Audio switchers

[kamiboy]

My audio setup requires the ability to switch between at least 4 different rca stereo inputs.

Currently I am using a dirt cheap Chinese AV selector that has a horrendous build quality and must be replaced with a higher quality solution.

Here are my requirments. The unit must be relatively cheap since it is such a simple device. It should take up as little space as possible. Preferably only be an audio switcher so as to avoid useless composite inputs taking up space and upping price. It has to be a passive device. Lastly, would prefer to buy within the EU to save on shipping and avoid customs.

I have been having a hard time finding something that matches all the above. Any suggestion?

[FinalBaton]

Sadly, brand new audio only switchers (analog) seem pretty much extinct. Techmoan has done a vid on the subject on his Youtube channel (great channel BTW) :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsQafEQUfbo

Looks like you'll have to look for a switching unit that does composite video + audio, but use only the audio jacks. Don't know about quality ones though


I personally haven't run out of analog inputs yet on my integrated amp, but it might happen in the future so I'm def interested in this topic

[Fudoh]

An analogue high quality audio switch I'm using is the Kramer VS-55A. Love it. Not this easy to find cheap, but not impossible.

[kamiboy]

Yeah, I saw that technoman video myself and his timing was rather good since my shitty switcher started acting up around then.

I wish I could get one of those Onkyo U-30 units myself, but they cost a fortune and few ship to my part of the world. Sure it is rather large, but it sure is a sleek looking device and matches the aesthetics of my AV gear well.

I got rid of my Denon amp and its plethora of inputs when I sold my old audio setup. I now use B&O active speakers because they sound fantastic, look really sleek and being active they remove the need for a huge bulky receiver. Of course now I need to have something to switch between what device I route into it.

[kamiboy]

By the way, that Kramer, does it require external power to function or is it just for fancy stuff like selected input button being lit?

I am not at all keen on cluttering my setup with more power adapters and accompanying wires.

[Fudoh]

it needs power.

[FinalBaton]

stumbled upon the Kramer VS-41AV, wich is a mechanical switcher. It's small too. 4 inputs. Not exactly cheap though, it's listed on a bunch of places at $199 US new, but it seems to fit your bill (unless you want way more inputs, in wich case there's the VS-81AV that goes for $248 US)

[kamiboy]

$200 is way too much for a simple mechanical device. That cheap Chinese one cost me less that $5, and that included shipping. Hard to believe that there are is nothing in between. Maybe I'll just buy another Chinese switcher, but one that seems to have a slightly higher build quality, and more inputs.

[amaradona]

@Kamiboy, What was the onkyo device you were refering to? I could not find it.

[kamiboy]

U-30

[amaradona]

Cheers! Quite vintage!

[FinalBaton]

There's also the Pioneer U-24. And yes it also commands crazy prices

[FinalBaton]

The vintage Dbx units (200, 200x, 400, etc) look like they're sleeper picks. I highly suggest you check them out. Do some research to find out wich ones are passive, there should be some, I saw some comments from fellow tapeheads.net members mentionning that.
There's a bunch of them on Ebay between $40 and $75

[lev11]

I got this, but grounds are common, internal wiring is pretty nasty and the 3.5mm jack was wired wrong way round. Am going to use the shell to rework my own though.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/4-way-stereo- ... -box-cn47b

[kamiboy]

The closest none chinese item I could find was this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TCC-TC-716-6-Wa ... SwAYtWN4YW

Looks fine, but with shipping it would set me back 60 Euros, then there is the risk of duties on top. I just bought another chinese AV switcher hoping I will fare better this time.

[Fudoh]

same one's available on ebay.de for less money.

http://www.ebay.de/sch/i.html?_from=R40 ... 9&_sacat=0

If you need help with forwarding, feel free to PM me.

[kamiboy]

Seems so. I searched for the model number which is why that listing did not show up. Thanks for the offer but it seems they do actually ship to me, but I already bought that chinese switch. If that one is a dud as well I'll give this one a go.

[FinalBaton]

I'm telling you kamiboy; look at the DBX 200

6 inputs (TAPE OUTs can be used as inputs, they just have a slightly lower level), professional quality and it won't break the bank. There's one on ebay.com for $45 US or Best Offer

[kamiboy]

Yeah the DBX units look nice, I might go with one of those if the one I got is no good. I'll find out in a month when it shows up.

[fafangus]

Hey
Just like you, I use an old chinese rca switch (but work relativly good...), in search for a best solution, who offer me more inputs, and a little control
I just foud that (just bought fo Y1000) on Yahoo auction :

Maybe not the switch of the year, but I think it could offer me more possibilities than my little rca switch (rgb + rca)
Ps: it needs 110v power