Blue by You

Q?: I'd like to be able to have the option of switching off the 2 cabin speakers but keeping everything else thumping. Can I do this without damaging the head unit (cabin speakers are being run directly off the head unit / not thru amps) and two... is it as easy as putting a toggle switch in line? Any other suggestions?

Fightclub

Blue by You,

I would first start by getting a few more amps! I am not sure if 1600 watts is enough


A simple switch from Radio Shack should work..

Nice system.

fightclub

Blue by You

That's pal... but you're not counting the additional 600 watts under the rear bench

So you see no problem in doing so? I've seen speaker switches (small dials) that control the volume as well as having an OFF position. Is this what I need?

jlsnyder26_Sonic

Potentiometers will wear out pretty quickly and cause static in your speakers. Best to just use a hard contact switch. I had the same problem, but fortunately you can turn your internal power off with Alpine head units.

Rivercrazy

Are you cabin speakers wired to your head unit off the front or rear speaker connections?

Are your amplifers connected to both front and rear RCA outs?

If your running the cabin speakers off the front and amplifers off the rear, you could fade out the cabin speakers.

Otherwise a switch would work fine.....

Blue by You

Thanks, yea my system won't give me the fade option. I'd have to re-wire all the amps and I'm not going there. As for the switch...would any switch work? And if so, would I just wire the + or - side of the speaker through the switch?

fund razor

switching off + or - will kill the circuit. The amp won't see the load with one leg off.

Audiophiles would tell you that the switch will ruin the quality of your signal path... but let's face it, your not in an audiophile situation.

Blue by You

So it looks like I can switch these no problem! Very good! Thanks for the info. I'm going to try switching it this weekend. I'll let everyone know the outcome.

Steel Outlawed

Jim

I did the same thing with mine. Because I have the TV & DVD surround sound hooked up so I can turn the cockpit speakers off. I just used a typical automotive on off switch. I actually have two one where I can turn the cockpit off and one that turns the cabin off. Just wire them into the remote lead from the stereo. Works great.

Blue by You

Jeff;

I didn't even think to ask you. I'd imagine I would have seen your set up last Saturday if you could have stuck around. Anyways, that is this weeks project. The wife and kids need a place a bit quieter so I thought this switch might help when the wee ones are napping.