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Switch box & audio integrity

Will a cheap RCA switch box degrade my signal? I'm using for home recording to hook up 3 A/D converters to 1 monitor source. So, I really only need RCA Audio jacks.

Here's some links:
http://www.meritline.com/4way-audio-video-av-rca-switch-black-799---p-35488.aspx?source=fghdac

http://www.buy.com/prod/gtmax-rca-audio-video-switch-box-selector-splitter-6-in-1-out/q/listingid/66750894/loc/111/213685859.html

http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SB-V31G-Selector-3-Component-Functionality/dp/B000092YPL/ref=pd_cp_e_3

http://www.nextag.com/RCA-4-Way-AV-605476235/prices-html?nxtg=23c60a1c0523-7F712EA3E0B0D8C1

It seems this type of device may be appalling to serious audiophiles, but I can stand to lose anything the typical non-audiophile would not hear. So, how bad?

Other suggestions (<$100 since this is really only a matter of convenience)?

Thanks,
KB
kerriobrown
9 responses Add your response
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kerriobrown OP
1 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestion on building my own. I ended up getting some advise on pro-level gear I could find used on ebay and got a Kramer VS-401N 4x1 Audio / Video Switch for $32+10S/H. I couldn't find much info on but I realize at that price 'pro-level' is probably not appropriate. I only found one site selling it for $280 and no other info, so I thought I'd take a shot and do some A/B comparisons at home.

Anyway, if anyone knows this device and has thoughts on it please let me know!

Thanks,
Kerrio
roggae
95 posts
 
I'm also interested in an audiophile grade switch box. I know decware makes one. Thoughts?
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Roggae

I don't know if this will help you but this is what I use to switch between inputs as one of my preamps only had one set of RCA inputs. It has a nice build quality IMO and I have not experience any sonic degradation in the systems I've used it in.

Niles AXP-1

http://www.amazon.com/Niles-Black-FG00002-Auxiliary-Selector/dp/B00006I5J0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1411484283&sr=1-1&keywords=niles+audio+axp-1

I hope this helps and good luck with the search.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,152 posts
 
Try one and see. Not much to loose.

I use a switch like that I got at Radio SHack years ago for about $20 with my second system. It works fine there. I might be somewhat concerned initially using it in my main rig, but I would not know for sure until I tried.

In general, I would try to use a pre-amp with enough inputs built in first, but not hesitate to at least try a switching device if needed, especially if of decent build quality.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,152 posts
 
I would recommend Niles as a good quality brand to try.

I do use a Niles speaker switch in my main rig to switch in various speakers in various rooms, including my main speakers, the big OHM F5s, with no noticeable ill effects.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Here are links to a couple of additional possibilities, at higher price points, including the Decware model Roggae referred to:

Decware Zen ($329)

DB Systems DBP-2JAU/5 ($110) (click on the links under "DBP-2J/5" for further info).

I used the DB Systems switchbox many years ago with fine results. A possible downside, IIRC, is that it is fairly light, and it might therefore tilt upwards at the front if heavy cables are attached to it in the rear.

Regards,
-- Al
kirkus
502 posts
 
I'll add the Goldpoint products to the list; I think they have a selector-switch-in-a-box (fixed-level-passive-preamp, anybody?)
www.goldpt.com
tortilladc
121 posts
 
This fellow uses better quality parts and will even price out custom binding posts/wire for you:

http://www.mfspdesigns.com/index.php/en/all-products/switch-box/switch-box-rca-psb2-1r
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