2 Way Speaker Switch - recomendations please

[angusc43]

Hi all,

I need to get a 2 way speaker switch. The source is a Denon mini system. The first set of (ceiling) speakers are in the main bedroom, the second in the ensuite. I want to drive them either one pair at a time or both pairs simultaneously. They speakers are of reasonable quality (Cambridge Audio SS20). There is a sub driven separately.

In the past I've used a QED SS20 but not sure if it's worth spending £50 on in if the Maplins equivalent is a third of the price.

Thoughts?

QED SS20 http://www.futureshop.co.uk/qed-ss20-2way-speaker-...
Maplins cheapo http://www.maplin.co.uk/2-way-stereo-speakers-swit...

[STiG911]

I think you'll be OK with the Maplin jobbie, but a lot of what you're going to hear will come down to the type of speaker cable you'll be running over what distance.
If you're investing a bit more money in good cable to do any sort of justice to the speakers, then it's worth being honest to them and spending the extra on the QED switch box.

Another way would be to connect a pair of banana plugs to the ends of each speaker run, so you can switch between them manually, or 'stack' them together as you like...?

[Marvindodgers]

I've just done a similar thing and I've used the QED switching box. Very well made and very pleased with the result. Would the Maplin one have done the same job? Don't know, but I was working on the basis of trying to preserve the signal path as best as possible. QED cable going in and coming out, so why not use a QED switch.

[NDA]

I bought one of these recently.... it's decent quality and works well...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JLGEWM

[angusc43]

STiG911 said:

I think you'll be OK with the Maplin jobbie, but a lot of what you're going to hear will come down to the type of speaker cable you'll be running over what distance.
If you're investing a bit more money in good cable to do any sort of justice to the speakers, then it's worth being honest to them and spending the extra on the QED switch box.

The cable runs are fairly long as the source is hidden in a cupboard a fair way from the two pairs of speakers. I used proper speaker cable (ie not cheapo stuff).

I'll factor that in....

[angusc43]

Marvindodgers said:

I've just done a similar thing and I've used the QED switching box. Very well made and very pleased with the result. Would the Maplin one have done the same job? Don't know, but I was working on the basis of trying to preserve the signal path as best as possible. QED cable going in and coming out, so why not use a QED switch.

Thanks

[angusc43]

NDA said:

I bought one of these recently.... it's decent quality and works well...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JLGEWM

What are you using in terms of source and speakers?

[dan5oclocksmith]

I've got one of these for exactly the same job - nice and simple.



Although I don't think I've ever turned either set of speakers off!

[NDA]

angusc43 said:

NDA said:

I bought one of these recently.... it's decent quality and works well...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JLGEWM

What are you using in terms of source and speakers?

It's a Sonos set up and it's a switch between speakers on the terrace and/or speakers in the study.

The amp is a Linn Magik (?), the speakers are Acoustic Energy and the source is a Sonos Zone Player and the cabling is monster cable - big; I've had to trim it very slightly, I could use speaker clips of some sort I guess. It's not my main hi fi set up, but it's one I listen to frequently (including right now). The speaker switch is operating faultlessly - it's a well made item.

[VEX]

I use the QED ones a lot in some of my installs.

Especially when I need to do exactly what you are looking to do.

V.

[angusc43]

NDA said:

angusc43 said:

NDA said:

I bought one of these recently.... it's decent quality and works well...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001JLGEWM

What are you using in terms of source and speakers?

It's a Sonos set up and it's a switch between speakers on the terrace and/or speakers in the study.

The amp is a Linn Magik (?), the speakers are Acoustic Energy and the source is a Sonos Zone Player and the cabling is monster cable - big; I've had to trim it very slightly, I could use speaker clips of some sort I guess. It's not my main hi fi set up, but it's one I listen to frequently (including right now). The speaker switch is operating faultlessly - it's a well made item.

Thanks!

[angusc43]

VEX said:

I use the QED ones a lot in some of my installs.

Especially when I need to do exactly what you are looking to do.

V.

Ta :-)