[anthony a.]

When I built my house, I ran a single speaker cable to a bathroom to use a single speaker since it was a small area.  Now, I'm ready to connect it only to realize that most music is stereo and I won't be getting all the info to that single speaker.  I found a device that would essentially do what I need, but I was wondering if there is anything else that would work.  Fishing another speaker cable is not an option.  Im using a Russound MCA-C5 whole house audio unit and would like to feed a l/r audio signal from its internal amps to a ceiling speaker.  Unless there is a speaker that has this mixer built-in that would be ideal.  any thoughts on other options?  thanks.


http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/AUDIOPLEX-TECHNOLOGY-MONOMIXER-200-/50-6695

[srb]

If your speaker cable is 2-conductor, then your only choice is to send a mixed mono speaker output to your single speaker.  If you had run a 4-conductor cable, you could install a variety of dual voice coil single speakers that have stereo inputs.
 
As your Russound controller/amplifier does not appear to have the ability to output mono as a per-zone setting, something like the Audioplex Stereo-to-Mono Mixer would be your only option with a 2-conductor speaker cable run.  The only thing is you have to be certain that whatever device you choose does not use a common ground, as tying the speaker grounds together would damage the digital amplifier channels in the controller.
 
Steve
 
 

[anthony a.]

thanks for the reply.  yes, the speaker cable is only 2 conductor.  do you know if the audioplex unit does this for the ground or am i safe to use it with my russound unit?

[srb]

Looking at the installation manual for the Audioplex 200/300/750 Mono Mixer, it says "This unit is not for use on bridged amplifiers"
http://www.audioplex.com/manuals/4047.pdf
 
Although Audioplex is currently working on a new model that will work with bridged amplifier outputs, the workaround for now is to use a pair of the Mono Mixers.
 
From their tech bulletin "Combining stereo channels on bridged and digital amplifiers"
 
"Most digital (or class D) amplifiers have bridged outputs. These amps are typically lighter and more compact that traditional amps with the same power rating.
 
How can you tell if an amplifier has bridged outputs?  With power and speakers disconnected, use a multimeter in ohms mode to check continuity between the minus (black) left and right speaker terminals.  If there is a connection (less than a few ohms) the unit is probably NOT bridged, and a standard Monomixer should work OK.  No connection between left and right minus terminals (more than 100 ohms) means that the unit is likely bridged, and a standard Monomixer connection will not work."
 
The bulletin shows the wiring diagram using two Mono Mixers.
 
If you have any further questions call Corky at Audioplex at (800) 257-2077
 
Steve

[anthony a.]

Thanks for the input.  Is this new product the one that will work in my situation without damaging the amp or speaker?

http://www.audioplex.com/MonoMixerB.htm

[srb]

Yes, this is the new dual transformer Monomixer "B" version for bridged/digital amplifiers that was released 1/3/2013.

MCM Electronics has it in stock
Audioplex Monomixer 200B at MCM Electronics (50-6693)

Audioplex Monomixer 200B Installation Manual

The Datasheet and Installation Manual links on the MCM 200B and 300B pages are in error as they both link to the original 200/300/750 non-"B" version documentation.

Steve

[anthony a.]

Thats great, thanks again for the help.  I just ordered the 300B.  Will report back if I run into any issues.