4 best stereo speaker controls
Stereo speaker controls, also known as speaker selector switch boxes or distribution controls, are devices used in audio systems to manage and control the distribution of audio signals to multiple speakers. These controls play a significant role in enhancing the flexibility and functionality of audio setups. Here's what you need to know about stereo speaker controls:
Purpose: Stereo speaker controls are designed to enable the user to direct audio signals from a single source (such as an amplifier or AV receiver) to multiple pairs of speakers located in different areas or rooms of a building. They are commonly used in residential and commercial audio systems.
Multiple Speaker Zones: These controls typically allow you to connect and control audio output to two or more speaker pairs, often referred to as "zones." Each zone can be located in different rooms or areas, allowing you to play audio independently or simultaneously in various locations.
Switching and Control: Speaker control boxes usually feature switches or buttons that let you select which speaker pairs (zones) receive the audio signal. This provides the flexibility to have music or sound playing in one room while keeping other rooms silent, or to have the same audio playing throughout the entire space.
Volume Control: Some speaker control boxes include individual volume controls for each zone. This allows you to adjust the volume level independently in different areas, catering to individual preferences or the specific needs of each space.
Impedance Matching: In setups with multiple speakers, it's important to consider impedance matching to avoid damaging the amplifier. Some speaker controls have built-in impedance matching capabilities to ensure that the impedance seen by the amplifier remains within safe limits.
Protection Circuitry: High-quality speaker controls may include protection circuitry that safeguards the amplifier from damage due to overloading or short circuits. This adds an extra layer of security to your audio system.
Installation: Speaker controls are typically installed between the amplifier/receiver and the speakers. They are connected to the amplifier's output terminals and the speakers' input terminals, effectively routing the audio signal.
Applications: Stereo speaker controls are commonly used in scenarios where audio needs to be distributed to multiple rooms or areas, such as residential multi-room audio systems, commercial environments like restaurants or offices, and outdoor audio setups.
Wiring: Proper wiring is crucial when using speaker controls.Each speaker pair should be wired to the control box according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring the correct impedance and phase relationships are maintained.
In summary, stereo speaker controls or selector switch boxes are essential accessories in multi-room audio setups. They provide the ability to manage and distribute audio to different speaker zones, offering flexibility and control over your audio system's performance in various settings.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best stereo speaker controls on the market
OSD 6 Zones Speaker Selector w/Volume Control 300W Impedance Matching Dual Input On/Off SSVC6
OSD Audio
- SOUND QUALITY: The audio stays at a consistent quality with the SSVC6D to manage your speakers with volume controls to raise or lower the volume of each listening zone for perfect sound.
- IMPEDANCE PROTECTION: Impedance-matching frequency protection circuitry allows one amplifier to safely power multiple pairs of speakers without your amp or receiver overheating or damaging to the equipment.
- POWER: This speaker selector allows you to distribute an amplified signal for up to six zones throughout the house, letting you choose which source is playing in each designated zone.
- DESIGN: Front mounted master a/b switches are dual source for each separate zone to conveniently input and switch from one music source to another with on and off buttons.
- EASY INSTALLATION: The SSVC6D includes a removable phoenix connectors that accept up to a 14 gauge speaker cable to avoid frustration when connecting multiple speakers.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Can you tell me what the warranty is on this product |
| Answer: | This is just a simple switch - there are no delay elements in it. If you are experiencing echo, reverb, or feedback, the problem must be somewhere else in your setup. |
| Question: | Can I connect this to my receiver via bluetooth |
| Answer: | This won’t do what you’re trying to accomplish. This is a brilliant, yet simple, A/B switch. I use A for my PC audio out and B for my cell audio out to one set of headphones. |
| Question: | what is the maximum continuous amplifier power for which this product is compatible? The SSVC6 says 300W, but I can't find a spec for this one. THXS |
| Answer: | Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: You had me curious as to the answer, so I just hooked mine up the way you describe. I connected one PC going INTO the front headphones-out port, and another PC going INTO the speaker-out in the rear. Then I hooked up my speakers to INPUT B, and my headphones to INPUT A. That turned the A/B switch into an output selector and the front switch into an input selector. Everything worked fine, but for the completeness of the answer, I have to point out that the first time I connected things this way I got a 60Hz hum in my speakers, but disconnecting and reconnecting fixed that problem. I tested the speaker, volume, mic, and mute functionality, and they all worked well. Again, for the completeness of this answer, if I connect my Dell G7 laptop to a Type-C docking station (handling the audio, too), and the docking station connects to the Nobsound, and my headphones (with mic) are plugged into the Nobsound's headphones-out, then the laptop doesn't detect my headphones' mic. But that doesn't really bear on the answer you are looking for ( it's probably just a config I haven't sussed out yet); it's just something to be aware of. |
| Question: | What do I need to look for in a receiver to pair with this volume control selectors |
| Answer: | While you can connect up to four pairs of speakers, this device will not work as a surround sound device like having front, rear, center channels like a Dolby or DTS system. This only splits a stereo signal to multiple pairs of the same exact stereo signal.Hopefully this helps. |
Product features
Dual sourcec
The dual source allows you to have 2 different music sources connected, with some units offering the ability to select source per zone.
Volume Control
Using the same technology as our in-wall volume controls, most units offer volume control per zone.
Impedance Protection
Impedance protection allows a single amplifier to safely power several pairs of speakers without going below the amp’s impedance rating.
Easy to Install
Removable input/output phoenix connectors accept up to 14g wire and provide hassle-free hook-up.
OSD Audio 6-Zone Dual Source Speaker Selector
The SSVC6 speaker selector lets you add up to six speaker pairs around your house with individual volume controls for each speaker pair. Features removable input-output connector blocks for easy, yet secure wiring. Full impedance protection to protect your amplifier from low impedance when multiple speaker pairs are selected.
Professional 5-Zone Stereo Speaker Distribution Controller with Volume Controls
Product description
Dual-Source Multi-Zone Speaker Switch Selector
This 5-zone stereo speaker distribution system helps route the music or audio signals from 2 amplifiers or home A/V receivers among 5 pairs of regular or loud speakers and one headphone connected.
End users can also benefit from this premium speaker controller as it provides constant protection of the amplification source and the remote speaker pairs against excessive power overload.
Users can easily control which speaker pair to be used for performance from a specific amp/receiver source using the push buttons on the front panel.
Cross Switching Between Amp/Receiver And Speakers
This unit provides total 5 of A/B source selectors for each speaker zone output. Users can select receiver/amp B to be played through speaker zone #1, #2 and #3 and speaker pair #4 and #5 are reserved for performance from receiver/amp A.
Speaker Zone Expansion
This advanced speaker distribution controller helps user easily expand the speaker capacity for their existing receiver or amplifier to handle more pairs of speakers.
Protection For Amplifiers And Speakers
This device is featured with advanced protection circuit built in to ensure safe load to the amplifiers/receivers connected. It provides 2-way protection for all the devices connected, protecting the amplifier connected and the speaker pairs connected from excessive power overloads and wears.
Independent Volume Control For All Speaker Zones
Each speaker zone has its own volume control dial on the front panel combined with master on/off switch design for turning on or off all outputs to all speakers.
Headphone Port
This switch also provides a stereo headphone port for private listening or volume/signal monitoring purpose.
- Premium multi-zone stereo speaker distribution controller to drive up to 5 pairs of speakers from one amplifier or two. Easily expand the speaker capacity for the existing receiver or amplifier to handle more pairs of speakers. Professional audio distribution controller for one or two amplifiers/receivers distributing music through multiple speaker pairs and headphone connected for further broadcasting and performance.
- Individual A/B source selector switches for each zone. Users can easily assign either one of the two amp/receiver sources to be played through the specific speaker zone using the A/B switch buttons on the front panel. Independent volume controls for each speaker zone output and headphone output. Playing audio on any selected speaker pair at different volume levels as desired. Maximize the performance and power provided from the setup with protection provided for the amp and loud speakers used.
- Advanced protection circuit built in to ensure safe load to the amplifiers/receivers connected. One headphone port for private listening or volume/signal monitoring purpose. Supports mixture of stereo speakers with impedance from 4 to 16 ohms. Master On/Off switch control for turning on or off all outputs instantly. Highly efficient transformer-based design with automatic amplifier impedance protection.
- Extremely low power loss in each zone when all five controls are set to maximum volume. Convenient snap push terminals that accept up to 12 AWG speaker wire. Full compatibility with all types of amplifiers and loudspeakers. 100W power handling per channel with 8 ohms speaker load. Robust, deluxe steel metal housing and well-shielded.
- Robust, deluxe steel metal housing and well-shielded. Dimension: 404mm (L) x 164mm (W)x 50mm (H) or 16"(L) x 6.5"(W) x 2"(H).
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is there any way to adjust volume remotely (ie in the zones |
| Answer: | Dear Valued Customer,Thank you for contacting Rosewill. We humbly apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused you. Please kindly try the follow;1. Power down both computers2. Disconnect the KVM and all of its associated cables from the computers3. Wait 30 seconds.4. Reconnect the KVM and all of its associated cables to the computers5. Power on both computers6. Test the deviceIf this does not help, please contact us directly for further assistance. Sincerely,Rosewill Support Service |
| Question: | Is the wattage on output relatively the same as input (100 in/~100 out) or closer to divided by 5 (200 in 40 per |
| Answer: | I doesn't use drivers so it works on any computer that recognizes a USB mouse and keyboard. |
| Question: | Would this work with vintage stereo receivers |
| Answer: | No, just the pushbutton switch. You have to go through the cycle of 4 clicks to get back to the same computer even if there are only 2 or 3 being used. I still like the switch and use it every day. |
| Question: | Does this unit need to be plugged in / require power |
| Answer: | Must be a mistake. There is no HDMI |
6 Channel Speaker Selector Switch - Multi Zone A B Speaker Distribution Controller Box w/ Independent Audio Source Volume Control, Supports Home Theater Stereo Receiver System - Pyle PSLSW6
Pyle
Product description
Pyle Model : PSLSW6
6-Ch. Speaker Selector System
Multi-Zone Speaker Selector, 6-Channel Audio Speaker Receiver System
Features:Technical Specs:
- 100 WATT MAX: The Pyle Multi-Zone A B Speaker Selector Switch is perfect for your home theater sound system w/ 100W max power per channel. For use w/ 8ohm impedance speakers. Has a compact slim tabletop design that complements any home theater setup.
- CONTROL 6 SPEAKERS: The new indoor multichannel speaker switcher controls up to 6 speaker pairs connected to a stereo at the same time or in combination. Input/output via screw type connector terminals which accept up to 14AWG speaker wire.
- INDEPENDENT AUDIO CONTROL: Features independent audio source channel volume controls. The push button design lets you activate each pair individually to customize the listening experience in your home and independently control the volume to each pair.
- EASY SETUP: Simply connect the left and right outputs from your amp/receiver and/or another source to the left and right A/B inputs on the mini 6-channel multizone controller, connect up to 6 pairs/12 speakers and enjoy high quality audio performance.
- OVERLOAD PROTECTION: Equipped w/ front panel control switches consisting of rotary knobs for volume control and a master speaker switch. Offering high-quality audio, it also provides overload safety protection circuitry and long-term reliability.
User questions & answers
| Question: | I want to use this on two sets of speakers, one set for front height & second set for side surrounds and switch between the two. Is it possible |
| Answer: | While you can connect up to four pairs of speakers, this device will not work as a surround sound device like having front, rear, center channels like a Dolby or DTS system. This only splits a stereo signal to multiple pairs of the same exact stereo signal.Hopefully this helps. |
| Question: | Does this switch allow me to control sets of speakers independently |
| Answer: | You can control up to 4 sets of speakers independently or play all at the same time! I have switch A for patio speakers, switch B for inside house, sometimes I play A or B or A+B |
| Question: | One person indicated what they believed the protection button was. Does anybody know? Pyle technical support apparently doesn't exist |
| Answer: | In modern amplifiers the protection button is actually used to simulate a safe ohm load to the amplifier, not mask the lack of a load. When you connect multiple speakers of certain ohm ratings in series or parallel, it alters the ohm load presented to the amplifier. The switch allows you to attach multiple speaker sets while presenting and "buffering" a consistent/safe ohm load instead of the actual load. 2 x 8 ohm speakers in parallel on the same channel would show up as 4 ohm (divide ohm rating of speaker by number of speakers), which could cause your amplifier to fail (it needs to work harder) if not designed to drive speakers with that ohm rating. If you are using more than 2 pair of 8 ohm speakers simultaneously you would turn on the protection mode to present an ohm load of ~4 ohm instead. Most protection solutions present a 4.5 ohm load in this scenario. Understand that ohm loads are AC and thus are constantly fluctuating during playback. Speaker ohm levels typically will "change" @ different volume levels etc. Low impedance allows for a more efficient electric signal. Typically speakers are rated 4, 6 or 8 ohms. Lower end receivers can sometime have issues driving low impedance 4 or 2 ohm speakers. |
| Question: | How do I hook this up to my 5.1 receiver |
| Answer: | Hello Dan,This device is for other areas of a home where you have additional speakers and is not made to be used with the surround sound system. It can be used with "Stereo Receivers" or with 7.1 A/V Receivers where your only using the 5.1 portion of the receiver. What that means is if you have a surround sound system in your home, then all the speaker outputs of the receiver are dedicated to the surround sound and at that point there are no more speaker terminal outputs to be used.However, if your receiver is a 7.1 A/V receiver and your only using it as a 5.1 Surrond Sound System, then you will have 2 additional speaker outputs that aren't being used.At that point you can attach those terminals (via 2 speaker wires a left & a right) to the Pyle 4 Channel Speaker Selector. Now connect the other rooms to the outputs on the Pyle Speaker Selector. ***Make sure you have the correct speakers paired to each individual room when you connect these wires. You can easily determine this by taking a battery from your remote control and placing the ends of the speaker wires to the battery. Positive end of the wire + to the positive end of the battery and the negative end off the same wire to the negative end of the battery, You can hold the negative wire tight to the battery with your thumb while you release and then retouch and release and retouch the positive end a few times. you should hear a popping sound coming out of the speaker. This will let you know which wire goes to which speaker in which room or area. I usually use a "Sharpie" Marker and label the wire "Living Rm" or "Dining Rm" or what ever the room is that the wire goes to. *****Now, and this is most important or you will "FRY" your Pyle unit, make sure the negative wire that is connected to the Pyle output is the same negetive wire that is connected to the speaker terminal in the room where that wire goes and the positive does the same. IF YOU CROSS THE WIRES AND PUT THE NEGATIVE WIRE IN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL, YOU MOST LIKELY WILL GET BAD RECEPTION TO THAT SPEAKER OR FRY (DAMAGE) THE PYLE UNIT AND MAYBE EVEN YOUR RECEIVER. ALSO, MAKE SURE NO BRAIDS OFF OF THE SPEAKER WIRES TOUCH THE CHASSIS OF THE RECEIVER OR EACH OTHER. THIS WILL SHORT THE UNIT.Finally, you may have to go into the setting of your A/V Receiver and select the "Speaker Settings" and scroll to where the "Surround Back" or "Zone 2" Speaker set up is and select "NO". This will deactivate the use of those speakers to be used in the room where the Surround Sound is and will allow them to be used for "Stereo Music" to other rooms.In about 90-100% of all A/V Recievers have to use "Analog" or "RCA Cables" from the device you want to hear the music or sound from in the rooms that the Pyle is hooked up to. FM Tuner (or radio stations), Pandora and Internet Radio Stations are already incorporated in the receiver and will play with no problem.Now just select "Zone 2" on the Receiver and press the "Input" selection you want to hear in those other rooms. Raise the Zone 2 Volume Level for those rooms and you should hear music or audio. Please note that some receivers have a time period of 5-6 seconds for you to do these steps, so when making your audio selection and volume level, know where your audio selection button is that you want before performing these steps or your Receiver timer will time out and you will have to permorm them again. It can be frustrating at first for a novice. It was for me. Sometimes still is. LOLA couple of things to know. I would only use this device if I had "Individual Volume Controllers" in each of the rooms or areas where I want Music or Sound. If you don't, then the "volume level" will be the same in all those areas. Volume Controls allow you to do what they say, they can "Control" the volumes level. If the Music or Sound is too High in one room, it might be too Low in an other room. Volume Controls correct that.If you don't have individual Volume Controls in the rooms where your speakers are, then you want to purchase the Pyle Home PSPVC4 4-Channel High Power Stereo Speaker Selector with volume Control. http://www.amazon.com/Pyle-PSPVC4-4-Channel-Speaker-Selector/dp/B0013CH7UK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376744129&sr=8-1&keywords=Pyle+Speaker+Selector+with+Volume+Controls If you have any issues getting the sound to pass through Zone 2 of your Receiver, contact the units manufacturer and ask for tech support.I hope this helps.Ken Nichols, PresidentSIGHTS & SOUNDS OF SOUTH FLORIDA, INC.3801 Environ Blvd.Fort Lauderdale, FL 33319305-788-1895 |
Product features
Premium New and Improved 4 Zone Channel Speaker Switch Selector Switch Box Hub Distribution Box
This speaker selector box allows you to play audio to up to eight different stereo speaker sets. It easily handles up to 100 watts per channel with speaker systems that have a minimum impedance of 8 ohms. Each input has an on/off switch. Protection circuitry keeps it running smoothly and prevents speaker burn-out. Accepts speaker wires up to 14 gauge.
In Wall Speaker Volume Control - Home Audio Smart Speakers Stereo Controller Selector Switch Pod Box - In-Wall Vertical Sliding Control, For Home Theater Indoor or Outdoor Remote Speakers - Pyle PVC2 WHITE/BLUE
Pyle
Product description
PyleHome Model : PVC2
Wall Mount Audio Volume Control
Wall Mount Volume Control, In-Wall Vertical/Sliding Speaker Volume Knob (Impedance Matching)
Features:What’s in the Box:
Technical Specs:
The Pyle Wall Mount Volume Control, In-Wall Vertical/Sliding Speaker Volume Knob (Impedance Matching) - Speaker & Stereo System Control - Convenient Audio Source Volume Setting - Audio and Video System Compatibility - Flush In-Wall / Wall Mount Installation Plate Style - Multi-Position Sliding Soft-Touch Adjustment - Suitable Companion for Hi-Fi Four-Pair Speaker Selector - Perfect for Home, Office or Business Applications - What’s in the Box: - In-Wall/Wall Plate - Decorative Finishing Frame - Mounting Ring/Installation Wire Nuts - Technical Specs: - Universal Standard Wall Plate Size - Speaker Connection: Terminal Block, Screw Type - Speaker Wire Compatibility: Up to 14-Gauge AWG - 100 Watt Power Load Handling - Depth 2.5''.
- EASY TO INSTALL: The Pyle in-wall indoor outdoor stereo volume control installs in a junction box, just like a light switch. Fits standard electrical junction/gang boxes. Makes it simple and easy to direct your home amplifier to your speakers
- VERTICAL SLIDING OPERATION: The smart speaker controller features a convenient and simple multi-position sliding soft-touch vertical sliding volume control which makes volume adjustments a breeze. Suitable companion for Hi-Fi 4 pair speaker selector
- OPERATION: Set the amplifier's volume control to minimum. Turn on the amp and set its volume control slightly above the normal listening level. To increase/decrease the remote speaker's volume slide the inwall volume control upward or downwards
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: The speaker volume control fader selector is compatible w/ all audio and video systems making it a wise choice to add to your home theater system. It also features up to 100 watts load handling power
- STANDARD SIZE: It features a universal standard wall plate size. The included decora-style wall mount plate frame cover means this controller will unobtrusively blend into your wall and allows for a clean installation on your walls
User questions & answers
| Question: | Could I use this to control volume for one set of speakers wired (two pairs wired) to a Sonos connect amp |
| Answer: | They seem that they work fine. Yiu will just different srews then the ones they provide . |
| Question: | What is the “default” position for the ohms switch? There is no documentation that shows what each switch position corresponds to |
| Answer: | 13.5" x 2.5" |
Latest Reviews
View all
C Pioneer Mini Pc
- Updated: 03.01.2023
- Read reviews
Generic Wired Keyboard And Mouses
- Updated: 12.05.2023
- Read reviews
Womans Multi Vitamins
- Updated: 03.02.2023
- Read reviews
Banners
- Updated: 13.07.2023
- Read reviews
Lifting Belt For Moving
- Updated: 31.05.2023
- Read reviews