6 speakers going at once or non at all so I only bought the speaker selector (monster ss6) to adjust the impedance and not to actually switch some off.

The JBL's are 60 watt max each and my receiver (pioneer vsx-30) is 7.1 x 80watts. I took all 6 speakers in zone 1 and paired them in parallel so I could run each pair on an 80 watt channel. If I go ahead and plug all 3 pairs into the monster ss6 then with the 2 inputs I can only get 160 watts going to 6 speakers that can handle 360 watts total.

Should I plug 2 channels from the AV receiver into each of the 2 inputs on the ss6? That would be 160 watts going into each input and the ss6 says up to 150 watts per channel so I don't know if that would cause problems or not. I would just run each pair of speakers directly to the AV receiver but there's the impedance issue of them being at 4 ohms instead of 8 ohms.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

 

[TLS Guy]

I have 3 pairs of 8 ohm in wall JBL SP5's in zone 1. They are paired in parallel bringing the impedance to 4 ohms. I plan to have all 6 speakers going at once or non at all so I only bought the speaker selector (monster ss6) to adjust the impedance and not to actually switch some off.

The JBL's are 60 watt max each and my receiver (pioneer vsx-30) is 7.1 x 80watts. I took all 6 speakers in zone 1 and paired them in parallel so I could run each pair on an 80 watt channel. If I go ahead and plug all 3 pairs into the monster ss6 then with the 2 inputs I can only get 160 watts going to 6 speakers that can handle 360 watts total.

Should I plug 2 channels from the AV receiver into each of the 2 inputs on the ss6? That would be 160 watts going into each input and the ss6 says up to 150 watts per channel so I don't know if that would cause problems or not. I would just run each pair of speakers directly to the AV receiver but there's the impedance issue of them being at 4 ohms instead of 8 ohms.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

If I'm reading your confusing post correctly you are about to cause a lot of expensive damage.

If you parallel those three sets of speakers you will not have four ohms but 2.66 ohms per channel, which will do a lot of damage.

Next you can not combine the outputs of your receiver to make 160 watts, that will blow it instantly.

What you must do is connect the speaker outputs of your receiver to the respective left and right inputs of the ss6. Now connect three speakers to three left outputs of the ss6 and three speakers to three corresponding right outputs.

That is your only option. The ss6 contains impedance matching volume controls so you don't blow your receiver.

You will not even get 80 watts per channel to your speakers, as the ss6 will waste a lot of power as heat performing impedance matching so you don't blow your receiver.

That is the way it is. If you don't like it you need different equipment.

 

[ThirdEye]

I'm thinking about sending it back and just connecting each pair to an in wall impedance matching volume control knobs. I'd rather not since they won't ever be adjusted but it will at lest allow me to connect each 4 ohm pair to an individual channel on my 8 ohm receiver. Can you think of a better solution?

 

[ThirdEye]

If I'm reading your confusing post correctly you are about to cause a lot of expensive damage.

If you parallel those three sets of speakers you will not have four ohms but 2.66 ohms per channel, which will do a lot of damage.

Next you can not combine the outputs of your receiver to make 160 watts, that will blow it instantly.

What you must do is connect the speaker outputs of your receiver to the respective left and right inputs of the ss6. Now connect three speakers to three left outputs of the ss6 and three speakers to three corresponding right outputs.

That is your only option. The ss6 contains impedance matching volume controls so you don't blow your receiver.

You will not even get 80 watts per channel to your speakers, as the ss6 will waste a lot of power as heat performing impedance matching so you don't blow your receiver.

That is the way it is. If you don't like it you need different equipment.

Sorry for the confusion. Each pair is connected in parallel. I'm not paralleling each pair together. I have 6 speakers that will have 3 outputs going to them (one output per pair). I'm also very much open to the idea of new equipment (except for speakers and AV receiver). I want this set up in the best way possible. Do you like the idea of individual volume controls?

 

[TLS Guy]

Sorry for the confusion. Each pair is connected in parallel. I'm not paralleling each pair together. I have 6 speakers that will have 3 outputs going to them (one output per pair). I'm also very much open to the idea of new equipment (except for speakers and AV receiver). I want this set up in the best way possible. Do you like the idea of individual volume controls?

Either solution is electrically identical, except the controls are spaced instead of in one place. You are putting a system together that is basically a background music system. If you are using that receiver that is your only option using impedance matching volume controls.

I would not parallel each pair of speakers, that way you will have four speakers connected to one amp channel and only two to the other channel. That is very unbalanced and a bad solution.

You need to connect the speakers to the ss6 exactly as I described. Since you have the ss6, that is what I would use.

 

[highfigh]

I have 3 pairs of 8 ohm in wall JBL SP5's in zone 1. They are paired in parallel bringing the impedance to 4 ohms. I plan to have all 6 speakers going at once or non at all so I only bought the speaker selector (monster ss6) to adjust the impedance and not to actually switch some off.

The JBL's are 60 watt max each and my receiver (pioneer vsx-30) is 7.1 x 80watts. I took all 6 speakers in zone 1 and paired them in parallel so I could run each pair on an 80 watt channel. If I go ahead and plug all 3 pairs into the monster ss6 then with the 2 inputs I can only get 160 watts going to 6 speakers that can handle 360 watts total.

Should I plug 2 channels from the AV receiver into each of the 2 inputs on the ss6? That would be 160 watts going into each input and the ss6 says up to 150 watts per channel so I don't know if that would cause problems or not. I would just run each pair of speakers directly to the AV receiver but there's the impedance issue of them being at 4 ohms instead of 8 ohms.

I'd appreciate any suggestions.

In this kind of selector, the power is shared by all of the speakers and if you're expecting 160W/speaker, it won't/can't happen. What your speakers can handle isn't a factor- the output power and the selector's capacity are, though. You would be much better off using a multi-channel amplifier or more stereo amplifiers if you really want the output I suspect you do.

 

[ThirdEye]

In this kind of selector, the power is shared by all of the speakers and if you're expecting 160W/speaker, it won't/can't happen. What your speakers can handle isn't a factor- the output power and the selector's capacity are, though. You would be much better off using a multi-channel amplifier or more stereo amplifiers if you really want the output I suspect you do.

No I'm not looking for 160W/speaker. I want 40W/speaker or 80W/pair. I have each set of 2 speaker connected in parallel, in the wall, because I planned on connecting each pair to just one channel. I did it this way since each channel outputs 80W and each speaker is listed at 60W max. I figured it's better to give 80W to two 60W speakers than to give it all to one.

 

[ThirdEye]

Either solution is electrically identical, except the controls are spaced instead of in one place. You are putting a system together that is basically a background music system. If you are using that receiver that is your only option using impedance matching volume controls.

I would not parallel each pair of speakers, that way you will have four speakers connected to one amp channel and only two to the other channel. That is very unbalanced and a bad solution.

You need to connect the speakers to the ss6 exactly as I described. Since you have the ss6, that is what I would use.

But if I install 3 in wall volume controls, I can have 3 outputs going to them (one output going to each pair). With the ss6, I can only have 2 outputs to all six speakers. I don't understand how that wouldn't be a better option.

 

[highfigh]

No I'm not looking for 160W/speaker. I want 40W/speaker or 80W/pair. I have each set of 2 speaker connected in parallel, in the wall, because I planned on connecting each pair to just one channel. I did it this way since each channel outputs 80W and each speaker is listed at 60W max. I figured it's better to give 80W to two 60W speakers than to give it all to one.

So you're saying that you ran one set of wires for two pairs of speakers or did you use a four conductor cable fro each pair. Your description isn't particularly clear.

What's your definition of 'connected in parallel'?

 

[ThirdEye]

So you're saying that you ran one set of wires for two pairs of speakers or did you use a four conductor cable fro each pair. Your description isn't particularly clear.

What's your definition of 'connected in parallel'?

It looks like this:

 

[TLS Guy]

But if I install 3 in wall volume controls, I can have 3 outputs going to them (one output going to each pair). With the ss6, I can only have 2 outputs to all six speakers. I don't understand how that wouldn't be a better option.

Look at your manual. Your ss6 has TWO INPUTS and 6 OUTPUTS. The outputs are grouped as two stereo pairs. The unit is impedance compensating.

Connect your receiver to the right and left inputs. I would connect each of your six speakers to one of the six outputs grouped as stereo pairs.

 

[ThirdEye]

Look at your manual. Your ss6 has TWO INPUTS and 6 OUTPUTS. The outputs are grouped as two stereo pairs. The unit is impedance compensating.

Connect your receiver to the right and left inputs. I would connect each of your six speakers to one of the six outputs grouped as stereo pairs.

I ment two inputs in that quote (I said outputs because I was thinking outputted from the receiver). I understand this is a possibility but that's not very much power (160W). I wouldn't have bought this ss6 if I knew it only had 2 inputs. That wasn't in the description nor picture. I figured that since it allowed 6 pairs of speakers to be connected then it should at least have 6 inputs.

 

[TLS Guy]

I ment two inputs in that quote (I said outputs because I was thinking outputted from the receiver). I understand this is a possibility but that's not very much power (160W). I wouldn't have bought this ss6 if I knew it only had 2 inputs. That wasn't in the description nor picture. I figured that since it allowed 6 pairs of speakers to be connected then it should at least have 6 inputs.

You are making no sense. This system you are putting together does not sound like a multichannel HT system, so you only have two channels to work with.

If you want more power, then you need either a PA amp to drive your kind of set up or multiple power amps.

How have you got those speakers arranged in the room?

If it is stereo you want you just need two speakers. Multiple speakers will make a garbled mess, unless this is to be a low level background system.

Receivers are designed to be used two channel/stereo or as a 7.1 multichannel system with left and right mains, center, surrounds, rear backs and a sub. A receiver also can provide a stereo output for zone 2.

Tell us exactly what it is you are trying to do, as I think you are trying to create a nonsense system.

 

[BMXTRIX]

In all fairness, you are confused about what you want and what you are expecting.

Speakers rated to 60 watts are pretty weak, but 20 or 30 watts to a speaker designed for 60 watts is still a lot of power and can push enough volume to be more than what most people find 'comfortable' listening.

So, you are worrying about something you shouldn't instead of worrying about how to get the most from what you have purchased.

1. A speaker selector allows you to use a SINGLE stereo amplifier to drive multiple stereo speaker pairs. Typically it allows you to turn each pair on and off independently.

2. It should be wired with the amplifier feeding the input, and ONE speaker on each output.

3. The audio will be divided properly and appropriately among all speakers so as to not cause damage.

4. You may find it easier and cheaper to use a multi-channel A/V receiver and put it into 7-channel stereo and have all the speakers playing at once as well (this works).

5. You don't get individual speaker pair on/off control doing #4.

If you are looking for some sort of advanced level of control, then it is far more common to put in individual volume controls in each room of the house that has speakers, and wire them to a single amplifier, or to a multi-channel amplifier to control volume.

There really is a hundred different ways to do multi-speaker distributed audio setups, but it is not really clear what your final goal is and what (specifically) your gear is.

I would DEFINITELY not be wiring speakers together and trying to get additional power from things or anything like that. It's a rookie mistake and will only cause you problems in the long run. Most likely to the tune of damaging your equipment.

Get the speakers unwired.

Wire each of the 6 speakers to the 6 outputs of the speaker selector.

Run ONE stereo channel out of the amplifier into the speaker selector.

Use without fear of blowing your equipment up.

 

[ThirdEye]

You are making no sense. This system you are putting together does not sound like a multichannel HT system, so you only have two channels to work with.

If you want more power, then you need either a PA amp to drive your kind of set up or multiple power amps.

How have you got those speakers arranged in the room?

If it is stereo you want you just need two speakers. Multiple speakers will make a garbled mess, unless this is to be a low level background system.

Receivers are designed to be used two channel/stereo or as a 7.1 multichannel system with left and right mains, center, surrounds, rear backs and a sub. A receiver also can provide a stereo output for zone 2.

Tell us exactly what it is you are trying to do, as I think you are trying to create a nonsense system.

What I'm trying to do exactly is connect each pair to an individual channel so I don't have only 160W powering six speakers. They are paired so I don't have 80W going to each 60W speakers. I don't know how to be more clear than that and I'm very appreciative of your effort to help. If 2.1, 5.1, and 7.1 systems can be done..... then what makes 3.1 nonsense? Even if it was best to connect one speaker to one channel, I'd still do it this way because I have two other zones with two speakers each (diagram to come). 10 total speakers on 5 channels. I understand that the receiver outputs are Frond L & R, Center, Surround L & R, Back L & R; but can't I have identical sound/freqencies coming out regardless of which receiver outputs are connected to certain pairs of speakers. Here's a diagram:

 

[ThirdEye]

In all fairness, you are confused about what you want and what you are expecting.

Speakers rated to 60 watts are pretty weak, but 20 or 30 watts to a speaker designed for 60 watts is still a lot of power and can push enough volume to be more than what most people find 'comfortable' listening.

So, you are worrying about something you shouldn't instead of worrying about how to get the most from what you have purchased.

1. A speaker selector allows you to use a SINGLE stereo amplifier to drive multiple stereo speaker pairs. Typically it allows you to turn each pair on and off independently.

2. It should be wired with the amplifier feeding the input, and ONE speaker on each output.

3. The audio will be divided properly and appropriately among all speakers so as to not cause damage.

4. You may find it easier and cheaper to use a multi-channel A/V receiver and put it into 7-channel stereo and have all the speakers playing at once as well (this works).

5. You don't get individual speaker pair on/off control doing #4.

If you are looking for some sort of advanced level of control, then it is far more common to put in individual volume controls in each room of the house that has speakers, and wire them to a single amplifier, or to a multi-channel amplifier to control volume.

There really is a hundred different ways to do multi-speaker distributed audio setups, but it is not really clear what your final goal is and what (specifically) your gear is.

I would DEFINITELY not be wiring speakers together and trying to get additional power from things or anything like that. It's a rookie mistake and will only cause you problems in the long run. Most likely to the tune of damaging your equipment.

Get the speakers unwired.

Wire each of the 6 speakers to the 6 outputs of the speaker selector.

Run ONE stereo channel out of the amplifier into the speaker selector.

Use without fear of blowing your equipment up.

Thanks, I did not know 20-30 watts each would be good enough. I'm considering rewiring but it would be a tough job. The house was wired like this when it was built and it's a bit tricky in the attic. If it's necessary, I'll do it or get an electrician. But if something else can be done, I'd prefer to not have the hassle.

 

[TLS Guy]

What I'm trying to do exactly is connect each pair to an individual channel so I don't have only 160W powering six speakers. They are paired so I don't have 80W going to each 60W speakers. I don't know how to be more clear than that and I'm very appreciative of your effort to help. If 2.1, 5.1, and 7.1 systems can be done..... then what makes 3.1 nonsense? Even if it was best to connect one speaker to one channel, I'd still do it this way because I have two other zones with two speakers each (diagram to come). 10 total speakers on 5 channels. I understand that the receiver outputs are Frond L & R, Center, Surround L & R, Back L & R; but can't I have identical sound/freqencies coming out regardless of which receiver outputs are connected to certain pairs of speakers. Here's a diagram:

That needs rewiring.

You have a big room with three sets of speaker pairs wired in parallel and two small rooms each with two speakers wired in parallel.

So as wired all room are low background only, especially the large one and it is not even good for that.

I would build a 7.1 or 5.1 system in the large room, but speakers will need moving.

Then use separate two channel amps off zone 2 for the other two rooms.

 

[ThirdEye]

Also if I did go with the selector box, or individual volume control knobs (to utilize 3 outputs) can it be wired like this so I don't have to rewire?

 

[TLS Guy]

Also if I did go with the selector box, or individual volume control knobs (to utilize 3 outputs) can it be wired like this so I don't have to rewire?

No. You need to rewire. If you use it like it is you will have to run it in mono, as some rooms will have only the left channel and some just the right.

Quite honestly this is a start from scratch job as it was wired by an idiot.

 

[ThirdEye]

That needs rewiring.

You have a big room with three sets of speaker pairs wired in parallel and two small rooms each with two speakers wired in parallel.

So as wired all room are low background only, especially the large one and it is not even good for that.

I would build a 7.1 or 5.1 system in the large room, but speakers will need moving.

Then use separate two channel amps off zone 2 for the other two rooms.

I definitely plan on adding speakers to turn the large room into a 5.1 and then into 7.1, but can't right now. I know it's not ideal, but it will work in the mean time, right?