Setting Impedance

Setting Impedance

Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres my set up , I
have a stereo thats impedance is set to 8(sorry cant make the
impedance sign). I have the stereo hooked up to a 4 switch speaker
selector( radio shack 40-244) and have four set of speakers hooked up
to that - all are 8 impedance. According the the speaker selector
documentation it is also operating at 8 impedance.

Three pair of the speakers are out side and Im tired of running back
into the home to adjust the volume so I bought 2 Boston RVC90
impedance matching volume controls. One control will adjust one set of
speakers and another one will adjust the other two.

I thought I knew what I was doing until I started reading the Boston
documentation, now Im totally lost. Im assuming the one control
operating the 1 pr of speakers will be set to 1x and the other to 2x.
Is that correct

Thanks for any help
John

Re: Setting Impedance



jrv331@gmail . com wrote:

> Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres my set up , I
> have a stereo thats impedance is set to 8(sorry cant make the
> impedance sign).

What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid state amplifiers
don't have an impedance switch like tube/valve amps used to have.

Do you mean it's rated at 8 ohms (but no less) ?


Graham

Re: Setting Impedance

"Eeyore" <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail . com > wrote in
message news:4813785D.D01F5E96@hotmail . com
> jrv331@gmail . com wrote:
>
>> Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres
>> my set up , I have a stereo thats impedance is set to
>> 8(sorry cant make the impedance sign).
>
> What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid
> state amplifiers don't have an impedance switch like
> tube/valve amps used to have.

Some modern SS consumer gear *does* have an impedance switch. Internally, it
drops the +/- VCC to the output stage, thus reducing output stage power
dissipation into lower impedance loads. I've seen this feature on receivers,
but there's no reason it could not appear on integrated amps or power amps
with similar marginal heat-sinking.

Re: Setting Impedance

On Apr 26, 2:45 pm, Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com >
wrote:
> jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
> > Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres my set up , I
> > have a stereo thats impedance is set to 8(sorry cant make the
> > impedance sign).
>
> What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid state amplifiers
> don't have an impedance switch like tube/valve amps used to have.
>
> Do you mean it's rated at 8 ohms (but no less) ?
>
> Graham

In trying to research the answer to by question(before posting) it was
talking about receivers set at 4,6 or 8 impedance. My is switchable
between 6 and 8.
thanks
John

Re: Setting Impedance



jrv331@gmail . com wrote:

> Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com > wrote:
> > jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
>
> > > Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres my set up , I
> > > have a stereo thats impedance is set to 8(sorry cant make the
> > > impedance sign).
> >
> > What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid state amplifiers
> > don't have an impedance switch like tube/valve amps used to have.
> >
> > Do you mean it's rated at 8 ohms (but no less) ?
>
>
> In trying to research the answer to by question(before posting) it was
> talking about receivers set at 4,6 or 8 impedance. My is switchable
> between 6 and 8.

So what make and model is it ? Guesswork isn't likely to be very useful to
you.

Graham

Re: Setting Impedance

Sorry, didnt think make/model would matter. I have a Pioneer VSX-D414
receiver, manual says: 120w @ 8ohms. The speaker selector is a radio
shack 40-244rated at 8ohms as well. The Boston volume control has a
impedance selector switch to set it at 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 8x and 16x
ohms depending on how many speakers are on the system. The instruction
manual for the volume control is very confusing.
thanks
John


On Apr 26, 3:29 pm, Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com >
wrote:
> jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
> > Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com > wrote:
> > > jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
>
> > > > Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres my set up , I
> > > > have a stereo thats impedance is set to 8(sorry cant make the
> > > > impedance sign).
>
> > > What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid state amplifiers
> > > don't have an impedance switch like tube/valve amps used to have.
>
> > > Do you mean it's rated at 8 ohms (but no less) ?
>
> > In trying to research the answer to by question(before posting) it was
> > talking about receivers set at 4,6 or 8 impedance. My is switchable
> > between 6 and 8.
>
> So what make and model is it ? Guesswork isn't likely to be very useful to
> you.
>
> Graham

Re: Setting Impedance



jrv331@gmail . com wrote:

> Eeyore wrote:
> > jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
> > > Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com > wrote:
> > > > jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
> >
> > > > > Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres my set up , I
> > > > > have a stereo thats impedance is set to 8(sorry cant make the
> > > > > impedance sign).
> >
> > > > What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid state amplifiers
> > > > don't have an impedance switch like tube/valve amps used to have.
> >
> > > > Do you mean it's rated at 8 ohms (but no less) ?
> >
> > > In trying to research the answer to by question(before posting) it was
> > > talking about receivers set at 4,6 or 8 impedance. My is switchable
> > > between 6 and 8.
> >
> > So what make and model is it ? Guesswork isn't likely to be very useful to
> > you.
>
> Sorry, didnt think make/model would matter.

You expect to read your mind as to what you have ?

Yes, it's very important as certain models may have certain know flaws or
characteristics.


> I have a Pioneer VSX-D414 receiver, manual says: 120w @ 8ohms.

I haven't yet Googled it but does the Pioneer info anywhere mention 4 or 6 ohm
usage ?


> The speaker selector is a radio shack 40-244rated at 8ohms as well.

Part number ?


> The Boston volume control

Part number ?


> has a impedance selector switch to set it at 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, 8x and 16x
> ohms depending on how many speakers are on the system. The instruction
> manual for the volume control is very confusing.

Do you have a link to this confusing manual ?

Graham

Re: Setting Impedance

"Eeyore" <rabbitsfriendsandrelations@hotmail . com > wrote in
message news:4813BB60.61FDDBBB@hotmail . com
> jrv331@gmail . com wrote:
>
>> Eeyore wrote:
>>> jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
>>>> Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com > wrote:
>>>>> jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
>>>
>>>>>> Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use.
>>>>>> Heres my set up , I have a stereo thats impedance is
>>>>>> set to 8(sorry cant make the impedance sign).
>>>
>>>>> What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid
>>>>> state amplifiers don't have an impedance switch like
>>>>> tube/valve amps used to have.
>>>
>>>>> Do you mean it's rated at 8 ohms (but no less) ?
>>>
>>>> In trying to research the answer to by question(before
>>>> posting) it was talking about receivers set at 4,6 or
>>>> 8 impedance. My is switchable between 6 and 8.
>>>
>>> So what make and model is it ? Guesswork isn't likely
>>> to be very useful to you.
>>
>> Sorry, didnt think make/model would matter.
>
> You expect to read your mind as to what you have ?
>
> Yes, it's very important as certain models may have
> certain know flaws or characteristics.
>
>
>> I have a Pioneer VSX-D414 receiver, manual says: 120w @
>> 8ohms.
>
> I haven't yet Googled it but does the Pioneer info
> anywhere mention 4 or 6 ohm usage ?
>
>
>> The speaker selector is a radio shack 40-244rated at
>> 8ohms as well.
>
> Part number ?

40-244

* w w w .radioshack . com /sm-8-speaker-selector--pi-2062682.html


>> The Boston volume control

> Part number ?

Good question.

Probably something like this:

* w w w .smarthome . com /8262w.html


Manual at:

* w w w .smarthome . com /manuals/8262.pdf

>> has a impedance selector switch to set it at 1x, 2x, 3x,
>> 4x, 8x and 16x ohms depending on how many speakers are
>> on the system. The instruction manual for the volume
>> control is very confusing.

> Do you have a link to this confusing manual ?

Re: Setting Impedance


>
> Manual at:
>
> * w w w .smarthome . com /manuals/8262.pdf
>
>>> has a impedance selector switch to set it at 1x, 2x, 3x,
>>> 4x, 8x and 16x ohms depending on how many speakers are
>>> on the system. The instruction manual for the volume
>>> control is very confusing.
>
>> Do you have a link to this confusing manual ?
>

This seems pretty straightforward so long as the speakers are of the
same nominal impedance as he amplifier output. Assume this is 8 ohms.
You need one control for ear stereo pair of speakers. If you connect two
pairs of speakers (via two controls) you set the jumpers to 2X. For 3 or
4 sets of speakers you set the jumpers on the 3 or 4 controls to 4X.

basically you have one control per stereo pair of speakers.

HTH

Cheers

Ian
>

Re: Setting Impedance

On Apr 26, 3:08 pm, jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
> On Apr 26, 2:45 pm, Eeyore <rabbitsfriendsandrelati...@hotmail . com >
> wrote:
>
> > jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
> > > Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres my set up , I
> > > have a stereo thats impedance is set to 8(sorry cant make the
> > > impedance sign).
>
> > What do you mean by 'set to 8' (ohms) ? Modern solid state amplifiers
> > don't have an impedance switch like tube/valve amps used to have.
>
> > Do you mean it's rated at 8 ohms (but no less) ?
>
> > Graham
>
> In trying to research the answer to by question(before posting) it was
> talking about receivers set at 4,6 or 8 impedance. My is switchable
> between 6 and 8.
> thanks
> John

This Parts & Service manual can now be purchased for $9.99 and
downloaded immediately after payment from * w w w .justmanuals . com


Paul@justmanuals . com

Re: Setting Impedance

Thanks to all your guys help everything is hooked up and working - but
I have a small problem and since this is where I started the thread I
thought Id keep it here. First heres my setup, and I'll be as
descriptive as possible.
1) I am using a Pioneer VXS D414 receiver - according to the manual
the amp has a continuous power out put of 120w @ 8 ohms. The manual
also mentions that it can be switched to 6ohms for 6ohm speakers. I
cannot find an on line version.

2) Radio Shack 40-244 Four way speaker selector (buttons A,B,C and
D)
Manual * rsk.imageg . net /graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/4000244 PM EN.pdf

3) Two Boston Acoustics Rotary Volume Controls - Model RVC90i( cant
find online manual). The controls have "Selectable impedance
magnifying: 1x 2x 4x 8x 16x. The impedance matching multipliers are
representing the multiplier used when using multiple speakers to
represent a safe impedance lever to the amp" Im using three pr of
speakers and have the selector switch set at 4x

How its hooked up: From the receiver to the input on the speaker
selector. I have one pair of speakers on button A - these wires go
straight from the selector to the speakers. 1 pr on C - these wires go
from the selector switch to the volume control to the speakers. 1 pr
speakers on D - they are wired just like C.

So here the problem and I hope its not to confusing - I leave button A
always depressed and works great. When I also depress button C
everything still works great and the volume control works like a
charm, Now if i also depress button D - this volume control, controls
the speakers on D, however it also controls the speakers on C. BUT the
control on speakers C will not control the speakers on D. Ive double
checked my wiring and nothing is crossed. Could it be something with
the speaker selector -?
Thanks
John

Re: Setting Impedance

On Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:15:57 -0700 (PDT), jrv331@gmail . com wrote:

>2) Radio Shack 40-244 Four way speaker selector (buttons A,B,C and
>D)

>So here the problem and I hope its not to confusing - I leave button A
>always depressed and works great. When I also depress button C
>everything still works great and the volume control works like a
>charm, Now if i also depress button D - this volume control, controls
>the speakers on D, however it also controls the speakers on C. BUT the
>control on speakers C will not control the speakers on D. Ive double
>checked my wiring and nothing is crossed. Could it be something with
>the speaker selector -?

It's common for inexpensive speaker switchers (including R.S.)
to wire the speakers in series. This isn't really wonderful
even without autoformer volume controls, but it's a real
(read: very noticable) problem with autoformers.

Here's an interesting experiment: engage (turn "on") the
unused speaker pair B. How many other pairs quit playing?

Do you actually need the ability to switch zones on/off?
If not, you have other options.

All good fortune,

Chris Hornbeck
"It's for compatibility with 8-Track."
-scott"

Re: Setting Impedance

On Apr 28, 7:14 pm, Chris Hornbeck <chrishornbeckremovet...@att . net >
wrote:
> On Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:15:57 -0700 (PDT), jrv...@gmail . com wrote:
> >2) Radio Shack 40-244 Four way speaker selector (buttons A,B,C and
> >D)
> >So here the problem and I hope its not to confusing - I leave button A
> >always depressed and works great. When I also depress button C
> >everything still works great and the volume control works like a
> >charm, Now if i also depress button D - this volume control, controls
> >the speakers on D, however it also controls the speakers on C. BUT the
> >control on speakers C will not control the speakers on D. Ive double
> >checked my wiring and nothing is crossed. Could it be something with
> >the speaker selector -?
>
> It's common for inexpensive speaker switchers (including R.S.)
> to wire the speakers in series. This isn't really wonderful
When I select B the speakers connected to A go quiet. I think that
button is bad. I really do need the ability to turn them on/off.
Should I be looking for a better quality speaker selector or possibly
find instructions that easier for a "beginner" to make?
Thanks
John

> even without autoformer volume controls, but it's a real
> (read: very noticable) problem with autoformers.
>
> Here's an interesting experiment: engage (turn "on") the
> unused speaker pair B. How many other pairs quit playing?
>
> Do you actually need the ability to switch zones on/off?
> If not, you have other options.
>
> All good fortune,
>
> Chris Hornbeck
> "It's for compatibility with 8-Track."
> -scott"

Re: Setting Impedance

On Mon, 28 Apr 2008 23:06:57 -0700 (PDT), jrv331@gmail . com wrote:

>When I select B the speakers connected to A go quiet. I think that
>button is bad. I really do need the ability to turn them on/off.
>Should I be looking for a better quality speaker selector or possibly
>find instructions that easier for a "beginner" to make?

The button is not "bad"; they're connected in series. Probably
C and D are also in series.

If you must have the switches and don't want the interaction,
you might look into a box like the Niles SS-4 that parallels
all outputs and includes 2 Ohm series ("protection") resistors.

If you want to make your own, you'll want two-pole single
throw switches for each speaker pair and a couple of 2 Ohm
50 watt resistors, one in each amplifier "hot" lead. Keep
all left channel grounds together and all right channel
grounds together. Bingo.


All good fortune,

Chris Hornbeck
"It's for compatibility with 8-Track."
-scott

Re: Setting Impedance

<jrv331@gmail . com > wrote in message
news:985576bf-6acb-4aa2-8d3e-c23cc5121c1e@t63g2000hsf.googlegroups . com

> Im trying to figure what impedance setting to use. Heres
> my set up , I have a stereo thats impedance is set to
> 8(sorry cant make the impedance sign).

We write that as 8 ohms.

>I have the stereo
> hooked up to a 4 switch speaker selector( radio shack
> 40-244) and have four set of speakers hooked up to that -
> all are 8 impedance. According the the speaker selector
> documentation it is also operating at 8 impedance.


> Three pair of the speakers are out side and Im tired of
> running back into the home to adjust the volume so I
> bought 2 Boston RVC90 impedance matching volume controls.

Exhaustive searching finds no information about that product.