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Best way to switch between AVR and Amp?


I have an AV receiver that I use for AV applications such as blu-ray and cable and an integrated amp that I use for music. For me, both are 2.0 presently.

I am interested in a source switching device that would preclude me from needing to pull out banana plugs and switch inputs every time I want to change the nature of my source material.

For what it’s worth, here’s the setup I use for each:

AV: (blu ray/cable etc) --> Yamaha RX-V775WA receiver
Music: FLAC via PC-->Arcam IRDAC-->Arcam FMJ a19 amp

I have KEF LS50's connected by 12 gauge wire that I connect these two setups to.

I have seen some switches that may work:

1) Niles DPS-1
2) Beresford TC 7220
3) OSD Audio ATM-7

I’d appreciate any input as to:
a) The possible sonic degradation that I would experience by the use of one of these switches
b) Whether one of these switches is better than the others for my purposes. (I am partial to the OSD because it supports IR and using a remote would be handy)

Thank you!!
rhinomyte76
rhinomyte76 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks guys.

I can run 14AWG bare wire no problem as its accessible and the runs are only 16 feet max.

I do like the idea of convenience re: the SAS-1 though.

The greatest relief is hearing that there wouldn't be sound degradation either way.

Any experience / thoughts on the OSD Audio? Put another way, is there no sound degradation with the Niles due to build quality or the fact that such switches are unlikely to add noise / signal loss etc?

Thanks again.
rhinomyte76 OP
2 posts
 
Have another option that I am curious about.

What if I plug in my Arcam integrated amp into the 2 pre-amp front channel RCA inputs in the back of the yamaha receiver?

I could then run everything in the audio chain as if its a different source via direct passthrough or whatever yamaha calls it.

Only question is: Am I still getting the Arcam integrated amp sound at this point or will it me degraded / modified to being more like Yamaha (which I consider a little shallow and nasally).

Thanks
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
What if I plug in my Arcam integrated amp into the 2 pre-amp front channel RCA inputs in the back of the yamaha receiver?
Those front channel RCA's are outputs, not inputs. The only way to connect the Arcam and Yamaha together is to let one act as a source to the other, then speakers will always be connected to the main one. For 2.0 this might be an option, however adding more speakers or a sub for A/V will greatly complicate things.

As far as the OSD, should work fine, just more connection options than actually needed. IMHO, the only difference between DPS-1, SAS-1, and OSD is the type of operation; manual, automatic, or remote control.
rudyc's avatar
rudyc
6 posts
 

Hi.. i have the Douk VU3 switch.. i have my B&W 702 S3 connected to the Douk as well as both amps (Marantz SR8015 and NAD M10 V2- for music). I have all other speaker connections with the Marantz… it is as simple as switching between the Marantz and NAD whether i want to listen to music (NAD) or home theater. It is simple and works well. The key is to keep the av out of the music stream. I have a 7.1.4 for home theater and a 2 channel driven by the NAD for music…

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