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CD-R and Audio Hardware => Audio Hardware => Topic started by: tarkovsky on 2012-12-15 04:31:19

Title: A/B "Speaker Split" Yamaha RX-V373
Post by: tarkovsky on 2012-12-15 04:31:19
I read through the online manual and could not get an answer. My question is can the RX-V373 be configured to "split" to two separate pairs of speakers? I remember my dad's old amp had an "Speakers A" "Speakers B" switch if I remember correctly. What I want to do is have 2 speakers in my living room, and perhaps wire two more speakers to my balcony in the future. Could the 2 sets be selected so I can listen to either living room or balcony at one time?

Thanks for any input.
Title: A/B "Speaker Split" Yamaha RX-V373
Post by: AndyH-ha on 2012-12-15 05:55:48
If it is "either." there exist speaker switches that go off the amplifier, then on to the two speakers. You switch between them with the switch, which is much the same as doing it with the switch built into some amplifiers.

If you mean both "at one time" it isn't likely to work out well. The speakers must be in either parallel or serial configuration with the amplifier. Neither arrangement is so likely to present a good load, but might work in serial if both sets of speakers are low impedance and the amplifier can drive a higher impedance load well.
Title: A/B "Speaker Split" Yamaha RX-V373
Post by: mzil on 2012-12-15 07:37:47
The Yamaha RXV373 does not have the ability to normally run two pairs of stereo speakers simultaneously.* Adding a device like this to the front main output will achieve that and includes a defeatable protection switch, which I would advise using,  unless both pairs are 8 ohm or higher. You don't need the protection engaged if you are running only one pair:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pyle+-+PSS4+Fo...p;skuId=4455712 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pyle+-+PSS4+Four+Channel+Speaker+Selector/4455712.p;jsessionid=1659E14F2577DE75A7CDE46681BB7ABC.bbolsp-app03-36?id=1218477784592&skuId=4455712)

*if you are running a surround sound configuration in the main room, that is. If you only want stereo in two rooms, then there is a trick way, not discussed in the manual, by using the "rear surround" terminals for the speakers "B", using a specific surround mode. The front speakers will  always be on, and when you engage "5-channel stereo" the rear surround speakers will be the secondary "B" speakers for another room (or "zone" as they like to call it), driven by their own, dedicated, internal amp. In the set up part it might need to be configured with NO center speaker for this to work  properly, or the center stage musicians will seem absent. This trick only works if you have no interest in setting up a 5.1/surround speaker set up in the main room. If you do, then stick to buying a speaker selector box such as that one I gave a link to.

edit to add: I see some places other than Bet Buy have it for less with free shipping, too:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5714...SS4_4_High.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571488-REG/Pyle_Pro_PSS4_PSS4_4_High.html)

There may be even less expensive ones at places like monoprice, but be sure they have a protection switch and are rated for 100 watts/ch at the very least.
Title: A/B "Speaker Split" Yamaha RX-V373
Post by: tarkovsky on 2012-12-15 12:00:19
The Yamaha RXV373 does not have the ability to normally run two pairs of stereo speakers simultaneously.* Adding a device like this to the front main output will achieve that and includes a defeatable protection switch, which I would advise using,  unless both pairs are 8 ohm or higher. You don't need the protection engaged if you are running only one pair:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pyle+-+PSS4+Fo...p;skuId=4455712 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pyle+-+PSS4+Four+Channel+Speaker+Selector/4455712.p;jsessionid=1659E14F2577DE75A7CDE46681BB7ABC.bbolsp-app03-36?id=1218477784592&skuId=4455712)

*if you are running a surround sound configuration in the main room, that is. If you only want stereo in two rooms, then there is a trick way, not discussed in the manual, by using the "rear surround" terminals for the speakers "B", using a specific surround mode. The front speakers will  always be on, and when you engage "5-channel stereo" the rear surround speakers will be the secondary "B" speakers for another room (or "zone" as they like to call it), driven by their own, dedicated, internal amp. In the set up part it might need to be configured with NO center speaker for this to work  properly, or the center stage musicians will seem absent. This trick only works if you have no interest in setting up a 5.1/surround speaker set up in the main room. If you do, then stick to buying a speaker selector box such as that one I gave a link to.

edit to add: I see some places other than Bet Buy have it for less with free shipping, too:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5714...SS4_4_High.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/571488-REG/Pyle_Pro_PSS4_PSS4_4_High.html)

There may be even less expensive ones at places like monoprice, but be sure they have a protection switch and are rated for 100 watts/ch at the very least.


Thanks for the replies.

Yes, in fact I do want stereo sound in both rooms, no 5.1 setups.... just 2 separate dual speaker stereo setups. I should have noted that.

Well, thanks again. I am definitely going to buy this receiver, and it is nice to know I can configure it like that one day if I wish to.
Title: A/B "Speaker Split" Yamaha RX-V373
Post by: Arnold B. Krueger on 2012-12-17 13:05:35
The Yamaha RXV373 does not have the ability to normally run two pairs of stereo speakers simultaneously.* Adding a device like this to the front main output will achieve that and includes a defeatable protection switch, which I would advise using,  unless both pairs are 8 ohm or higher. You don't need the protection engaged if you are running only one pair:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pyle+-+PSS4+Fo...p;skuId=4455712 (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pyle+-+PSS4+Four+Channel+Speaker+Selector/4455712.p;jsessionid=1659E14F2577DE75A7CDE46681BB7ABC.bbolsp-app03-36?id=1218477784592&skuId=4455712)

*if you are running a surround sound configuration in the main room, that is. If you only want stereo in two rooms, then there is a trick way, not discussed in the manual, by using the "rear surround" terminals for the speakers "B", using a specific surround mode. The front speakers will  always be on, and when you engage "5-channel stereo" the rear surround speakers will be the secondary "B" speakers for another room (or "zone" as they like to call it), driven by their own, dedicated, internal amp. In the set up part it might need to be configured with NO center speaker for this to work  properly, or the center stage musicians will seem absent. This trick only works if you have no interest in setting up a 5.1/surround speaker set up in the main room. If you do, then stick to buying a speaker selector box such as that one I gave a link to.


I own a RXV-371 (the predecessor of the RXV 373 that is still being sold for very attractive prices) and found the mention of this use of the "5 channel stereo" mode to very helpful, if only conceptually. In essence it is a built-in means to exploit a pair of power amplfiers that are already there to power a second zone of speakers. A feature like this on an bottom-priced AVR is quite a bonus.