Switchers - How to properly connect multiple amps to one DAC output

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by rhythmdevils, Nov 7, 2020.

  1. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Any thoughts on Grayhill switchers vs Elma switchers?
     
  2. wkw

    wkw Facebook Friend

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    I am thinking about using a Schiit Sys to switch between preamps.
    Gungnir SE out to Valhalla then out to Sys
    along with Gungnir XLR out to Freya S. Then SE out of Freya to Sys
    that would be 2 in on the Sys.
    Then out of the Sys to my powered Sub, then SE out of sub to my one speaker amp.

    Is this a good idea?
     
  3. fastfwd

    fastfwd Friend

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    It won't start a fire, if that's what you mean.

    But what's your reason for doing this? Are you trying to hear the difference between the "gimped" (not really) Gungnir SE outputs and the XLR outs? If so, any difference there -- assuming that you match the volume levels of the preamp outputs -- will be completely overwhelmed by all that other circuitry.

    If you're just trying to hear the difference between two entire chains, including the SYS in each one, it should be fine. That's exactly what the Sys is for. I wouldn't necessarily expect either chain to sound the same with and without the Sys (especially if the cables from Sys to sub are long or have high capacitance), but you can test that difference separately.
     
  4. wkw

    wkw Facebook Friend

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    that is my main concern.
    I am not concerned about differences in xlr vs se.

    Also I am using short se cables.

    I am wanting to be able to switch from ss to tubes in a safe and convenient manner.
     
    Last edited: Feb 12, 2022
  5. fastfwd

    fastfwd Friend

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    Two notes, then:

    1. Before comparing SS to tubes, first compare SS with Sys to SS without Sys, and tubes with Sys to tubes without Sys -- to make sure that you'll be hearing the preamps, not the Sys. Do this with the Sys set to maximum volume.

    2. For the best sound when both preamps are connected to the Sys, again leave the Sys set to maximum volume, and use only the preamp volume controls to adjust system volume.
     
  6. mdr30

    mdr30 Acquaintance

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    Late to the party but I also needed a switch with XLR with (one) signal in and three outputs for my different headphone amps and got the Little Bear above. The switch itself had a scraping action and contact was sometimes intermittent. Found a cheap and working one from Mouser, pretty good action:

    https://www.mouser.se/ProductDetail/612-KC43A3001NLS

    Needed some adaption but once done fitted nicely. Added some damping and weight (bitumen and steel) so the flimsy box wouldn't move with every turn. Also replaced the front plate cover with a black neutral one cut from a plastic folder.

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    Works fine but I should have built one from scratch with Elna/Grayhill switch and a couple of more outputs.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2022
  7. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    Hell yeah you should have. ;)
     
  8. Koth Ganesh

    Koth Ganesh Friend

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    Wrestling with multiple DACs (pro and consumer) and multiple amps ((single-ended tube amps and balanced SS amps) was a vexing issue for me until I came up with the following chain so here goes:

    1. My source is the Rockna Wavedream Net. I have a wired internet connection feeding the Net.
    2. I connected the Rockna Wavedream Signature Balanced DAC via I2S to the Net.
    3. I took the AES out of the Net and connected it to the Henry Engineering AES digiswitch box (https://henryeng.com/aes-digiswitch-2x4/). I thus get 4 AES digital output signals without any degradation.
    4. I have 3 out of the 4 AES output signals (from the Henry Engineering box) feeding the Convert 2, the Forsell MDAC 2A and the Lampizator Big 7 mk2 DACs (all AES, obviously).
    5. I connected the Rockna, Convert 2 and the MDAC 2A via a Nobsound XLR 3 in-1 out switcher box MC 103 Pro 3 In (https://www.amazon.com/Nobsound-Audio-Balanced-Converter-Selector/dp/B07QVKPR2V) to a balanced input of the Freya S preamp. Since the Big 7 has only SE outs, I connected those to the SE in of the Freya S.
    6. I connected one of the SE outs of the Freya S to a GOHIFIAUDIO S1 switcher box (https://www.ebay.com/itm/313951569006). I connect my 3 tube amps to the S1 box.
    7. I have 3 amps that have balanced inputs - the Ferrum OOR, the Phonitor 2 and a power amp which is a DIY creation of @Watchara. So I took the balanced out of the Freya S and connected it and these 3 amps through a Nobsound MC 103 Pro 3 Out switcher (https://www.desertcart.in/products/...sive-audio-selector-switcher-mc-103-pro-3-out).

    It's been one long journey to get these all in place. So far, I'm pretty happy with this network. If any one has suggestions to add/delete/change/switcher boxes, that would be very welcome.
     
  9. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    A manufacturer needs to come forward and make an all in one solution for this with XLR and se outs and a transformer built in.
     
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  10. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    What makes the Goldpoint RCA switcher so expensive and viewed as transparent? Is it just a mad nice selector switcher? I'm thinking about buying either the Goldpoint or Mapletree one, they are both expensive but I've put a considerable amount of thought into my audio setup and this last piece won't necessarily break the bank and be a bit more elegant of a solution than a RCA Y splitter our of my Bifrost 2.
     
  11. schnesim

    schnesim New

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    I don't get the price of the Goldpoint. You get the Decware Zen Switchbox with all silver wiring for less! Or more if you want to customize it.
     
  12. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    I paid a lot of money for my SPL Expansion Rack which is nothing more than a simple output switcher, but it comes with the matching casework that fits my Phonitor 2 nicely inside (plus rackmounts everything). Sometimes you pay extra for that kinda stuff.
     
  13. Koth Ganesh

    Koth Ganesh Friend

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    Did you get the SMC 7.1 along with the rotary switcher or have the Phonitor along with the 1x4 rotary switcher in the rack?
     
  14. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    I don't have the SMC, so it's purely DAC x2 -> SPL2 -> Expansion rack switcher
     
  15. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I found a Decware SE RCA Switcher that looks to be super high quality and probably customizable with your choice of wire or switcher. Added to the OP. That’s probably what I would go for if I was buying one, but with an Elma switcher and OCC copper wire.
     
  16. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    I noticed the Mapletree Audio has a mute switch. In the case of going from 1 Dac to 2 Amps, would this benefit the sound to be able to mute the amp that's not selected? Is that the intention of the mute switch?
     
  17. Pancakes

    Pancakes Friend

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    As long as the input/output switch is non-shorting, there's no reason for a mute switch other than using it as a volume mute.
     
  18. jnak00

    jnak00 Friend

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    Mine does not have a mute position. Maybe the picture on the website is old (not to mention the entire website). Or maybe the mute is an option if you ask..
     
  19. Aristo

    Aristo New

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    Why would you use some switches? I have always kept mine like this. Is there some problem? I have not noticed any...
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  20. Chris Cables

    Chris Cables MOT: Chris Cables

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    I've been using Kramer and Extron matrix switches for quite a few years in order to manage various SE, XLR, analogue and digital signal paths. Both brands are exceptional in operation, totally neutral, click free and extremely flexible.
    I have a couple of Kramers that use the Euroconnector system which means you can facilitate a true balanced signal path if required.
    I also have a dbx400 to manage 3 Dragons, which is in turn routed to a 12x8 Extron matrix switch.
    Highly recommended imo.
    They come up on the 2nd hand market frequently at MUCH lower prices than new.

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