So you have a receiver and more than one pair of speakers.
You want to use them all, but you have no idea how to connect them, right?
You will need in fact a Speaker Selector, with volume control!
A speaker selector switch or speaker selector switching box will let you connect several pairs of speakers to your receiver.
Product | Image | Features | Product page |
USP of the product |  | 300W Dual Source and Volume Control | |
USP of the product |  | 1. Power Handling: 100 Watts Per Channel RMS; 200 Watts Peak 2. 54dB Maximum Attenuation | |
USP of the product |  | 150watts RMS/channel. 75watts RMS/channel with impedance protection | |
 | 1. Power Output: 6 x 100 Watts, Power Supply: 120/240V Voltage Selector | ||
 | 1. Audio Power Handling: 50W (R.M.S.)/ch, 100W (Max)/ch 2. Channel Separation: 80 dB | ||
 | 1. Handles up to 300 watts RMS per channel 2. Connects up to 6 pairs of speakers at 4 to 16Ohm | ||
 | 1. 4-Channel Speaker Selector |
You can control the volume of each speaker pair with an optional remote included on some models.
In this article, we will review 7 different multi-zone speaker selectors as well as regular stereo speaker selectors.
Top 7 Speaker Selectors with Volume Control
OSD Audio 6-Zone Dual Source Speaker Selector
Specifications:
- Connect 6 pair of speakers to a stereo system
- A/B Switch works as On/Off Switch: A is On and B is Off
- Automatic Poly Switches (solid-state circuit breakers to protect the unit from overload)
- Built-in overload protection: Poly Switches turn off unit when overload supports amplifiers up to 300W
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Design and build
The OSD Audio 6-zone dual-source speaker selector lets you connect 2 different stereo sources and 6 different stereo speaker pairs (12 speakers total).
The unit is designed under a metallic frame built to last, that looks very stylish and discreet.
It offers independent volume control per each pair of speakers as well as a selector for the 2 available input sources.
The input connections for both input and output sources are based on Phoenix-style connectors that can handle up to 14G wires.
The output connections let you install up to 6 pairs of speakers via phoenix plugs.
It weighs less than 2 pounds, so it is actually very light.
Because of its passive design, it can take any passive speaker using phoenix plugs, granted that they do not exceed the max power of the unit.
Power and performance
The maximum output power of the unit is 300 watts.
The system comes with an impedance protection circuit that allows a single amplifier to safely power several pairs of speakers without going under the amplifier's impedance rating.
Also, the autotransformer included operates more efficiently than conventional resistor-based selectors.
The usage is extremely easy. You simply control the output of each pair with a designated knob and its input source with a toggle switch that is easily labeled on the front of the unit.
What do we like?
- The unit is extremely easy to use.
- The design is very elegant-looking.
What we don't like?
- Phoenix connectors can be a bit tedious to implement for some users.
Bottomline: Ideal for users that have minimum knowledge of audio electronics and are looking for a device that can be easily operated.
Niles SSVC-6 Speaker Selector
Specifications:
- Power Handling: 100 Watts Per Channel RMS; 200 Watts Peak
- Selectable Impedance Magnification For 1, 2, 3/4, 5/6 Pairs Of Speakers
- 12-step Controls; 54dB Maximum Attenuation
- Speakers Maximum Output Power 200 Watts
Design and build
The Niles SSVC-6 Speaker Selector lets you interface up to 6 stereo pairs of passive speakers using only a single stereo source.
The unit presents a rugged-all metal chassis painted black, designed to be used as a table-top device.
The front of the unit has individual knobs that control the output volume of each speaker pair as well as their associated mute buttons.
The input connections for both input and output sources are based on removable screwless terminal blocks connectors.
The device weighs almost 10 pounds, making it a non-lightweight product.
It is compatible with any system with passive speakers, supposing they do not exceed the maximum output and impedance of this selector.
Power and performance
The device delivers 100 watts RMS per channel at 8 ohms and 200 watts peak.
It features a protection circuit in which the left and right channel ground returns are isolated to make the unit compatible with all types of amplifiers.
It also contains an "impedance magnification switch" on the rear of the unit that offers settings for up to six pairs of speakers so the impedance load presented to the amplifier remains constant.
This unit is very simple to operate as the most passive device. You simply connect the sources, un-mute the speakers, and set the volume.
Unfortunately, it does not provide the option of dual input sources, so you will need to listen to the same audio material in all areas of your home.
What do we like?
- Extremely rugged design, built to last.
- Mute switches are very helpful when dealing with different areas of your home.
What we don't like?
- Only one input source available, fewer expansion possibilities.
Bottomline: Great device for users looking for a completely "built-to-last" device perhaps for using it in different places every time and moving it around the house frequently
AVX Audio 8 Zone Stereo Speaker Selector
Specifications:
- Number of stereo speaker zones: eight zones
- 150watts RMS/channel. 75watts RMS/channel with impedance protection
- Number of connections: 4 red/black IN and 16 red/black OUT
- Dimensions:17 W x 1-15/16 H x 4-3/8 D inches
- Power Required: No
Design and build
This unit lets you connect up to 8 stereo pairs of speakers with a stereo input source, all done with a passive circuit.
The AVX Audio 8 Zone stereo speaker selector is made with a combination of plastic and metallic materials under a totally black design.
The front of the unit lets your turn ON or OFF each stereo pair of speakers as well as engage the impedance protection circuit.
All the connections on this device are based on standard speaker wire up to 14 gauge with heavy-duty spring-loaded compression connectors.
The device weighs 4 pounds.
It is compatible with any passive speaker that comes with stripped wire connections.
Power and performance
This unit can handle up to 150 RMS watts per channel, or 75 RMS watts per channel with the impedance protection circuit engaged.
The impedance protection circuit can be engaged via a simple toggle switch on the front of the unit.
This protection circuit prevents the impedance to your amplifier from dropping too low, regardless of the number and impedance of your speakers, minimizing possible damage.
In order to operate this system, you simply connect the speakers and the amplifier to the back of the unit, un-mute the desired channels and start playback.
What do we like?
- Up to 8 stereo output pairs for different areas of your home.
- Easy to engage protection circuit for multiple speaker sets.
What we don't like?
- No volume knobs included, less control of each area.
Bottomline: This is a good device for users looking for an easy-to-use solution for multiple areas of your home and simple installation.
Pyle PSPVC6 6 Zone Speaker Switch Selector
Specifications:
- Power Output: 6 x 100 Watts, Power Supply: 120/240V Voltage Selector
- Amplifier Design: 6-Channel, Minimum Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20KHz, Signal to Noise Ratio: >81dB
- Max. Amplifier Input: 100W RMS, 150W AVG
Design and build
The Pyle PSPVC6 is capable of connecting up to 6 different stereo speaker pairs and route audio material from two different inputs (independent amplifiers).
The unit presents a very stylish black face and it is designed to be used on a flat surface, not rack-mounted.
The front controls include independent volume knobs for each output, input toggle switches on each channel, and a master ON/OFF switch for all outputs.
All the connections accept speaker wire up to 14 gauge using block connectors.
This device weighs almost 12 pounds, so it cannot be considered lightweight.
It is compatible with any 8 ohms passive speaker designed for home applications.
Power and performance
The unit can handle up to 100 watts per channel RMS.
It has a protection circuit that makes it run smoothly using an embedded auto-transformer. This will make sure your impedance is protected all the time.
The operation is very simple. Once everything is connected, you must simply select the source for each channel, un-mute the outputs and set the volume of each speaker pair.
What we don't like?
- The master ON/OFF switch is very useful when short circuits or other problems appear, making it easier to cut all the systems.
- Independent input switches make this ideal for homes with different areas.
What we don't like?
- No independent mute switched on each channel.
- 12 pounds makes this unit a bit heavy.
Bottomline: If you do not care about having a unit that can be considered a bit heavy and you are looking for the possibility of routing different input sources to different destinations, this is a great choice.
Pyle PS4 Speaker Selector
Specifications:
- Audio Power Handling: 50W (R.M.S.)/ch, 100W (Max)/ch
- Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20KHz
- Channel Separation: 80 dB
- Crosstalk between channels: 50 dB
- Dimensions 7.48"(W) x 1.97"(H) x 4.72"(D)
- Weight 0.81kgs (1.79lbs)
Design and build
The Pyle PS4 is capable of connecting 4 independent stereo speaker systems to a single amplifier.
The casing is based on a combination of metallic and plastic parts, all black. The frame is very small, so it will not represent a visual distraction in your living room.
The only controls are the speaker mute switches on the front as well as the protection circuit switch.
All the connections use standard speaker cable (stripped) at 14 gauge. No need to use any special tools or additional connectors/plugs.
This unit is very lightweight, almost 2 pounds!
Any 8-ohm passive speaker design for home use will be capable of connecting to this speaker selector.
Power and performance
This unit can be driven by amplifiers with 50 watts RMS per channel or 100 watts peak maximum.
The impedance protection circuit can easily be enabled by simply pushing its designated toggle switch.
This is perhaps one of the simplest units to operate. Simply connect all the speakers and amplifier, enable the desired speaker pair, and enjoy your music!
Unfortunately, due to its small size and reduced electronics, it has no other controls such as volume or source selectors.
What do we like?
- Very small frame, easy to hide in your living room.
- Lightweight, making it even portable!
What we don't like?
- Reduced controls such as volume or source selection.
Bottomline: Perfect device for small living rooms where space is limited and when visual discretion is a must-have.
Theater Solutions TS6 Six Zone Speaker Selector
Specifications:
- Handles up to 300 watts RMS per channel
- Amplifier/Receiver Impedance Protection
- Connects up to 6 pairs of speakers at 4 to 16Ohm
- Accommodates 14 to 22 gauge speaker wire
- Spring Loaded Wire Connectors
Design and build
The Theater Solutions TS6 is capable of connecting up to 6 pairs of speakers with a single amplifier while running impedances all the way from 4 to 16 ohms.
Its enclosure is basically assembled with steel materials painted black. The frame is almost 18 inches wide.
The only controls included are the independent mute switches per output pair as well as a "single pair direct" button used to hardwire the amplifier to a single pair of speakers.
All its connections are spring-loaded wire terminals designed to connect to stripped speaker cable from 14 to 22 gauge.
Considering its steel design and its large size, the unit is only 3 pounds!
Any speaker ranging from 8 to 16 ohms can be connected to this speaker selector. Just make sure you do not exceed its maximum power.
Power and performance
This unit can handle up to 300 watts RMS per channel, pretty impressive for a device on its price point.
It does not have a protection circuit as is, but it does feature a "single pair direct" that basically connects the amplifier straight to the only speaker pair on the system, properly coupling the impedances.
Due to its lack of knobs and a short amount of controls, the operation of the TS6 is actually very simple. Connect the amplifier and speakers, un-mute the outputs, and play your music.
Unfortunately, it does not have more than one input source, so you will be forced to only listen to a single amplifier.
What do we like?
- The steel enclosure is lightweight but durable.
- Capable of running 16-ohm speakers for better sound quality
What we don't like?
- Very few controls besides the mute buttons.
Bottomline: Perfect device for high-quality 16-ohm speakers and users trying to find a heavy-duty but also lightweight solution for home sound systems.
Monoprice 4-Channel Speaker Selector
Specifications:
- Simple to install and operate
- 4-Channel Speaker Selector
- Up to 140 watts per channel
- Protection circuit high power resistors
- Good for enjoying music everywhere
- Item Weight 2.55 Pounds
Design and Build
The Monoprice 4-channel Speaker Selector is capable of connecting up to 4 speaker pairs in order to "illuminate" four different areas of your home, running on a single amplifier.
It presents a small enclosure assembled with steel materials painted black that is less than 10 inches wide.
This unit has independent mute switches per output pair as well as a "single pair direct" button used to protect your amplifier so it "sees" a constant load of at least 5 ohms.
All of the connections on the back of the unit are spring-loaded wire terminals capable of using wires from 14 to 18 gauge.
The device weighs 2.5 pounds, so it is actually portable.
Any 8-ohm speaker is compatible with this selector. You just need to make sure that if you are using multiple different pairs, the protection circuit is ON.
Power and performance
The Monoprice 4-channel Speaker Selector is capable of running up to 70 watts per channel with the protection circuit enabled, and 140 watts per channel with the protection circuit OFF.
The protection circuit applies internal routing and electronics so that the amplifier will "see" in the worst-case scenario at least 5 ohms of load, no matter how many speakers are connected.
This device is very simple to operate. Just connect the amplifier, the speakers, un-mute the outputs, and enjoy your listening experience!
Unfortunately, it does not have more than one input source, so you will be forced to only listen to a single amplifier.
What do we like?
- A small lightweight frame makes it portable and elegant!
- Easy to operate and convenient protection circuit embedded.
What we don't like?
- Limited power handling makes it not ideal for loud amplifiers.
Bottomline: Good choice if you want something small and lightweight but and at the same time built with high-quality steel-based materials from Monoprice.
Conclusion
If you are one of those users that need high power all across your home, don't look anymore and just buy the OSD Audio 6-Zone Dual Source Speaker Selector. 300 watts per channel cannot be beaten!
Let's say you want complete control over aspects such as muting outputs, controlling individual volumes, and source selection, your best bet is the Pyle PSPVC6.
Now, if you are actually looking for something small, elegant, lightweight, and portable… something that you can actually hide within your other devices from the living room, you should just buy the Pyle PSS4. No way to beat its small frame design!