Speaker switches and volume controls

[Mjd2k]

hi, probably dumb questions but.....

1) if I install a speaker selector box
- can I run one set of speaker wires from the reciever to the box and then split it multiple times, i.e 4 zones?
- if yes, can I run all the speakers at once?
- if yes, why does this not put too big a load on the reciever and would the sound volume really degrade?

2) if I want in wall volume controls for each zone, I.e patio, bedroom
- do I need to use a speaker selector box and then branch to each zone's volume control? Thinking the speaker selector is protecting the amp or amplifying the signal
- alternatively, can I run parallel circuits to each volume control and would the volume control protect the amp?
- I read I can have several,speakers off each volume control

I have a pioneer 1023-k amp. 140 watts@6ohms, 80"watts@ 8 ohms

I really can't find an answer to this. Went to best buy and the expert never had a clue what I was talking about. Maybe it's just too obvious.

Anyway, maybe someone can share some knowledge

 

[Rickster71]

Take a look at this:
http://www.nilesaudio.com/product_selection.php?catcdID=7

 

[Mjd2k]

Thanks Rickster.

I already knew I could buy the selectors but thanks to your link it occurred to me to look at the manual and I have some answers.

My further question is,

I want individual zone volume controls in the rooms, do I need the speaker selector switch or do the volume controls take care of the impedance matching?

If I still need the speaker switch, do I put a volume control in after the speaker switch and connect several speakers to each volume control (several might be two pairs of speakers per zone).

Would I need a specific type of volume control to go behind the speaker selector?

Thanks

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

1) if I install a speaker selector box
- can I run one set of speaker wires from the reciever to the box and then split it multiple times, i.e 4 zones?
- if yes, can I run all the speakers at once?
- if yes, why does this not put too big a load on the reciever and would the sound volume really degrade?

Sure you can do that, but there’s no free lunch. The switch box will maintain a proper load to the receiver - say, 8-ohms, but you still have the issue of the receiver’s rated power being divided out to all those speakers.

For instance, assuming that the receiver really gets 140 watts per channel (and that’s a big assumption), dividing that out to four speakers means each one will see only 35 watts. That’s not much power, so the temptation will be to crank the volume up when the speakers aren’t as loud as you’d like. So basically you’re running the receiver close to max to get volume levels that could otherwise be had with one speaker (or one stereo pair) and the amp loafing. Naturally, running the amp at or near max all the time is going to shorten its live span.

Bottom line, if you want do this, it’s best for background volume levels only, not “party time.”

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[Mjd2k]

Thanks Wayne, Very helpful

I have a 7.2 amp. If I run it in all channels stereo, does that mean each speaker channel is in stereo? That's all I really want. Don't need the surround sound effect.

And if that's the case, can each channel support two pairs of 8 ohm speakers?

Or, can I run each channel directly to an impedance matching volume control and run two pairs off the volume control. Eliminating the speaker control switch all together.

 

[stereo coffee]

If you can provide some images of the rear panel or brand model of your 7.2 amp this would help
If the amp is designed for x number of speakers and there is left and right speaker outputs
then you should be OK, Each speaker ideally should be 6-8 ohms rated not lower.

You may wish to assess if wireless connection to these other rooms is a better way of
distributing audio.

Generally most audiophiles come back to two channel stereo and concentrate on shortening
speaker leads. In my own audio system my speaker leads are no more than 3 meters in
length. I have two pairs of the same speaker powered by separate power amplifiers. With
this approach the amplifier provides maximum fidelity to each speaker, and audio
doesn't become lost in excessive cable length. You should try it, then think about
separate small amplifiers wireless connected to other rooms. End result should be
best fidelity in your main listening room, and good stereo audio in other rooms.

Hope this helps