QED 2-way speaker switches

[new_bloke]

Hi,

can any one help me with a simple question? I am looking at QED 2-way speaker switches to switch between 2 sets of speakers, both rated at 8 ohms. My amp is rated at 6-16 ohms. I am confused as to whether the switch (I am looking at the QED ss20), loads at 4 ohms all the time (which is too low for my amp) or whether it is only when both sets of speakers are selected? I am only interested in either / or, so if that results in an 8 ohm load, it would work for me.
Does anyone know the answer to this? It's not clear to me from the QED website.

Cheers,

NB

[abbotsmike]

You are correct. When only one set is connected your amp will see the impedance of the speakers directly.

If both were ever connected the Amp would see 4ohms. It would probably be fine at low volumes, but it could cause damage. If there's any chance of you using both sets, then I'd look at the series switch.

On another note, £70 for a box with 2 switches in it seems blinking extortionate! Could DIY something for under £20!

Edited by abbotsmike on Friday 28th February 00:27

[new_bloke]

Thanks - that's very helpful. I don't think I fully understand the difference between the parallel and series versions of the switch - can anyone explain (in simple terms!)?
I am aware that the QED gear is expensive, but I bought one of these:
http://www.btechavmounts.com/product-range/product...
and it's Not Very Good - the build quality is poor and when I have only one set of speakers selected, I can still hear signal coming out of the other set - which rather defeats the point for me...
If anyone can suggest a half-decent quality alternative, I am all ears!

[Marvindodgers]

I've used the series version of the QED switch for a couple of years, just you are describing (either 1 set or the other) and it works absolutely fine. I have to be honest, as soon as physics or maths is mentioned, I just switch off, but the tech heads at work assured me this would be fine for my purposes.

[new_bloke]

Just to update - I managed to get hold of a QED switch on eBay in the end. The difference is night and day, and it all works as it should, with no signal leakage. Proves the phrase "buy cheap, buy twice", I guess...