Selector switch question

PWR RYD · 13th January 2011, 04:40 PM

Sorry for the noob question. I am designing a simple tube preamp and need to know if I should use a shorting or non-shorting 2 pole, 3 position rotary switch. Which is best? Thanks.

Frank Berry · 13th January 2011, 05:34 PM

A non-shorting switch should be okay but it really doesn't matter if you are switching the input to the amplifier. A switch which shorts the inputs which are not selected might reduce the crosstalk from the sources which are not selected but if the inputs to the preamp are properly shielded and grounded, there should be no crosstalk.

badman · 13th January 2011, 05:37 PM

Non shorting. Shorting for volume controls, non shorting for source selection. Going "open" won't hurt a source, hooking the output from 2 sources together can, with some finnicky gear.

PWR RYD · 13th January 2011, 09:41 PM

Thanks guys! This will be for source selection directly from the input RCA connectors to the top of the volume pots, wipers feeding the grids (single stage).

13th January 2011, 04:40 PM	#1
PWR RYD diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Rockford, IL	Selector switch question Sorry for the noob question. I am designing a simple tube preamp and need to know if I should use a shorting or non-shorting 2 pole, 3 position rotary switch. Which is best? Thanks.

13th January 2011, 05:34 PM	#2
Frank Berry diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Midland, Michigan	A non-shorting switch should be okay but it really doesn't matter if you are switching the input to the amplifier. A switch which shorts the inputs which are not selected might reduce the crosstalk from the sources which are not selected but if the inputs to the preamp are properly shielded and grounded, there should be no crosstalk. __________________ Frank

13th January 2011, 05:37 PM	#3
badman Custom Title diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sunny Tustin, SoCal	Non shorting. Shorting for volume controls, non shorting for source selection. Going "open" won't hurt a source, hooking the output from 2 sources together can, with some finnicky gear. __________________ I write for www.enjoythemusic.com in the DIY section. You may find yourself getting a preview of a project in-progress. Be warned!

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13th January 2011, 09:41 PM	#4
PWR RYD diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Rockford, IL	Thanks guys! This will be for source selection directly from the input RCA connectors to the top of the volume pots, wipers feeding the grids (single stage).

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