Most of the time if something isn’t easy to find it’s probably a bad idea. I just would like to know why before I waste many resources building it myself.
Most selector boxes have 1 or 2 rotary switches for the input and output. But it’s usually just one stereo signal out at a time. I’d like 2 pairs of SE inputs (2 DACs) and have each of several outputs (preamps and headphone amps) to be connected to either signal or none simultaneously. An ON-OFF-ON toggle switch seems like the obvious solution, but no one seems to make such a box. Is it going to be inherently too noisy? Is a rotary switch better for some reason? Is running to multiple switches in parallel a bad design? The intended use would be a max of one output from each input at a time. Maybe 2 if I’m quick switching to test between setups. So it shouldn’t ever be worse than a Y cable.
Not sure if switching the grounds or just attaching them all to the casework is a bad or good idea so a DPDT or a 3PDT switch would work. Is running to that many switches in parallel opening myself up to noise. I could run shielded cable internally from the center of the switch’s back to the outputs.
I have a budget 1-4 box now that doesn’t seem to impact sound quality now. I’ve looked at some 2-4 or other expensive 1-4 boxes, but I like the feel of a toggle and I want to connect both DACs sometimes. I’d rather not get overly complicated by going to toggle controlled relays and needing a power supply.
What am I missing? My DIY experience is more industrial in nature. Motors turning on and off when appropriate, timers, safety switches. Nothing delicate where hum or a little noise is a deal breaker. Any help is appreciated.
Most selector boxes have 1 or 2 rotary switches for the input and output. But it’s usually just one stereo signal out at a time. I’d like 2 pairs of SE inputs (2 DACs) and have each of several outputs (preamps and headphone amps) to be connected to either signal or none simultaneously. An ON-OFF-ON toggle switch seems like the obvious solution, but no one seems to make such a box. Is it going to be inherently too noisy? Is a rotary switch better for some reason? Is running to multiple switches in parallel a bad design? The intended use would be a max of one output from each input at a time. Maybe 2 if I’m quick switching to test between setups. So it shouldn’t ever be worse than a Y cable.
Not sure if switching the grounds or just attaching them all to the casework is a bad or good idea so a DPDT or a 3PDT switch would work. Is running to that many switches in parallel opening myself up to noise. I could run shielded cable internally from the center of the switch’s back to the outputs.
I have a budget 1-4 box now that doesn’t seem to impact sound quality now. I’ve looked at some 2-4 or other expensive 1-4 boxes, but I like the feel of a toggle and I want to connect both DACs sometimes. I’d rather not get overly complicated by going to toggle controlled relays and needing a power supply.
What am I missing? My DIY experience is more industrial in nature. Motors turning on and off when appropriate, timers, safety switches. Nothing delicate where hum or a little noise is a deal breaker. Any help is appreciated.
There are expensive preamps that do this.
https://www.catamps.com/legend
I would keep the left and right grounds separate, but don't switch the grounds or connect to the case.
And make sure that no combination of switch positions can do damage. Look for a long, flat toggle.
Certainly ganging audio switches can cause reduced separation at high frequencies (like volume controls do).
But in a low impedance circuit such as your application, this will be minimal.
Rotary switches are no better, and are mostly unsealed, so they get dirty and require cleaning.
But they are more common because they are easier to understand how to use.
https://www.catamps.com/legend
I would keep the left and right grounds separate, but don't switch the grounds or connect to the case.
And make sure that no combination of switch positions can do damage. Look for a long, flat toggle.
Certainly ganging audio switches can cause reduced separation at high frequencies (like volume controls do).
But in a low impedance circuit such as your application, this will be minimal.
Rotary switches are no better, and are mostly unsealed, so they get dirty and require cleaning.
But they are more common because they are easier to understand how to use.
Thank you. Good to know I’m not completely out in the weeds. I might make one with inexpensive parts first before committing to pricier components. I could use the soldering practice. I’ll need to search the forums here for leads on proper parts. I’m not heavily invested in exotic cables, but there’s no sense looking for trouble. Gold plated contacts on the toggle would be nice though.
For the grounding scheme should I just let all my grounds float and rely on the active components up and downstream to handle things? On the other hand plugging 2 DACs into a preamp grounds them to each other without risking crosstalk. I’ll do some research. Thanks again.
For the grounding scheme should I just let all my grounds float and rely on the active components up and downstream to handle things? On the other hand plugging 2 DACs into a preamp grounds them to each other without risking crosstalk. I’ll do some research. Thanks again.