I have a 7.1 Onkyo system that I am going to install in my new game room. It has an A/B speaker setting. I want to place the "B" speakers outside by the pool. Question is what type of device, volume control, etc do I need to install to allow me to control the volume from outside? Can I just run the "B" speaker wires through a simple volume control like from Radio Shack mounted on the outside wall or do I need something more extensive? I just want to be able to have people watching TV inside and listen to a CD outside using the "B" speakers. Thanks in advance for the help.

JLarg,

I believe there is such a thing to control volume with speaker wire in/out. There are also remote control extenders which might be cleaner and nicer.

My receiver cannot play 2 different things on the A/B speakers. If this is your intention you may want to consult your manual to make sure this is possible.

happy listening

Im pretty sure you will only hear the same audio out of you a/b. you would need a reciever that had a second zone to listen to another source.

JL, you haven't given quite enough details to answer your question. If you actually mean "A/B" then, as the other replies indicated, the B speakers just play the same program material as the A speakers, and you can't accomplish what you propose. On the other hand, some Onkyos(you haven't specified your model), have provisions for a "Zone 2" which allows playing a different program on the Zone 2 speakers and controlling their volume(e.g. the 703). If the back surround amplifier channels are used for Zone 2, then of course you couldn't use them simultaneously for back surrounds in a 7.1 setup. Study your manual.

OK, let me clarify. As you can see, I am a newbie at this...sorry. My Onkyo does have "A/B" speakers. It also has "A/B" zones. So, yes, I know that I can watch a movie with main speakers and listen to CD with AB speakers (outside) at the same time. My question is how to add a volume control outside so I don't have to come in the house to control volume. Will a simple volume control switch mouted on an outside wall work by sending the speaker wires through this control box or am I missing something? Sorry I didn't clarify from the start. Thanks for the replies.

A lot of receivers second zone output is line level only. Not sure about yours. I'm sure you could get some better answers if you don't mind posting the model of your Onkyo reciever.

It is the HT S780. Still in the box, room is under construction, but I am planning all my speaker wire runs before dry wall goes up. Thanks again.

Are you looking for something like this?
LINK

That is exactly what I am looking for. Now if I am going from receiver to volume control to speakers, do I need "impedence matching" or "non-impedence matching"? That is over my head. Thanks again for the help.