Trying to improve on an Input Chooser concept

[Peter Daniel]

Input selector add on for a single input GC amp

Here's my idea of an improved Input Chooser. I call it a Switching Bar

 

[Peter Daniel]

The connections inside are minimized. I used WBT RCA connectors mounting directly between a switcher and the amp (so no additional interconnect needed). The toggles take care of source switching (separate for R and L channel, disconnecting both signal and ground).

 

[Peter Daniel]

Here's the construction detail

 

[Ropie]

Very nice Peter. I had a similar idea myself recently, though it was just multiple interconnects with a rotary switch before the amp inputs (a bit shabby in truth). The concept is nice because it keeps extra switches and knobs outside of small amp cases.

 

[Mad_K]

aren't you worried about the stress excerted on the amp's rca connectors?

 

[Peter Daniel]

For those who worry (or use fat cables) an extra wooden support under the bar can be used. I broke few of those RCA'a before, so I know they can carry the load

They may sound different under more stress as well, but I wouldn't worry about it. I use a single input on my amp anyway. I believe that elimination of additional interconnect is of most importance here.

 

[NealG]

Peter, rotary switches are normally preferred for input switching as the contacts get 'wiped' each time it's rotated. With toggle switches no such action takes place, it's possible for them to become poor over a period of time.

 

[Peter Daniel]

I would imagine that toggles could be compared to relays, which are commonly used for source switching.

http://www.marklevinson.com/image_library/32CUTAWA_lo.jpg

 

[GregGC]

You da man Peter!

 

[ronc]

All i am using at the present is a standard 4 way rotery.Kinda like the relay idea.
ron

 

[ronc]

Thinking about it, dosent look like any advantage to individual switches.I use hammond alum cabs and i just have the longer one in the middle and mono blocks on the ends which are the same height and depth but smaller width.The center has the pre and channel selector.
ron

 

[Peter Daniel]

Of course there is no advantage to doing it with separate switches (except for better channel separation), but it was the only way, I could think of, to make it in such a small (and directly connected to the amp) package.

 

[Da5id4Vz]

Perhaps you could achieve a similar form factor with bifurcated or Hg wetted reed relays that would fit inside the tube. That would give you the channel separation while enabling a perhaps more graceful control.

 

[captainpabst]

looks sweet

 

[ashok]

Relays for switching.

Hi Peter,
Would you know what relays are used by ML in their amp for switching audio signals ? Not just brand but type also.
We get standard Omron DIP relays here. Are these good enough ?
Thanks.
Cheers.
Ashok.

 

[Peter Daniel]

Here's the close up view. Digi-Key carry a similar relay

 

[Steve Eddy]

Man, you audiophiles sure are a lazy lot.

Look at the extra connectors, contacts, solder joints and leads you're adding to the mix here for purely for the sake of convenience and saving a couple of seconds switching sources.

Just make a little rack that holds the business ends of your source component's cables. Remember the old operator switchboards? Same concept.

Looks great though, Peter! As usual.

se

 

[Da5id4Vz]

Peter,
Have you buit your Apox input slector?

 

[Peter Daniel]

You see, that's why the amp comes with single RCA inputs. The Switching Bar is for lazy audiophiles.

For those who are more adventurous and ready for an extra effort (in order to improve system performance), I am preparing a Cables (on Standby) Rack.

PS: I always preferred to switch the cables than using switching controls

 

[Peter Daniel]

Peter,
Have you buit your Apox input slector?

I ordered only volume module from dipchip. I wanted to built my own selector system (with very simplifiied routing), something like this http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=31268#post31268