[Burke]

One feature that has proven especially convenient in operating the Bryston SP2 with Bryston power amps is the 12 volt trigger control feature. Unfortunately my surround speakers are powered with an older (non-Bryston) amp that lacks this feature. A power outlet/power strip with a 12 volt trigger would be just the ticket.

I'm already aware of the Panamax offerings and am not looking for a surge protector or line conditioner, just a power outlet/strip controlled by a compatible 12 volt trigger to activate and deactivate the power outlets based on the signal from the SP2 forwarded by the Bryston power amps.

Does anyone know of such a device, how much it costs and where it can be purchased in the US?

Thanks,
Burke

[Jim Hamley]

Per Google:
http://www.russound.com/pdf/MANUALS/ACT-1%20manual.pdf

[rawbcca]

I use a NILES AC-3 it has 3 outlets, 2 are controlled by a 12v trigger input.

[ec]

xantech also makes one that I use for rope lighting but it was used for a power amp previously.

[Burke]

Jim, that Russound device looks interesting. I'm curious what search terms you used, since my Google searches with "12 volt trigger" and "12 volt trigger power outlet" prior to posting here did not find that information, at least not in the several pages I checked from each one. Of course, now that you have given me the manufacturer name and the model number, I can Google to find places to buy it as well as find out its cost. Thanks for the info.

rawbcca - Thanks for adding the Niles AC-3 to the list of contenders It looks like a strong possibility. Are you using it with Bryston equipment by any chance? In any case, where would you recommend purchasing it? I would appreciate a source recommendation from someone who has already been down this road.

ec -- Thanks for responding. Is the Xantech model you are using the AC1? If so, (and even if it is a different model) where would you recommend getting one?  (Ditto comment above about source recommendation.)

Kind of wild that my Google searches didn't pull up any of these choices (until I read your responses and inserted the product names). :>) Actually, one previous search did pull up a reference to a Xantech product, but it lead off in a different direction, so I really appreciate having confirmation that they make something like I'm looking for. As mentioned, before, the other two units mentioned are promising too. Great to have choices!

Thanks again,
Burke

[brucek]

that Russound device looks interesting

It only handles 10 amps. Not enough for a Bryston amp. The other two pass 15 amps...

brucek

[ec]

I believe it is indeed a Xantech AC-1.  Got it from a local dealer (Markham, Ontario, Canada) that sold Xantech gear.  He had to special order it in as he does with most of his Xantech gear.

[shokunin]

Another product is the Parasound SCAMP (Signal Controlled Amp Something)... I use two to control some subs and other equipment, it even has delay trigger is you want to stagger (if using 2) subwoofer so that you don't blow the breaker during current inrush.

[Burke]

Thanks again to everyone who suggested potential solutions to my 12 volt trigger question. I ended up with a Niles AC-3 with my surround amp and subwoofer plugged into it. The Niles Trigger In is connected to the "AUX" 12 volt trigger on the Bryston SP2 , and then the center channel Bryston 7B trigger In is daisy chained from Niles Trigger Out.

So operationally, since my L/R front 7B SST triggers are connected to the SP2's On/Off trigger, they sequence on when I first switch on the SP2. Then, having selected "On" for the Aux trigger on "DVD" and "Off" for everything else, when I select "DVD" as the source, the center and surround amps and the subwoofer are switched on.  Selecting any other source leaves the L/R amps on, but the components  controlled by the "AUX" trigger shut off.

Tech note: the SP2 12 volt triggers have a rated output of 80 mA total, and the Niles AC-3 manual specifies a 100 mA minimum input. Despite the relatively weak output of the SP2's trigger (vis a vis the AC-3's stated input requirement), the configuration described above works fine. However, the AC-3 didn't work at all when chained after the 7B instead of first in line from the SP2 (the 7B came on but not the AC-3 switched outlets). Although the 7B reportedly only saps 2 mA from the circuit, that seems to be just enough to break the chain.

Also, daisy-chaining two AC-3's and then the 7B didn't quite work as desired. Everything would come on when DVD was selected, but then after about a minute everything controlled via the Aux trigger would shut down. Fortunately, further experimentation showed that powering up the sub and the surround amp at once does not trip the breaker, so the second AC-3 isn't really needed. Thus, the configuration described above using only one AC-3.

Burke