4 Speakers, 1 Connect:Amp, 2 volume controls? Help please

[TTigers70]

Hello,

I finally got to the point in the extensive renovation where I could set up part of my Sonos package. I'm very happy with the results thus far. However, the parts that are set up are just two speakers to one connect:amp. Next, are the trickier (maybe?) installs of 4 in-ceiling speakers to 1 zone player.

I am planning on having two of these 4 speaker, 2 room set ups but once I get the gist of one I'm sure I'll be able to handle the next one. For example, we are doing two speakers in each the kitchen and an adjacent office. It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to have music on in both rooms all the time, but practically it would be nice to turn off the office when not being used or vise versa. I understand the best way is to just get more zones, but the budget doesn't allow for that at the moment.

I've gathered that I would need to wire 2 impedance matching controllers (one to each pair of speakers) but I am confused about how to do this exactly. Googling wire diagrams has unfortunately been unsuccessful. Any help would be appreciated. I can make a rough diagram of where the speakers are in relation to the zone players and where I'd imagine the volume controls would go.

Thanks!

[ControlFreak]

It is easier than you think, speaker wire goes into the control then out the the speakers. Wire the controls in parallel.

But honestly if its only one zone don't waste money and time on controls...just get another zp120. I realize its not in the budget and volume controls are cheap...but you won't regret your decision to not monkey around with VCs.

[greghaynes]

I'm looking to do the exact same thing in next 2 weeks. I want to setup 2 speakers in the master bedroom with a VC and then another 2 speakers in the master bath with a VC all hooked to a single ZP120.

Which speakers & VCs were you looking to buy TTiger? I've been shopping around.

[TTigers70]

Thanks for the help control freak; I know what wiring in parallel is in general, but not sure I understand in this situation. Two 8Ohm speakers will be run in series. Would I not run the end of the wire from the speakers to the control?

Also, after hearing a lot of great things about monoprice speakers, I went with mostly 6" in-ceilings for my set up. They are rated at 60W nominal and 120W max. Would a 100W controller like this be sufficient (http://www.amazon.com/Source-AE100VC...90504&sr=8-1)?

Thanks

[davey400]

It is the Amp that desides how much power will flow to the VC, not the speakers.
So in theory, 2x55W should suffice.

(You might also re-consider if you really need seperate volume levels in both locations)

[ControlFreak]

Originally Posted by TTigers70

Thanks for the help control freak; I know what wiring in parallel is in general, but not sure I understand in this situation. Two 8Ohm speakers will be run in series. Would I not run the end of the wire from the speakers to the control?

Also, after hearing a lot of great things about monoprice speakers, I went with mostly 6" in-ceilings for my set up. They are rated at 60W nominal and 120W max. Would a 100W controller like this be sufficient (http://www.amazon.com/Source-AE100VC...90504&sr=8-1)?

Thanks

You need one control per pair of speakers, speakers are wired to controls, wires controls in parallel to the amps as per instructions on the controls.

Don't hook up speakers in series...well you can but the sound is not optimal.

Speaker wattage doesn't matter, those controls should be fine just don't crank the amp up and have the control set low or you will nuke the control.

[TTigers70]

Thanks again for the help.

When you say don't blast the amp while the control is on low, does the same advice go for when I'm trying to turn a pair of speakers off? That is the end result I am looking for more than having one pair play higher than the other. I just wouldn't want to have music in the office if someone needs quiet while I have soft music on in the kitchen whil e I cook, etc.