2. home-theater
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Switch with volume control

I've come to the conclusion that what I want is a switch with a volume control that's transparent in its effect on sound. It could be balanced or unbalanced. The sources that would input to the switch are an Oppo 105, a Sony XA 5400ES, and a Parasound JC-3. All sources have the option of balanced or unbalanced output. The Oppo output is 5.1 or 7.1 analog, the Sony and Parasound stereo.

Any recommendations for such a switch? I've been using a Cary Cinema 11a with its inputs set to bypass essentially as a switch with volume control.

db
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audionuts
74 posts
 
The new Nuforce MCP-18.
NuforceMCP18
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dbphd OP
1,630 posts
 
Kal,

In your opinion would replacing my Cary Cinema 11a with a Parasound P7 be a step up, a step down, or a sideways step, given that either can provide the functions I want? A Sony XA 5400ES connects via HDMI. but an Oppo 105 and a Parasound JC-3 connect via analog to the Cary. The Sony could connect via analog as well, if I limit it to stereo, a not unreasonable limitation with the Oppo in place. In either case, I'd use balanced output to the amps.

db
ddd1
261 posts
 
@Buconero117:

I used to own one of those years ago and got rid of it because if the power went out the unit reset to full volume and I didn't want to blow up my speakers. Was my unit defective or do they all do that?
seditious3
184 posts
 
I have a Placette if you're interested.
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dbphd OP
1,630 posts
 
I recently installed a Parasound JC-3 phono preamp. It uses the XLR input of the Cinema 11a. The sound is so good I think I'll stick with the Cary until I can (1) actually try a P7 in the setup and (2) buy it at a good price. For pure analog, the Cinema 11a is very satisfying. It supposedly does no processing in bypass mode, but it does offer a volume control and conversion of unbalanced inputs to balanced outputs.

db
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