Niles WVC100E Weatherproof Stereo Volume Control with Selectable Impedance Magnification

As an audiophile, I don't know why I did not pick this up years ago. I'm running my Deck speakers on B channel, through a Niles Speaker Selector, so I am familiar with the challenge of wiring up speaker wire into both the Niles Speaker Selector, now the 100E Volume Control. If you're like me, my audio components are in the lower level in my house, in our dedicate room. When you're out on the deck, and the phone rings, no more running down the stairs to lower the volume, or dashing in the house to take a call. This Volume Control is the answer. They're may be less expensive units out there, but Niles is proven, as they cater to custom installers. The first thing I did was apply two coats of primer, via spray can, then two coats of glossy paint, spray of course. The installation is a challenge, but if you've worked with Niles before, this project will be easier. You must wire up with 16 gauge speaker wire. Also, open up the terminals, until they click back in a open position. Not easy, but don't be afraid, because you'll need to apply pressure on the clips to insert your wire. Don't attempt to life up and hole to insert your speaker wire. Open it up all the way, all eight clips. Remember, one side you'll wire up from the speaker wire coming from your amp or AVR. The other side is Speaker Out. Pay attention to your colors on each wire. If you're splicing into your existing run, you'll need to go to Amazon, Big Box, or your local hardware store and pickup Outdoor Butt Splices, (at least 8), and Butt Splice your run. You'll need a crimper tool, it you don't have on. Watch a You Tube video How to Butt Spice, if you're not familiar. Not difficult for the entire install, but it does take time. For most applications, assuming you're running 8 ohms speakers, leave the default setting on the board to 1X. The quality for this device is excellent. The price is right, and absolutely worth $90, worth every penny.

It works great. I initially had to figure out how to connect thicker gage speaker wires. It was easy onceI figured that the connectors open up and then you can place the wires into the connectors. It is reallynice to adjust the volume from the front deck. I will really appreciate it more during summer.

Higher settings are all full volume. Lower are static or silence. Unfortunately, I had to wait for warmer weather to install and it's outside the return period. Installation is difficult (hard to get wires into box) but I expected based on other reviews.

The quality of this product is undeniable. I recently built a covered patio and ran speaker wires for outdoor music. I wanted to be able to control the volume outside without worrying about the weather.Like many, I did have a heck of time getting the wires to fit and then into place. That probably took the majority of time installing. Outside of that problem, I have nothing bad to say about this product. Have had it installed for 4 months now and have had 0 issues.

Does what it says, no pops or clicks. Actually works pretty well, but it definitely effected the presence and stereo imaging coming through my Definitive Technology AW 6500s. The EQ isn't effected by volume settings.

I have an odd setup in our back yard by the pool, so i bought this to solve my problem.. First the odd: I have Two pairs of speakers that are by Polk (Marine outdoor use), first wired in series to bring me at (about) 6.7 ohm's cuting the output wattage in half to all four speakers, but for some reason the one pair that is rated at a lower wattage 60w RMS and 4ohm's sound louder then the better pair that are rated higher at 100w RMS 2.7 Ohm's, it was drowning out the better pair big time, go figure. Since my Onkyo Amp running from zone 2 off my Dennon is not below 4 ohm stable, i was unable to wire in parallel. The good: Now i was able to wire all 4 in parallel using the (one) Niles Control box to the "one" pair that drowned out the better pair to solve both problems, one, to control the volume of that pair and to also match the total Impedance the Amp see's.. The good before the bad: As soon as i turned on my system, i noticed right away the drop in volume on the lower rated pair of speakers with the Niles set to only 1x volume on its highest volume setting (only to test it).. Right there i was happy, now i can hear the better pair a tad louder instead of lower, but the BAD thing is, it dull's the overall presence and stereo imaging of that pair as stated by another review. The BAD (for you) but Good for me, it also lowers the overall volume by about 20% right off the batt with the volume knob at its highest volume setting, Good for me, Bad for anyone else. I then made the proper final setting to 2x to bring the total ohm's of that pair up to 8ohm's, then cut in half again for parallel wireing back to the Amp for a grand total of about 5.3 ohm's with all 4 speakers wired in parallel putting out full wattage from the Amp 125w RMS (max) to all 4 speakers with the pair where the Niles is wired to seeing about 90w (Max volume) also just under the stable mark that Onkyo says is stable for my Amp. Since my Amp is a Quaility Amp, it will run fine under a little under 6 ohm's. For my use, its a set it and forget it install, i use my own remote to control the over all volume.. Also keep in mind, you cant use an Ohm metter to check your work, it showed me 2.2ohm's back to the Amp. I called Niles and they assured me it was doing its job raising the Impedance of the one pair, you have to trust there good name and Niles claim. So far so good.. The reason i didn't give it 5 stars is because of the loss in volume without giving me the option to lower it on my own, perfect for what i needed it to do. But not crazy about the dulling and overall presence and stereo imaging LOSS the pair that is wired to the Niles box, but the other pair makes up fo it a little since it is hard wired without a Niles Control box, but Can be an issue for most, and you will notice it!, but since my amp is a high power amp, it makes up for that loss, so keep this in mind!.. Other then that, it works fine, i am now able to crank up my zone 2 Amp sending less power to the lower rated pair while sending more wattage to the better pair that it deserves and needs without fear of blowing the lower rated pair with total Impedance being to low without the Niles burning my Amp along with them. It now makes this pair a great fill in. Easy install, just take your time, but you cant use 14g wire, 16g was hard enough to get in the clamps, you may have to cut a few strads of wire off for easy/better fit. I have used my system for a few weeks now, gota love deep south florida :) havnt toched the Niles box since, its out there getting wet doing its job all on its own never to be touched again, for a few years at leat. Kazz

High quality and well waterproofed. A full silcone gasket between the cover and housing, having good fit on the stem of the volume control so as to make water almost impenetrable. The switch setting for ohm/# of speakers doesn't appear to make much difference whatever setting it's on. Very happy with purchase and promptly delivered.