Gonk and fellow Outlaws,

I have the 950 and I am curious if there is an easy way to audition multiple speakers with it (A/B switch type of thing). Is there a way to set up the 950 to quickly switch like that, or could you recommend a method for quickly testing speakers (some sort of radio shack type switching system)?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Incog

Where are you planning to switch - 950 pre-amp output or after the amp? If it's at the 950's pre-amp output, you could use a Radio Shack a/v switcher like this one fairly easily, but if you are auditioning speakers it would make sense to keep the amp fixed as a constant. If you are comparing two pairs of speakers, you could use that switch and two pairs of channels in a multichannel amp (like the 755, 770, or 7100). If you are trying to switch downstream of the amp, a good switch will be a bit harder to come by. This one from Radio Shack might work, but I think it has spring clip connectors which may or may not work with your speaker cabling.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

Sorry Gonk....I have the 7100 as well. I just want to switch between speaker cables really quick (turn one set of speakers off, and one on with the push of a button). I am just trying to figure out a way to do this quickly so that my ear doesn't forget what the others sounded like before I get the cables unconnected from the speaker and plugged into the next set.

If you can spare to use two channels of the 7100 for the second pair of speakers, the a/v switch box might be the easiest solution. Hook each pair of speakers to the 7100, connect the inputs for those channels of the 7100 to the outputs of the switch box, and then connect the left and right channel pre-amp outputs of the 950 to the inputs on the switch box. All it will cost you is a few extra sets of interconnects (which you might be able to cannibalize from elsewhere in the system if this is a temporary arrangement) and $15 for the switchbox.

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gonk -- 950 Review | LFM-1 Review | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | Saloon Links

Incognito:

It’s good that you are aware of the proper testing method.

With the second device mentioned by gonk, you can also test speaker cables too. I’ve heard about cases which the listeners who claimed to have good hearing couldn’t tell the difference between boutique speaker cables and cheap 12 gage copper cable from a hardware store. You can have lots of fun with that.

If this is temporary and you don't mind something 'gangly' looking, how about one Radio Shack #275-1537 for a one-to-one speaker comparison? Buy two for stereo comparisons, or you could buy several to compare a whole surround system. They're about $3 each. Just don't have them laying loosely around each other where conductors could make unintended contact. Also, while the 7100 could probably handle load-open-load switching, I'd recommend going to mute while you throw the switch(es). There are some other switches with better asthetics, just do a "switch" search at the RS website. I'm sure you'll be careful with the wiring - no shorts, right?

[This message has been edited by bestbang4thebuck (edited October 04, 2004).]

Hey all...

Thanks for all of comments and suggestions. This is purely temporary, for comparison of some speakers I have ordered. I am sold on the internet direct home theather purchasing now. I have 30 days to demo two sets of speakers, and get one set back in the mail. I posted in another forum for people's comments on the two sets of speakers, to help with my comparison. I have the Axiom M80's and I just ordered the Onix Rocket 750's. If anyone has any puts into those speakers, they are welcome also.

My only question is that these two speakers are driven at different impedences (Axiom = 4 ohms and Rockets = 6 ohms). Will this in any way harm these cheaper RS switches, or the amp for that matter?

Thanks again guys!!!

I have one of THESE that I use for the purpose you describe and it works especially nice because each channels volume can be set different to account for different speaker efficiencies. It would be pricey for just comparison usage so I doubt it will be an option but it does work nice.

Most of the switches are rated for several amps, but you won’t be switching during a high signal state, right?

In any case, if you’re not going to use a volume equalizing switch, you’re going to have to determine at which volume setting of the preamp does each brand of speaker produce the same sound level, say a -16db setting for ‘brand A’ and a -18db setting for ‘brand B’ to read the same acoustic level on a meter. As you go between listening to one brand and the other, you’ll need to stop the signal, change the switch(es), and set the volume to the appropriate level before resuming the comparison signal.

Do what you can to make the comparison fair, but don’t sweat too much. Even in a laboratory setting, it’s hard to set up ’scientifically’ valid A/B comparisons. At the end of the day, isn't what you're really after an answer to the question, 'which brand of speakers are my preference overall?'

So, when setting the db for each speaker in this test, should it be done with white or pink noise?

Also, not to go to far off topic, what is the difference between white and pink noise (besides the sound)? Is one better for calibration?

Cheers,
Nert