There are multiple high-quality speaker selectors available on the market which specialize in different aspects.
Because of this reason, we have decided to review some top options to check their performance.
In this post, you will find the features and drawbacks of different speaker selectors along with some viable alternatives.
Pyle PSLSW4
Made with an elaborate control system, this speaker selector can control 4 different channels at any time. It also comes with independent volume control for each of these channels.
Alternate #1: Monoprice 995
This compact speaker selector has great power-handling to keep the stable between different channels. It has a very easy-to-use control panel that doesn’t require much experience. Also, its buttons are highly-responsive in feedback.
Alternate #2: Niles SS-4
Designed to provide high-quality signal strength and 4 channel control on a budget, this speaker selector performs quite well. It comes with a shock-resistant circuit board that can survive power surges with ease.
Quick Summary of the Main Product
This 4-channel speaker selector from Pyle is designed to control different speaker zones individually. It has volume controls for each zone which we were able to use without any interference.
We noticed that this speaker selector can easily handle 100 watts per channel. It keeps a stable and streamlined connection between the speakers and the amplifiers so the speaker wire doesn’t overheat. We also noticed that it has multi-zone buttons for the A and B sides.
Features and Benefits
Power-Handling
This speaker selector with volume controls has gold-plated banana sockets for impedance protection.
Build Quality
The external casing is made from high-quality metal and is covered with insulated paint to avoid short-circuiting.
Channel Control
This speaker selector with individual volume controls can handle 4 speaker zones at once.
Pros and Cons
- You can control multiple pairs of speakers with this speaker selector.
- It has high-quality sockets for good power-handling and impedance protection for extended longevity.
- It has individual volume control dials.
- It has holes for ventilation to avoid overheating.
- This speaker selector has 100 watts RMS per channel.
- This speaker selector doesn’t have selectable impedance.
- It doesn’t support 14 gauge wire.
Social Proof
We were impressed by how well this speaker can perform with a third-party sound system. To get a better understanding, we decided to look into the online reviews.
At first glance, we noticed that the majority of these reviews were positive regarding its performance with a third-party stereo system. Only a handful were critical and mentioned its complexity in use.
Some of these reviews also praised the overload protection abilities saying that it helped them use this device free of any worry.
More Recommendations!
#1: Best Easy-To-Use Alternative to Pyle PSLSW4 - Monoprice 995 Review
This 4 speaker selector is designed to be convenient in use for an average user. It has a simple control panel for multi-room speaker coordination.
You can easily hook up your audio system with its 12 gauge wires. It takes little to no effort to connect your amplifiers as well.
We tested the built-in board for impedance magnification and found that it was able to boost the signals between different speakers quite efficiently.
You can also set up two sets of different speaker brands and it will still project audio with zero delays. It also has an efficient volume control.
Features of Monoprice 995
- Easy to install
- Third-party amplifier compatibility
- Durable audio equipment
- 12 gauge wire support
- Heavy-duty 4 zone control buttons
- Good impedance handling
- Different zones output with no delay
- Stereo speaker compatibility
- Left and right volume control
- 70 watts per channel
- Cannot connect 6 pairs of speakers
Best Easy-To-Use Alternative
The best easy-to-use alternative is Monoprice 995. This is due to the simple and straightforward control panel. You can set your audio system up in little to no time. Furthermore, it has built-in signal boosting hardware for stable signals.
#2: Best Budget Alternative to Pyle PSLSW4 - Niles SS-4 Review
This speaker selector from Niles is designed to handle 4 different sets of speakers. It provides multiple features but at a fair price.
You can use this selector with a different pair of speakers due to its built-in impedance matching hardware. It projects signals with zero delays.
We tested the short-circuit protection of this speaker selector and found that it is completely shockproof.
Furthermore, this speaker selector comes with universal sockets that you can use to connect it with almost any amplifier.
Features of Niles SS-4
- Compact design
- Good power-handling
- Home theater compatibility
- Multiple amplifier compatibility
- 4-zone speaker selector
- Efficient impedance matching
- Easy to install
- Responsive speaker switch
- Distortionless signals
- Shockproof exterior
- Prone to overheating
Best Budget Alternative
The best budget alternative is Niles SS-4. It provides all the good features of a speaker selector like power-handling at an affordable price. Additionally, it has a shockproof exterior which enables you to use this device for long periods.
Buyer’s Guide
Hardware Quality
The quality of hardware directly contributes to the clarity of audio output. We suggest buying a speaker selector that can provide you with efficient impedance matching and doesn’t overheat. It will enable you to use third-party speakers and amplifiers without any worry of your selector overheating from the load. Furthermore, it will ensure that your audio plays without any delays or distortion.
Connectivity
How you can connect your speakers and amplifiers determines the consistency of your output. We recommend buying speaker selectors that have 12 gauge wire connectivity. This is because most of the speakers and amplifiers feature ports with 12 gauge wire. You will be able to connect your speakers in different rooms with convenience.
Price
The price of a speaker selector determines the quality of hardware and its overall build. It is good practice to buy speaker selectors that have high-performance hardware and a shock-resistant body. This way you’ll be able to get the best out of your speaker selector without having to worry about any damage from extended use.