2. analog
  3. 159457-90127

Running Two TT into one phono input, best options?

I am pretty sure I have broached this subject before, heck I may have even made a similar thread in the past.

But here is my quandary.

I have three TT but only two input on my phono.

I really do NOT want to plug/unplug every time I want to use one that is not plugged in atm.

So is there any good option for very low level switching out there?

My quick Google searching brought up a USA company called Decware that make passive preamps and switch boxes. What caught my eye was that they specifically have an option to configure a unit as low level tonearm input instead of line level.
Which sounds perfect to my ears, maybe....

www.decware.com.

Anyone ever used one of these or have other options or solutions?
Thanks and stay safe.
128x128uberwaltz
big_greg
6,646 posts
 
In my main system I have two turntables and two phono stages. I’ve considered getting a phono stage with two inputs. A switch might be a lot cheaper!
weh51nc
24 posts
 
Considering the signal levels coming out of a cartridge -- even a MM one which is high compared to MC -- I'd opt for a small phono preamp and feed its output to one of the auxiliary inputs. You might look at something like the Schiit Mani (only $130). It has a single stereo phono input, adjustable for MM or MC, several levels of amplification, and a single stereo line-level output.

Now you're set:
  1. Phono 1 for TT 1
  2. Phono 2 for TT 2, and
  3. Aux 1 for TT 3
There are literally hundreds of simple phono preamps similar to the Schiit Mani ranging in price from ~$50 all the way up to ~$10,000+ -- for just a phono preamp! A quick google search for "best phono preamps" will bring up dozens of alternatives at a wide variety of price points..

solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
Emia makes a very high quality triple SUT followed by relays for a 3 into 1. So the MC signal is up in level a bit before the switch happens...
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,642 posts
 
There’s no perfect solution SQ wise. Can’t you use/try two Y splitters? Cheapest alternative.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Slaw
I did think about that but I also thought that was likely to be the worst solution for signal loss/hum.

But I guess it is worth a try for sure.

weh51nc
Sorry I should have been clearer, there are NO SPARE inputs left on my amp and I really want to use the present phono for all TT if possible.
More to discover