Speaker selector switches should I use one
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My thoughts are that every single INCH of wire you introduce into a system is one more opportunity for noise, distortion, etc.... Same thing for "pieces" like a Speaker Selector Switch.
I have a friend who has three rooms of external speakers running off a Speaker Selector Switch, wired to the "B" terminals of a 7 Channel Denon Receiver. This is in addition to the 5.1 channel "Main Zone."
This was installed by "Professional Installers."
The challenge with this type of configuration is that you should still only play one of those rooms at a time, otherwise the impedance drops, and you create too much of a "draw" on the Receiver/Amplifier - potentially overheating it over time.
If I ever need that extensive a multi-room set-up for myself again, I would lean more toward buying a good quality vintage receiver and a pair of good quality "budget" speakers for each room (like the early model Minimus-7's), plus an Apple Airport Express for $100 brand new (or less used). All strung together with short runs of speaker cable.
It will be the same $$$ (or less) than paying for miles of "premium" speaker wire in runs of 50 feet or more, conduit. connectors, speaker selector switches - all wired to only one receiver.
Of course, this is "one man's opinion," but it does resonate with Einstein: "Keep things as simple as possible, but no simpler."
I have a friend who has three rooms of external speakers running off a Speaker Selector Switch, wired to the "B" terminals of a 7 Channel Denon Receiver. This is in addition to the 5.1 channel "Main Zone."
This was installed by "Professional Installers."
The challenge with this type of configuration is that you should still only play one of those rooms at a time, otherwise the impedance drops, and you create too much of a "draw" on the Receiver/Amplifier - potentially overheating it over time.
If I ever need that extensive a multi-room set-up for myself again, I would lean more toward buying a good quality vintage receiver and a pair of good quality "budget" speakers for each room (like the early model Minimus-7's), plus an Apple Airport Express for $100 brand new (or less used). All strung together with short runs of speaker cable.
It will be the same $$$ (or less) than paying for miles of "premium" speaker wire in runs of 50 feet or more, conduit. connectors, speaker selector switches - all wired to only one receiver.
Of course, this is "one man's opinion," but it does resonate with Einstein: "Keep things as simple as possible, but no simpler."
Wigwam Jones
Caesar non supra grammati
I have both a relatively high-quality switch and a Radio Shack switch. I can detect no difference in sound quality between them. What is your evidence that the RS models are "horrible," and if so, "horrible" in what way specifically?
I agree. I have a vintage Niles SVC-4 and it is built like a tank. It can handle 4 sets of speakers (w/volume control for each) and 2 amplifiers (w/ 2 & 4 ohm protection circuit settings).
It's a great unit to A/B gear.
MRL_Audio
RIP 2022
I asked the same question related to use with tube equipment and the only solid answer I got was switchers are fine but... turn down the volume before switching speakers else the strain on the tube amp is a problem long term. Makes the A/B comparison a bit harder but I'd rather be safe than sorry.
Mystery
constantly upgrading...
Sound wise, you can use a barb wire and most people won't hear difference.
My comment was on build design and quality.
They fail often, build quality is horrible, cheap plastic and very light.
I have couple of them all of them developed rust inside even with regular use.
The most disliked feature is they have one L and R channel joined on all outputs in one strip.
It was a big issue with SDA feature of Polks that use L signal or right out driver and vice versa.
One channel was always active on that switch due to that bad design when using SDA.
Niles and Adcom don't do a common channel in one side and each output is separated.
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
Here we go again. Build quality? Really? Mostly the difference in speaker switches is whether or not they have built in load balancing. In my opinion, and some experience, load balancing has an impact on sound quality once you exceed 2 pair of speakers. I can HEAR a difference in tonal quality, loss of imaging, etc. when running 3 or more pair. Why run that many? I did it just for entertainment. I will on occasion run 2 pair, but not very often as I don't often find the need.
I have never been able to detect any difference in sound quality using my RS speaker switch. Most speaker switches are mechanical in nature. Those that are not, you WILL want to buy accordingly as I'm personally convinced that anything electronic that sits between the source and the speakers can potentially alter that signal.
Yes there are cheap RS selector switches, but categorically? No. Mine is neither light, nor cheap in construction and certainly less expensive than many "name" brand units.
How about some quantifiable info?
I use two SIMA units to select and control volume on 8 sets of speakers from two amps and have never been bothered by any "noise"
It all depends on how critical a listener you are. If you are using tube amps and turntables then selectors are probably not for you. But if you just listen to regular old music and want to control your speakers; selectors w/ volume control and impedance matching are the way to go (IMHO)
I recently ran a test CD through the system and it all seemed dead quiet to me (but then i'm old and my ears are not so great--LOL.
It all depends on how critical a listener you are. If you are using tube amps and turntables then selectors are probably not for you. But if you just listen to regular old music and want to control your speakers; selectors w/ volume control and impedance matching are the way to go (IMHO)
I recently ran a test CD through the system and it all seemed dead quiet to me (but then i'm old and my ears are not so great--LOL.
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
I doubt your age or ears have anything to do with it. I don't doubt there are likely bad examples of speaker switches, but certainly they are not generally bad. I'm sure that owning tube equipment has even less to do with it since in those days mechanical switches were available and used in large numbers.
I think it's more a case of "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch" syndrome. Imagine, if you will, all those stereo shops using totally mechanical switches to demonstrate all kinds of equipment and speakers. Do you recall any of them having a notable impact on sound? I sure as heck don't.
Mystery
constantly upgrading...
Looks like you didn't read my post properly.
Anyway, if you are happy with it, that's all it matters.
But I posted my suggestion for OP.
Copa1934
My ears are bleeding
Grammatically speaking? I got it correct. Had you said "cheaper" that would imply that there are good and bad, but that wasn't your statement. I'm sorry, but when I went to school they beat the crap out of us over grammar, and even today I still mess up.
Look, most of the time when people make the statement "...cheap <brand>" it typically implies ALL their products. Using a word like "cheaper" implies distinction. I'm sorry to be nit picky about this, but honestly I believe that is why we see some of the discussions here reduced to flaming because proper grammar hasn't been followed. Not trying to school anyone, but we can all be more helpful if our thoughts and opinions don't come across as harsh or black and white. We all know that audio, like many things in life, is clearly not black and white.
You did make some viable suggestions, I'm not trying to take away from that. The OP certainly will benefit from that. I and many others have tried, sometimes unsuccessfully to steer people from bashing, etc. You weren't bashing, of course, just saying I and others would like this to be a more friendly place, not free of strong opinions of course, but at east free of unnecessary negative comments.
jazzmans
Super Member
I have a Russound 4 way, dual amp input with seperate volume pots for each channel hooked up to my 'tv' stereo, and it sounds just fine. Amp driving it is a Carver PM 1.5
I also have a Russound 12 way dual amp input W autoformer hooked up to my 'stereo' system b, and it sounds fine. I have two 200' plus runs running off this one, . Amp driving it is a Carver M 1.5T.
I also have and have used a Monster branded switcher, which is really a Niles audio switcher with the Monster logo on it, (6 way) and I have a Niles audio 6 way that I have used in the past, and they sound fine also.
I also have a Russound 12 way dual amp input W autoformer hooked up to my 'stereo' system b, and it sounds fine. I have two 200' plus runs running off this one, . Amp driving it is a Carver M 1.5T.
I also have and have used a Monster branded switcher, which is really a Niles audio switcher with the Monster logo on it, (6 way) and I have a Niles audio 6 way that I have used in the past, and they sound fine also.
TOO LOUD???
Well-Known Member
I'm using a Niles with no problems, but I'm also driving it with a Peavey PA amp.
