ANSWERS: 1
  • Speaker selectors for home and business use allow audio systems to play music in selective or multiple areas. In recording studios, engineers use speaker selectors to listen with different sounding speakers, to get the best overall "mix" adjustment level.

    Common Home Use

    Speaker selectors are used in homes to route music to different rooms, indoors or outdoors, using a common amplifier and music components. All speakers and components are connected to the switch, and the user chooses which room to route the audio signal to the speakers.

    Installation

    Basic speaker selectors to control two pairs of speakers are as easy to connect as regular stereo speakers and are comprised of a simple switch system. More elaborate or whole-house systems are more complex and may require an audio technician to connect properly.

    Options

    Whole-house systems can be fitted with volume controls and on/off switches for each room. Some speaker selectors even offer the ability to use more than one audio source, such as a radio playing in one room and a CD player in another.

    Wiring

    Wiring is a critical factor when using speaker selectors. As speaker wire length increases, the wire gauge (thickness) must increase to handle the signal. Wiring that is too narrow will cause reduced volume to speakers.

    Impedance Matching

    Speakers and amplifiers are rated in ohms, which dictate optimum efficiency. As speakers are added to a system, the ohm rating changes and can cause dangerous overloading problems for amplifiers. Higher-end speaker selectors include impedance matching transformers to regulate ohm loads and allow safe addition of multiple speakers.

    Warnings

    Speaker selectors are convenient and bring music enjoyment to whatever room you wish. Be advised that speaker impedance (ohm) loads that are not properly matched to the amplifier can seriously damage the amp. There are a number of good resources on choosing the correct speaker wire, but running any wiring through your house or building can be dangerous. Always consult an electrician or audio technician when planning a large speaker installation.

    Source:

    Smart Buy Speakers

    Crutchfield

    Electronic Warehouse

    More Information:

    Better Home Systems: Stereo Speaker and Speaker Selector Connection Guide

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