2. tech-talk
  3. 151737-128407

Best way to Select Multiple Sources

Hi, long time lurker, first-time poster...

I have preamps that only have a single line in connection. I inherited them from my Dad, who built a custom patch panel for them. with camac and rca connectors. The challenge is the cables on the patch panel are very short -- I can barely make it work in my stand.

So, the question is whether there are high-quality input switches out there (the Manly Skipjack is about the only one I've found and I'm unsure of audio quality), or whether I should try to build a replacement patch panel.  I'd need to switch between 4 inputs: CD, Tuner, DAC, and AUX.

The good news is since there is a separate phono in, my most critical listening path is straight-through and doesn't go through the patch panel.
sdavies2720
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
You might want to consider the Decware ZSB ($359 + options).

http://www.decware.com/newsite/ZSB.html

Or at a much lower price the DB Systems DBP-2JAU/5 ($110 + options)

https://www.dbsystemsaudio.com/access.html

https://www.dbsystemsaudio.com/

I’ve used the latter with fine results sonically, although not with my most critical sources. But its small size and light weight tends to result in the front tilting upward when cables are connected to it.

Regards,
-- Al

sdavies2720 OP
16 posts
 
@yogiboy thanks for pointing me to the Schiit. It seems a little odd to put a second preamp into the pathway, but I'm assuming that in passive mode it basically works as a switch.  Clearly I'll have to do some research.
Steve
sdavies2720 OP
16 posts
 
@almarg: Both options look promising.  Do you have any experience with the Decware?  
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
No, I haven’t had experience with the Decware ZSB. But over the years I’ve seen favorable comments by others about it and about various other Decware products, and from a technical standpoint I see no reason why it wouldn’t work well for you.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al
More to discover