I ‘m looking for a solution to my HT / audio situation. I'd like to use an integrated preamp for my phono with the Front right and left speakers of my HT system that is driven by a different amp. I've found a Niles product (DSP-1) that could possibly work as a speaker switch. The one issue I would have is the speaker terminal connections – Niles says it only accepts 14 gauge and smaller – my mains are 8 – If the product works well I'd be up to replacing the wire.

Please let me know if anyone has feedback for this Niles product or any other suggestions to resolve my issue. Thanks for any help

Are you using a 5000 watt amp on that pair of speakers, and have them 200 feet away?
8ga is a little overkill, I would change the wire if that would fix your issue.

The Niles SPK-1 might also work for you.

Your preamp doesn't have XLR or RCA outs for FR&FL?

But, to each his own. Why are you using 8 ga wire? What brand and model is it? (You'll notice a theme here....)


What brand and model integrated preamp; amp for the front left and right speakers of your HT system; and power amp for your two-channel system (which you didn't even mention)?

This matters. Let's say you have a 5000 watt power amp on your stereo; you don't want to run the output of that through ANY relay. Of, if you do, then you probably want to use a mercury-wetted 100 amp relay, though when I last investigated these (1972) the jury was out on their low-current performance, which is to say they might be fine for parking lot light switching, but not deliver high fidelity audio at low listening levels.

By the way, I am totally serious.

Let's say you have a 200 watt per channel power amp on your stereo; why the heck do you need 8 ga wire to the speakers? What brand and model are the speakers?

What's your surround unit? I have a client with a similar wiring need, and he runs the front left and right preamp outs of his AVR through his stereo system.


If there is any reason under the sun for 8 ga wire, the relays in this product are severely underrated for the current the system is putting out.


This makes me think you didn't need 8 ga wire and just had some lying around. I'm really intrigued as to why you made this choice.


I think running the AVR's (you didn't say) left and right main preamp output through the stereo is the way to go. No muss, no fuss, except for level matching with the rest of the surround system. You can do that by trial, then learning where to set the stereo preamp volume control.

SPK-1 does auto switching and has Banana plug connections.

How much do you have to spend? Into Frankenstein? How about a knife switch assembly where you walk up to the wall and move the switches from up to down position? Imagine how much fun you could have at Halloween!

Would work great for 8 gauge speaker cable:

Maybe it's my Tequila (cheap stuff) hangover, but this isn't making a heck of a lot of sense....

Dps-1 is a manual switcher....also look at the niles sas-1

Oh my gosh I need that Frankenstein switch.

Craig, for your entertainment, google "huge knife switch."