Help needed: - how to power 12 8ohm speakers..
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New member Username: Djcacs15Ny Post Number: 1 Registered: Oct-05 | Hi, Presently i have a CD changer connected to a STR-AV 250 AM/FM Receiver, which then connects to a speaker distribution unit, and then out to 12 different speakers which are 8ohm speakers. After this is running for about 40minutes, it the receiver will stop playing! What is the best solution/products for me to power these 12 8ohm speakers? Thanks in advance |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 5978 Registered: May-04 | Since I don't know who manufactures a STR-AV 250 receiver, I'll have to guess that with a model designation of "250" it sits at the lower end of the product line. This doesn't bode well for driving 12 speakers. More than likely you will need a new receiver or amplifier. You haven't said what sort of switching devices you are using so there's no way to tell you what you need to do the best job of switching the speakers on and off. The same goes for volume controls, you haven't given the information required to make a recommendation. You also haven't indicated how you would like the system to operate. You surely don't drive all twelve speakers all the time. How you want the sound distributed over the system is important to know before a recommendation is made. If you are unsure what parts comprise the distribution system for these twelve speakers other than you have a STR-AV 250, my actual recommendation would be you need a qualified techincian/installer/salersperson to give the system a once over and make a recommendation based on what they find on site. After that you can come back with more information and we'll be able to assist you with more knowledge of the particulars you might require. |
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New member Username: Djcacs15Ny Post Number: 2 Registered: Oct-05 | its a Sony STR-AV 250 We have volume control for every four speakers, 4 per room. Usually we would have 8 speakers running allof the time, with the third added on rare instances |
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Gold Member Username: Edster922Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 2440 Registered: Mar-05 | It's obviously very, very underpowered. Have you ever considered having 3 receivers, one for each room? For that many speakers running off one source you may need some very expensive high end receiver or separates. |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 5982 Registered: May-04 | Thanks for the manufacturer but I still don't know the specific receiver. As is I have to once again rely on the model number usually indicating a lower priced receiver. I would disagree the receiver is underpowered. How much power you need is determined by how loudly you listen and by the "sensitivity" of the speakers. The indications you are giving, however, are this system was not planned out very well. It sounds like a system that was transferred into an existing set of speakers when you moved. More than likely the receiver is not happy with the number of speakers and volume controls that it is being asked to operate. I doubt there is any provision for adding a secondary amplifier to the system without major rewiring. I would repeat my suggestion for having someone qualified do an on site survey. I could tell you to do this or that, but I would be wasting your time and possibly your money without knowing more about the system and how you want it to work. I'm sorry but so far you've given the equivalent of, "I have a black sedan that doesn't run well in traffic when the kids are in the car". Part of the problem is you are not familiar enough with the system's operation to know what to ask. There's no fault in that, but going back and forth on the forum will not be the most productive way of solving this problem. You may simply have a wire run that is bad and needs correcting. That's unlikely but posible. That's why I feel it is best to have a site survey done by a professional. |
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Bronze Member Username: NcavmanN.C. Post Number: 82 Registered: Dec-03 | Cathair, Assuming you do not have these things already: You simply need an 6 zone (or higher) impedance matching speaker selector box ($100-200) -OR- replace the volume controls with impedance matching volume controls ($30-50 each). Your receiver is almost certainly shutting down in protection mode due to the incredible load you are placing on it. The STR series are low end receivers and can not handle extended low impedance loads over extended periods of time. Once you have corrected the impedance by one of these methods above, you can run the speakers all day long on a cheap receiver since the ohm load will be correct no matter how few, or how many speakers are on at once. |
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New member Username: Djcacs15Ny Post Number: 3 Registered: Oct-05 | here is the layout/design  |
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Gold Member Username: Jan_b_vigneDallas, TX Post Number: 5985 Registered: May-04 | The answer NC gave you is correct. The problem is you don't know what type of distribution box or volume controls you already have. You could be spending money you don't need to spend by replacing the box or VC's with new units. Daisy chained speakers could be either parallel or series hookup. One way works well the other shuts down your receiver. Or, you might have a series-parallel hook up. Is there a reason you don't want to have a professional look at the system? Even with a impedance matching box or VC's, you will need to know what the impedance of the hookup is before deciding how to make the new connection. Are you able to make that assessment yourself? Read some of these links and maybe you'll find out what you need: https://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/forum/home-audio/119086.html http://www.crestron.com/downloads/pdf/product_misc/surround_sound_primer.pdf#sea rch='audibility%20of%20time%20delay%20in%20a%20sound%20system' http://timefordvd.com/tutorial/index.shtml http://www.nilesaudio.com/ http://www.prillaman.net/ht_info_8-wiring.html http://www.inwallstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=i&Categ ory_Code=impedance http://www.hometech.com/audio/ http://www.inwallstore.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=i&Categ ory_Code=_info http://www.xantech.com/ |
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