speaker switches for multi speakers?

[bustabust]

hi there

ive just purchased an onkyo 506 off a friend and im looking to use it as a secondary amp for the upstairs of my house. the plan is to primarily use it for a 5.1 system in the bedroom, but i also want to power 2 pairs of ceiling speakers off zone two. i want to ask:-

1- can i connect a speaker switch to zone 2 and run 2 pairs of ceiling speakers off it? is there anything that i need to be wary of when doing this?

2 - can you guys please recommend me a decent speaker switch box that i can connect the ceiling speakers to?up to 40 quid

3- can you please recommend me a descrete 5.1 system that i could use in the bedroom. im happy to go second hand with this and was looking to spend no more than 150 quid if possible?

Many thanks

 

[BlueWizard]

Are all four ceiling speakers in one room, or are they in two separate rooms?

Depending on the impedance of the individual ceiling speakers, you can only have one pair on at a time, and with most basic speaker switch boxes, that is how they work.

If that is consistent with what you desire than any basic speaker switch box will do.

Here is a cross section of Speaker Switches -

Speaker Switching Units - Audiovisual Online - High Quality Audio Video Cables and Accessories

Though this is something most audio/video stores will have.

Any of the QED switches will probably do the job for you.

What you need to be wary of in using a switch box, especially a box that will allow more than one set of remote speakers to be on line at one time, is the total PER CHANNEL load impedance.

I'm not sure what the low limit is on an AV Amp like the Onkyo 506. Most amps will typically tolerate loads down to 4 ohms, which in turn means two 8 ohm speakers. BUT, two 6 ohms speakers drops the load down to 3 ohms, and for most amps, that's too low.

As long as you only play one set of remote speakers at a time, it will be OK. Most than one set of remote speakers gets complicated.

As for speakers for only £150, those are going to be some very unimpressive speakers. Though in a bedroom I can understand the need for compact speakers. Most look upon the Jamo 102 speaker system with favor, but it is closer to £200. Another well liked set is the Tannoy SFX but it too is closer to £200. The only thing you will find in your price range for new speakers are the very low end Yamaha speaker systems.

Steve/bluewizard

 

[bustabust]

Many thanks for your reply

Are all four ceiling speakers in one room, or are they in two separate rooms?
2 pairs in 2 separate rooms

Depending on the impedance of the individual ceiling speakers, you can only have one pair on at a time, and with most basic speaker switch boxes, that is how they work.
i was looking to get this package - 8ohms speakers 2 Pairs of 100w 8ohm Ceiling Speakers, 4-Way Speaker Switch & 100m Cable Cybermarket MEGADEAL - Audio & Video - www.cybermarket.co.uk

As long as you only play one set of remote speakers at a time, it will be OK. Most than one set of remote speakers gets complicated.

Steve/bluewizard

i would like to use both pairs at the same time, but if its causes a problem i could probably live without it.

could i power the speaker switch off zone 2 do you think? thanks for the advice , its much appreciated!

 

[BlueWizard]

Whether it cause a problem depends on your amp, and the limits of its internal amps. If the amp can handle 4 ohms, meaning two 8 ohms speakers, then it shouldn't be a problem.

Also, this tolerance or intolerance of loads is related to current. A lower load demands more electrical current. If you are only playing Zone 2, meaning the main room speakers are not playing, then the amp has more current reserve and will likely tolerate 4 ohms if the volume is kept reasonable.

The amps have short circuit, over current, and over heating protection circuits, but, while it is nice to have them, it is not wise to test them.

So, while I can't guarantee it, likely the amp will tolerate 4 ohm loads at modest volumes.

Steve/bluewizard