HomeTech HTS6 speaker switch for 6 pairs

[CharlieBee]

I picked up a HomeTech HTS6 speaker selector switch sold for running multiple speakers in different rooms of the house. Below are the published details as far as they go.

Specifications
Manufacturer: HomeTech by Sonance
Manufacturer Product No.: 10023
UPC: 041093100239
Dimensions: 11 1/4" x 2" x 7" (286mm x 51mm x 178mm)
Inputs: One stereo source speaker (speaker level from receiver to amplifier)
Outputs: Six stereo (speaker level), parallel output for additional speaker switchers
Connections: Push-type, wire-grabbing connectors accept up to 12-gauge cable
Power Handling: 120 watts/channel (40 watts/channel with protection engaged)
Protection Circuit: 5-ohm resistor, manually activated
Approvals: CE listed
Warranty: 5 years, limited


My question is what is the impedance my receiver will see if multiple speakers are used? I have a Sansui 9090db that puts a and b or a and c speakers in series. Thanks.

Charlie

 

[amason3]

two 8 ohm speakers = 4 ohm load, two 4 ohm speakers = 2 ohm load (not safe for the receiver), 4 ohm w/8 ohm speaker = 2.67 ohm (not safe for the receiver). I don't know if the 9090db is stable to a 4 ohm load on two sets of outputs, even if it is, with the speaker selector you have, you could not run more than two sets of 8 Ohm speakers at a time w/o burning up your amp. So you may as well use the speaker jacks on the 9090db, that is unless you run some speakers in series.

 

[jbehr]

I have many years [10+] on a hs4 driven by a pioneer sx205 reciever. The reciever and speakers are all still just fine. These speaker selector switches add resistance as speakers are added. The load should stay near 8 ohms no matter how many pairs you turn on.
Many years ago, in tech school, our teacher had a couple of guys build a similar switch for the practice house we were wireing.

 

[CharlieBee]

jbehr

Thanks for the info. Good to hear the speaker selection switches keep the load near 8 ohms. It would be interesting to see a circuit diagram to see how it does that.

They should do something as they sell for $80 to $120. Thanks heavens for garage sales! I will try it out when my APR (all purpose room) is completed.

Charlie

 

[MunkeyQ]

It will just plonk in high-power resistors to keep the resistance at 8 ohms. Ok for low-level listening, but bear in mind that the more speakers you load it with, the more power will be dissapated as heat in the resistors.

For example, two 8 ohm pairs in parallel will be 4 ohms, so it will have to put a 4 ohm resistor in series to keep the impedance roughly 8 ohms. Therefore, half the power the amplifier puts out will go into heating up the speaker switch's resistors...which is why it comes with a power rating. Too much power and the resistors will overheat.

It would be better if it put them in combinations of series/parallel. As I don't know the item, it may already do this...although it doesn't sound like it.