Preamp w/ Single Line Input. But I have DAC and CDP

There are many others that can provide you with better insights to your problem than I, however I will give it a go.

The problem could be either at the coax output of the CDP or Coax input of the DAC. It can always be a bad cable however since you had an intermittent problem with the IC this might not be the case. Since the problem seems to be at both inputs of the DAC lets start with the CDP. Can you borrow another player, even an inexpensive DVD player, to run into your DAC as a way to remove your CDP as the problem?

You should also try another cable to best remove that as a possibility.

Which Cambridge DAC do you have? Was it purchased new or used?

Take it one step at a time.

Thanks again, Mesch.
I've located the problem. I unplugged everything from the CDP, the computer, and the Cambridge Audio DacMagic. Then I reconnected the coax cable from the CDP to the DAC. I noticed that the digital inputs on the DacMagic do not grip the RCA jacks on the coaxial cable very well. It "wiggles" and the signal cuts in and out.

If I tape the cable in place, the CDP will play through the DAC fine. After I got the CDP going, I reconnected the USB cable from the computer and that worked as well, and I could then switch sources on the DacMagic.

However, as I considered this configuration, I realized that the DAC in the Shanling CDP was likely as good, if not better, that the Cambridge Audio so my "solution" is to swap ICs to the line inputs on my preamp, depending on whether I'm listening to the computer or the CDP. It's inconvenient but hardly impossible to live with. Furthermore, this enables me to use the tube outputs on the CDP which sound better to me than either the SS and the coaxial.

I'm wondering if anyone makes a simple outboard switching box which would connect to the line stage on my preamp, so I could plug both the DacMagic and the CDP into the box, and then change sources at the box?

I'm wondering if anyone makes a simple outboard switching box which would connect to the line stage on my preamp, so I could plug both the DacMagic and the CDP into the box, and then change sources at the box?

Yes there are.

A number of years ago I used the DB Systems DBP-2JAU/5, at $110, with fine results. Their home page and contact information is here. Click on the "photo" and "review" links just above the listing of that model for further information.

Or at a higher price point ($329) there is the Decware Zen Switchbox.

As you'll see, the DB Systems switchbox can also be had for $88 if you forego the gold plated jacks, but personally I wouldn't compromise on that. I suspect also that other makes and models can be found at still lower price points, but I have no specific knowledge of them or of their quality.

Enjoy! Regards,
-- Al

Al:Thank you, sir.
The DB Systems DBP-2JAU/5 is exactly the type of device I was wondering about.
Since I'm so new to digital audio, I'm finding that fine-tuning my setup and clarifying related details somewhat confusing.

I appreciate your help! These forums can be invaluable.

Ps

I was watching your other thread concerning this. The idea of a switchbox also occurred to me however have never used one. One thought I had was to contact Schiit audio, they make a 2 input passive pre for $50. It could be used as a switchbox by leaving the volume control fully open. Possibly Schiit could make one sans volume or the volume could be circumvented. I am getting caught up just thinking out loud here, as Al’s recommendation of the DB system switchbox would certainly solve the problem.

I, as others have stated, have to believe the DAC in your CDP is better than the Cambridge. Either way I would want to take advantage of the tube output stage it has.