?? Stereo speaker switch OFF/ON
 

Q?: I'd like to be able to have the option of switching off the 2 cabin speakers but keeping everything else thumping. Can I do this without damaging the head unit (cabin speakers are being run directly off the head unit / not thru amps) and two... is it as easy as putting a toggle switch in line? Any other suggestions? :confused:

Blue by You,

I would first start by getting a few more amps! I am not sure if 1600 watts is enough


A simple switch from Radio Shack should work..

Nice system.

fightclub

That's pal... but you're not counting the additional 600 watts under the rear bench :cool: :cool:

So you see no problem in doing so? I've seen speaker switches (small dials) that control the volume as well as having an OFF position. Is this what I need?

Potentiometers will wear out pretty quickly and cause static in your speakers. Best to just use a hard contact switch. I had the same problem, but fortunately you can turn your internal power off with Alpine head units.:cool:

Are you cabin speakers wired to your head unit off the front or rear speaker connections?

Are your amplifers connected to both front and rear RCA outs?

If your running the cabin speakers off the front and amplifers off the rear, you could fade out the cabin speakers.

Otherwise a switch would work fine.....

Thanks, yea my system won't give me the fade option. I'd have to re-wire all the amps and I'm not going there. As for the switch...would any switch work? And if so, would I just wire the + or - side of the speaker through the switch?

switching off + or - will kill the circuit. The amp won't see the load with one leg off.

Audiophiles would tell you that the switch will ruin the quality of your signal path... but let's face it, your not in an audiophile situation.

So it looks like I can switch these no problem! Very good! Thanks for the info. I'm going to try switching it this weekend. I'll let everyone know the outcome.

Jim

I did the same thing with mine. Because I have the TV & DVD surround sound hooked up so I can turn the cockpit speakers off. I just used a typical automotive on off switch. I actually have two one where I can turn the cockpit off and one that turns the cabin off. Just wire them into the remote lead from the stereo. Works great.

Jeff;

I didn't even think to ask you. :crazy: :crazy: I'd imagine I would have seen your set up last Saturday if you could have stuck around. Anyways, that is this weeks project. The wife and kids need a place a bit quieter so I thought this switch might help when the wee ones are napping.

There is a home audio company called Russ Sound. They make a on off toggle for speakers. This will last just fine in a boat as the unit is sealed to be in a wall. Hope that helps.

Jon

I have Russound switches in stock. Call 813-882-8477.

Andy Buzz

Like steelware said, I would run a toggle switch in line with the amps remote turn-on wire.

Then, if you flip the switch off, the amps are off, but the head unit is still on.

No need to mess with speaker switches.

The amps are for the outside speakers. As I read the post he wants to turn off the inside speakers that are mounted to his head unit power. No way to do that except a speaker switch. Some one mentioned a volume control. They are a big time no no if you ask me. I actually REFUSE to use them in houses. First off I do not make any money selling them but secondly I have seen them light on fire in walls, and as simple as they are customers NEVER seem to be able to use them properly.

Jon

So Russound is the way to go?

What the hell is a cabin?

How about running the amp RCA's off the rear low-level outputs, and running the cabin off the high-level front?

Won't they fade?

I only have 2 speakers on the inside, run directly off the head unit. I have 3 amps powerwing 6 speakers and 2 subs in the cockpit. It's the 2 speakers inside that I just want to switch so I can quiet it down inside but keep the outside thumping. I figured switching the inside 2 speakers was the smartest move... but that's why I posted.

subs

This is a unit that will work. You just wire it backwards and when the switch is in one possition you get sound the other you get nothing.

http://www.russound.com/ab1.htm

Jon

Awesome...Thanks!