Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Help with proper speaker comparison test

How do you do a proper speaker comparison test? Is it as simple as just unplugging the speaker wire from one set to another? I'm using my Denon's pre-outs to a RPA-1. Hopefully I am not embarrassing myself with what is probably a simple question

Thanks

It can be that simple or you could get a speaker switcher and then hook them up to that. I am currently using my receiver to switch between my M22s on the A circuit and my newly aquired M60s on the B circuit for a quick comparison.

What do you mean by "a proper speaker comparison test"? Do you just want to know if the speaker "works" or not or do you want to establish which is superior?

Which is superior. Comparing M80s to my current Paradigm monitor 9's.

Is a speaker switcher expensive? Available at a Circuit City?

I don't know where you can get a switcher although we know that Axiom does have at least one. Perhaps they would consider productizing it as there appears to be demand.

Why don't you try Jake's idea instead? The switch-over won't be seamless but it should be adequate for your needs.

Let us know what you find out.

BTW, you shouldn't try to establish which speakers are superior using just your ears. After all, you are only human. Now let the flaming begin (2x6 where are you?) .

I know how to switch from A to B using just my receiver, but how do I do it while utilizing my amp?

You got me on that one. I don't know how to do it unless you use an A/B switch.

Why don't you just use your receiver?

I found this rotary two pair speaker selector switch at Circuit City's web site. Would this work Jake?

selector switch

I would rather do it in a "real scenario". I would be using my amp to power them so I figure comparing them with my amp is the best way.

An A/B switch for 4 speakers would need at least 6 output terminals and 4 input terminals. This has 4 output terminals and 2 input terminals. So you would need two of these boxes and you'd have to switch them at the same time.

There are no specs on this switch so I'm not sure if it can switch the amount of current you're interested in.