On/off switch for one small stereo speaker - good idea?

Question

Can you specialists me advise please. I want to be able to switch a small speaker on and off.

The speaker is attached to a small stereo (approx 15W + 15W) which has one speaker in the kitchen and one in the hallway.

Is it ok to simply put a switch in the speaker lead? I am concerned about two things with this approach:

(a) The on/off action may cause transients which may damage the amplifier.

(b) The lack of any load on one channel may cause the amplifier to have a shorter life than otherwise.

Any advice gratefully received. Thank you.

mike · Accepted Answer

most amplifiers have switches for two sets of speakers that do just that.-- Return address is VALID.500MHz Tek DSOscilloscope TDS540 $2100Wanted, 12.1" LCD for Gateway Solo 5300. Samsung LT121SU-121Bunch of stuff For Sale and Wanted at the link below.

Watson A.Name - "Watt Sun, th · Answer

Lack of load shouldn't hurt a modern solid state amplifier.  But ifyou're concerned, switch a load of a 20 to 30 ohm, 10 watt resistor inplace of the speaker.

NSM · Answer

| Can you specialists me advise please.  I want to be able to switch a| small speaker on and off.|| The speaker is attached to a small stereo (approx 15W + 15W) which| has one speaker in the kitchen and one in the hallway.|| Is it ok to simply put a switch in the speaker lead?  I am concerned| about two things with this approach:|| (a)  The on/off action may cause transients which may damage the| amplifier.Only with a tube amplifier.| (b)  The lack of any load on one channel may cause the amplifier to| have a shorter life than otherwise.Only with a tube amplifier.| Any advice gratefully received.  Thank you.You could also put a 50 ohm pot in series.N

On/off switch for one small stereo speaker - good idea?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?