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Niles VCS100K Stereo volume control with impedance magnification

Item # 190VCS100K

Niles volume controls deliver sound to your speakers without getting in the way of the music.

Niles volume controls deliver sound to your speakers without getting in the way of the music.

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15 questions - 24 answers

Item # 190VCS100K

Ships free

Temporarily out of stock
$39.00

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About the Niles VCS100K

Hear the music, not the volume controller

Niles volume controls deliver sound to your speakers without getting in the way of the music. While lesser components add pops, clicks and static, Niles brings you pure enjoyment. Their premium-quality parts and construction ensure high-fidelity sound with amplifiers rated at up to 100 watts per channel of continuous power.

Hear the music, not the volume controller

Niles volume controls deliver sound to your speakers without getting in the way of the music. While lesser components add pops, clicks and static, Niles brings you pure enjoyment. Their premium-quality parts and construction ensure high-fidelity sound with amplifiers rated at up to 100 watts per channel of continuous power.

Great for systems large or small

These in-wall stereo volume controls offer intuitive operation for your multi-room audio system. The high-power, impedance-magnifying design lets you safely connect as many as eight controls and eight pairs of speakers to a typical receiver or amplifier without installing a speaker selector or any other type of protection device.

If your amp's minimum impedance is 8 ohms, you can connect up to 8 pairs of 8-ohm speakers using these volume controls. If your amp's minimum impedance is 4 ohms, you can connect up to 16 pairs of 8 ohms speakers, or 8 pairs of 4 ohm speakers.

Product highlights:

  • connect up to 8 pairs of 8-ohm speakers to a single stereo amplifier (requires 1 volume control per speaker pair)
  • recommended for use with Niles speaker connecting block
  • adjustable impedance magnification (2x, 4x, and 8x)
  • power handling: 100 watts per channel
  • 12 step control, 48dB maximum attenuation
  • pop-free switching between all steps
  • removable screwless connectors accommodate up to 14-gauge wire
  • Decora-style wall plate and snap-on color insert for quick and easy color changes
    • includes: white, light almond, bone and black wall plates
  • fits most 18-cubic-inch single-gang junction boxes at least 3" deep
  • 2-3/4"W x 4-1/2"H (includes faceplate); depth behind plate: 2-9/16"
  • UL-rated for safe in-wall installation
  • warranty: 10 years
  • MFR # FG01652

What's in the box:

  • VCS100K rotary volume control
  • 4 Decora wallplates (white/light almond/bone/black)
  • 4 Decora inserts (white/light almond/bone/black)
  • 4 Knobs (white/light almond/bone/black)
  • 2 Mounting screws (Length=1")
  • 2 Faceplate screws (Length=3/16")
  • Installation & Operation Guide
  • Limited Warranty Card

Scratch & Dent items may be missing non-essential accessories. In some cases the manufacturer's accessories have been replaced with generic equivalents.

See the difference between "Open Box" and "Scratch & Dent" Outlet items

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More details on the Niles VCS100K

Stacey B.
The Niles VCS100K replaces these items:

Product Research

Features

In-Wall Volume Control: The Niles VCS100K (FG01652) is a high power stereo speaker volume control that connects between the speaker-level output of an amplifier, speaker selector, or a Niles distribution hub and a pair of speakers. Premium-quality parts and construction ensure high-fidelity sound with flat frequency response and 100 watts continuous power handling. It is designed for indoor use only.

  • Audio Power Handling: 100 watts/channel RMS; 200 watts/channel peak music power
  • Frequency Response: 20 to 20,000 Hz (+/-2 dB)
  • Impedance: compatible with 4-, 6-, and 8-ohm speaker systems

Selectable Impedance Magnifying Circuit: A universal impedance magnifying circuit enables the VCS100K to act as both stereo and an impedance magnifying volume control. You can magnify the speakers' impedance by a factor of two, four, or eight, allowing you to connect up to eight pair of speakers to a single amplifier or receiver. A sliding switch on the front on the volume control lets you set the impedance factor to 1x, 2x, 4x, or 8x.

  • The VCS100K can be used with 4-, 6-, or 8-ohm speaker systems.
  • Isolated left and right-channel grounds ensure safety with any amplifier.

12-Step Control with Autoformers: The rotary design gives 12-step control, and a total of more than 48dB maximum attenuation. The high-quality construction assures you get pop-free switching between all steps.Precision autoformers provide superior sonic performance, exceeding the audio quality of non-impedance magnifying volume controls.

Removable Screwless Speaker Connectors: Two piece, screwless speaker connectors make installation quick and secure. Each connector will accept stranded copper wire up to 14-gauge. Larger (lower gauge) wire is not recommended, as it will not fit into the connectors. Solid-core, aluminum, or "Romex" wire is not recommended. Most states require in-wall speaker wire to have a specific "CL" fire rating.

Mounting Options: The VCS100K installs in-wall in a standard single-gang junction box (J-box). The VCS100K fits into most 18 cubic inch single-gang junction boxes. The mounting depth of the VCS100K is 2-9/16". When installed, the unit extends 2-1/16" behind the sheetrock (assuming 1/2" sheetrock). For installation, you must use a standard 18 cubic inch or larger junction box.

  • You can install the VCS100K in just about any location where in-wall space exists, though it should not be installed into a junction box with 110 volt devices, such as light switches or dimmers. Speaker wire can act as an antenna for electrical noise, and locating speaker wire too close to a light switch or dimmer may cause the speakers to emit a popping or buzzing sound.
  • To install the VCS100K you will need a 1/8" standard slotted screwdriver, a 1/4" standard slotted screwdriver, and a wire stripper. Other tools may be required to prepare the wall and junction box to accept the volume control.
  • The volume control measures 1.532" (w) x 4.066" (h) x 3.421" (d). The cover plate measures 2.935" (w) x 4.711" (h) x 0.255" (d). The cutout of the cover plate measures 1.314" (w) x 2.6375" (h).

Note: The Decora-style insert and knob on the VCS100K are removable, allowing you to substitute a different color insert and knob. The package includes a Decora faceplate, insert, and knob in each of four colors: white, light almond, bone, and black.

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Customer Q&A

15 questions already asked

Q
Do you need a control for each pair of speakers? In other words, if we have A & B speakers from an amp and only want to control "B", do we need two controllers to maintain impedance? Would a different controller be more appropriate for this application?
patrick  Mar 06, 2024
1 answer
A
Greetings Partick. Thank you for your question. If you want independent volume control for more than one pair of speakers, you would need one controller for each pair.
hogan  Mar 06, 2024 (Staff)
Q
The volume control knob only has one output at the top. I had to twist the two red wires together and the two black wires together. I am concerned my speaker selector will not be able to distinguish between the two speakers. Am I correct?
john  Feb 18, 2024
1 answer
A
Greetings John. These in wall volume controls are for one pair of inputs, and one pair of outputs. If you have two pairs of outputs coming from your selector going into this volume control, kindly remove one pair. You want to have 4 speakers connected with just the one pair of inputs from your selector, that will still work. just not two pairs of selector outputs into one volume control.
hogan  Feb 18, 2024 (Staff)
Q
My speaker wire is too thick to fit into the slots. Is it ok to cut the wires to make them thinner? The wire was 10 or 12 gauge.
brian  Feb 18, 2021
2 answers
A
Hi Brian, I had same issue and trimmed just enough strands off the very end to make them fit. One would think a quality company like Niles would provide beefier connectors to allow heavier quality speaker wires, but whatever. There are no safety issues or anything so no worries there. We probably lose a little higher frequency fidelity with the lesser strand count at the end, less skin effect. However still better for overall load and less resistance losses vs running lighter gauge wire the whole way. Good Luck! PH
h  Feb 18, 2021
A
yes- you have to snip some of the strands out to make it fit. Good luck
ali  Feb 18, 2021
Q
My speaker wire is too thick to fit into the slots. Is it ok to cut the wires to make them thinner? The wire was 10 or 12 gauge.
brian  Feb 18, 2021
1 answer
A
We do not have any adapters or parts to shrink the size of the wire to make it fit into this controller. We often offer volume controls that can handle bigger wire. I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to check our current inventory
jason  Mar 09, 2021 (Staff)
Q
can this be used on a amplified pair of speakers in a R/V that still has two pairs of speakers running off the head unit?
chris  Sep 15, 2020
2 answers
A
I have, and it's worked out fine
angus shea  Sep 25, 2020
A
Yes, the VCS100K will control the volume on the pair of Amplified Speakers, However I find that as you add additional pairs of stereo speakers you will need the assistance of a Niles speaker Selector system to balance the output from the receiver . I have six pair of stereo speakers throughout my home, my configuration is from the receiver to the SS-6 Niles Speaker Selection System to the VCS100K and to one pair of speakers, I have one VCS100K for each pair if speakers. I hope this information help you with your application.
christopher  Sep 15, 2020
Q
I'm looking for a replacement for a Niles XF00097 ZR. Does anyone know what replacement part to use for this volume control motor? The part was likely manufactured by 2005.
randall  Jul 24, 2020
1 answer
A
I cannot find information on the Niles XF00097 ZR to check it. As long as you are replacing a part that only has the volume control, then I do anticipate this working in place of the older part. However, we do have advisors that you reach by calling 1-800-324-9695 who can try to track down the specifications on the gear you have now to check if this can work in place of it.
jason  Aug 11, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Anyone know where I can get replacement wall plate inserts (the white one) that fit these? Or the originals as replacements, if Niles sells them?
blair  Jun 18, 2020
1 answer
A
Hi Blair, you may want to reach out to Niles Customer Support at 800-289-4434. They should be able to assist you in finding the proper replacement for your existing gear.
jessica  Jul 03, 2020 (Staff)
Q
I am using Niles Vol controls in my home...I have 7 pairs of JBL 80watt at 8 Ohm in ceiling speakers throughout my home.....I need to replace my amplifier that just died....how much Wattage do I need in an AMP?
michael  Aug 24, 2019
3 answers
A
Hi, ultimately I would ask a Crutchfield person, but Ii have 5 sets of Polk rc series ceiling speakers. I think they are 8 ohms. They are all connected to an Onkyo TX-8555 Stereo Amp. This is done with the help of a Niles 8 speaker splitter (I think it is called the VC8model). So basically, you wire speaker wire from the amp to the miles unit, and then you can run up to 8 sets of left and right speakers. I also included Niles volume controls for each room by wiring from the 8 way splitter to the specific volume knob then to the speaker. I can manually control the sound in each room by using the volume knobs. I hope this helps but feel free to ask if I was unclear. -andy
andrew  Sep 20, 2019
A
I'm sorry but that is really a technical question that I'm not prepared to answer. I ordered the control to replace one that had quit working.
neal  Sep 16, 2019
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Sep 16, 2019 (Staff)
Q
Does this work with Ss-4 speaker selector?
randy  May 19, 2019
2 answers
A
Yes, but you do not need 2 layers of impedance protection, so a speaker block with these volume controls might be more appropriate. Try checking out the Niles VCS Hub8
evan  May 28, 2019
A
I use 4 of these (one in each room) with a niles 4 speaker selector and it works great. Nice to be able to control the volume in each room.
james  May 19, 2019
Q
Can you use the knob to completely cut off sound to the speakers? for instance if i had a pair of speakers in the bedroom and a pair in the bathroom with one volume control in each room, could i turn the dial all the way down or off if I just wanted to hear music in the bathroom?
justin  Oct 25, 2018
4 answers
A
Yes you can completely shut off the sound. I have a similar set up.
michael  Oct 26, 2018
A
Not off but generally speaking so low you can't hear anything. If the volume from the receiver is at full volume you might hear something and I can't with my system. With multiple rooms and only some have the Niles volume control all sound great.
alex  Oct 25, 2018
A
Yes you can.
genia  Oct 25, 2018
A
Yes you can.
peter  Oct 25, 2018
Q
Can I connect four 8-ohm speakers to this one attenuator?
clanderson  Nov 28, 2016
2 answers
A
Yes. I am assuming you mean four speakers and not four speaker pairs. However the manual says this unit has capacity for eight speaker pairs. I only installed one pair of outdoor Klipsch speakers and the unit works great.
steven  Dec 01, 2016
A
I'm running four 8-ohm speakers to this same volume control. The connectors inside the volume control aren't really wide enough to accept two pairs of speaker wire to be connected directly to the volume control. Instead, you will need to connect one pair directly to this volume control unit, then connect the second pair of speakers in parallel to the first pair. Then follow the instructions for the correct switch setting for the total number of pairs of speakers you are running from your amp. If these are the only 4 speakers, then you will set the switch for two 8-ohm pairs. If you have other volume controls and speakers for the same amp, you will need to take those into consideration when setting the impedance matching switch.
luke james  Dec 01, 2016
Q
Can this be used with a single mono speaker?
zachary  Nov 16, 2015
1 answer
A
Yes just connect to one of the terminals. As long as signal is mono coming in.
dirk  Nov 17, 2015
Q
The VCS100k is rated for 100 watts per channel. Does this mean that for a system with 8 pairs of speakers (8 VCS100k) you can have an amp providing 800 watts or does this mean that the entire system is limited to 100 watt amp?
joe  Jun 01, 2015
1 answer
A
The 100W rating is for the speakers connected to the load side of the control: I.E.- the speakers in that room or area. I had about 8 "areas" and 8 switches all driven by a 1,000 watt (RMS) amp...just make sure you match the impedance to the amp or it'll overload it (The chart is confusing...call Customer Support at Crutchfield, they'll help you keep it straight).
dan  Jun 07, 2015
Q
What is the difference between the Niles VCS100K and the VCS100R? I have several speakers connected to VCS100R controllers and I need one more. Is the VCS100K compatible with the VCS100R?
peter  Nov 26, 2014
1 answer
A
Thanks for your question. For information on comparing two or more models I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They will be able to help determine the differences and help you make the best choice for your system and your budget.
kristina  Nov 26, 2014 (Staff)
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