Mulitple speakers

[ClearCom]

I have a high end customer that wants to run multilple speakers for outdoor and indoor use.

I guess the problem is how to run the wiring and keep the impedence correct to not blow the amp.  I would assume that it would have to be a series/parallel run to keep the impedence at either 4 or 8 ohms.  In order to do this, I think, would be to run a trunk line for both positive and negative leads, terminating the end, and then place the speakers anywhere between the legs.

[Frank Z]

You might want to take a look a WWW.NILESAUDIO.COM for some posible solutions to multiple speaker locations/control.

[Nick]

Hooking up multiple speakers in parallel will reduce the impedance presented to the source (amp). For example, our 8 ohm speakers in parallel will present two ohms impedance to the source. This can cause distortion at the least, and possibly damage the amp.

To resolve this problem, installers of commercial audio system use balancing pads (resisters) to maintain the correct impedance to the amp.

[Richard King]

There are also transformers available for what you are attempting. Some volume controls also have impedance matching networks using transformers built in.

[ClearCom]

This customer will have about 10 speakers on each leg of the receiver, having A and/or B speakers.
From the diagrams I have seen (not used) it shows that as long as the speakers are run series/parellel the impeadence will not change.
I guess that by using resistors to load the amp, it will prevent the last speakers on the leg to work.

[Nick]

Sounds like you've got it figured out. Good luck.

[apc1]

We're using the Niles 6 pair speaker selector for a Sports bar we're doing. Haven't installed it yet but played with the demo model in the showroom. Cost $250 but it's well worth it. It's a real nice unit.

[ClearCom]

This customer is not worried about being able to control each pair, but the entire 10+ speaker leg. I thought that if it was wired using a series/parallel set up it should work. I could be wrong.