Speaker Switch Setup

[hamletd]

Hello,

I'm setting my house with speakers in different zones (3 in total), i have wiring going from my amp in the basement to each zone for the speaker. What i want to do is add audio switches (volume UP and DOWN) right beside my light switches in every room. How is this setup done?

Thank you,

Hamlet

 

[MDS]

You can buy impedance matching volume controls just about anywhere: PartsExpress, SmartHome, OneCall, Monoprice, etc.

Each VC controls 2 speakers so you need 4 wires in and 4 wires out. For convenience typically you'd use a 4 conductor wire from the amp to the VC and then 2 2 conductor wires from the VC (one to each speaker).

 

[hamletd]

Thanks for the update MDS. One more question, each room will have one speaker , sorry for not clearing that up earlier. Can i just pass regular 14AWG audio cable?

Thanks

 

[MDS]

I don't know offhand if there are volume controls for single speakers but yes you can use any gauge speaker wire that is sufficient for the length of run. 14 gauge will surely be suitable for runs over 50 feet long.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

What AVR do you have? Most will only handle 2 zones from the AVR amp and the 3rd will need an outboard amp.

 

[iso9001]

I just set my Onkyo for zone 2 line outs and just added an extra set of ports for outside. If I want outside music I need to switch it manually. Works, but kinda sucks.