2. amps-preamps
  3. 1115664528

Do I need to use a speaker selector?

I have two audio systems. My question is directed to my secondary system, which consists of a pair of B&W 805 speakers (8 ohm, nominal) and a "whole-house" speaker system comprised of 7 pairs of speakers, each connected to a Niles Impedence Magnifying Volume control. The whole-house speaker system is supposed to present an 8 ohm load to the amplifier. I am purchasing a PS Audio GCA 250 to drive the B&Ws and the whole-house system. Here's the question: do I need to use a speaker selector box, or can I hook the B&Ws and the whole-house speaker wires directly to the amp? If I connect direct to the amp, the load it will see may go as low as 4 ohm, nominal. PS Audio claims that the GCA 250 can handle a load with impedence less than 1.5. Am I missing something, or can I skip the speaker selector box and wire directly to the amp? Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
tin_ears
tin_ears OP
20 posts
 
Hmm, don't think I have ever heard the B&W speakers compared to a farm implement. I use the B&Ws in my study and find that they do pretty well when match up to good electronics. I do agree, however, that the PS Audio amp is overkill for the distributed whole-house system. But since I use this amp to drive both the whole-house system and the B&Ws, I want to use a decent amp.
bignerd100
515 posts
 
Not knocking your B&W's. The introduction of either a selector box or direct connection of the distributed audio to the PS will have a deleterious effect on teh sound comeing from the B&W's.
tin_ears OP
20 posts
 
Yeah, I suppose I know you are correct. I am just in denial because I want to find a "convenient" solution. Besides, I don't have room for a third amp....or, maybe I do....
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Hi Tin it's just a minor issue & I wouldn't worry about it; your main concern is operating the amp safely. When the selector box is switched out (no speakers connected) then your B&W's are being controlled exclusively by the amp, so no compromise exists. When the selector box is in circuit, that certainly introduces some compromises in terms of signal accuracy going to the zoned speakers, but it's only for whole-house background music so don't sweat the small stuff.
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