[fremo57]

I have a 90W/ch receiver with A/B/A+B stereo switches. I want to hook up 3 sets of speakers to the receiver through a switcher. I know that when I split the input to 3 separate outputs, I divide the output by 3, ultimately giving me 30W/ch for each speaker set. Then I heard of these in-wall speaker amps (looks like a dimmer switch) that can boost the watts to the speaker set back up. If I have an in-wall amp that delivers 50W max, and I add that to the 30W for the speaker set, I should get a total of 80W/ch - correct? I just dont know if the signal output will be as clean, or if anyone has experience using these to know if it's the right approach. Or should I be looking at some other options?

Thanks in advance

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

Quote:

Then I heard of these in-wall speaker amps (looks like a dimmer switch) that can boost the watts to the speaker set back up. If I have an in-wall amp that delivers 50W max, and I add that to the 30W for the speaker set, I should get a total of 80W/ch - correct?

I’ve never heard of anything like this, and I can’t imagine how a component could boost an already amplified signal. Do you have a link for a product?

What are the speakers being used for? Depending on the application, 30 watts per might be more than enough.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

[fremo57]

I found the device at Radio Shack. It basically looks like a dimmer switch, with speaker wire input/outputs, magnets and a small circuit board. It fits into a standard wall outlet box. I don't think it can amplify the signal any higher than its' rating, which is 50W, after connecting it to the amp and trying it. I was under the wrong impression that more watts = more volume.

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

That sounds like an L-pad or impedance-matching volume control, which are in-line volume controls – i.e., between the amp and speaker. The wattage rating refers to how much power they can take – kinda like a speaker’s wattage rating.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

[fremo57]

ok, so if the in line volume control is rated at 50W, that's the most it will pass on to the speaker, right?

[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

That’s the most it will safely pass, yes. If it gets more than that from the amp, it may fry.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

[fremo57]

thanks for the info!