Audio RCA Switch box quality

[Buckie1967]

My scenario.

I have recently switched from integrated amps to using a Quad 304 power amp which I love.

Now I have just sold my pre-amp that I was using however I still have an M-Dac and a Meridian Prime Headphone amp (which is also a pre-amp)

I am limited in the number of inputs/outputs that I can use. The headphone amp only has one pair of RCA's in and one pair out. The DAC has plenty of digital inputs but just one pair of RCA outs.

I can only use one pair of RCA's to connect to the power amp. I have however four sets of RCA's that I need to connect. 1. The headphone amp, 2. The DAC (which will run my digital sources like radio and CD), 3. Turntable phono stage, 4. Cassette deck (Just one pair for playing as I no longer record)

So could I purchase an RCA Switch box which has 3 RCA inputs and 1 RCA output. I can then attach the DAC, Phono stage and cassette to the inputs and have the RCA output running to the Meridian Prime Headphone amp. I would then run the Meridian RCA output to my power amp. I can then select whichever source I am using but must always run whatever source it is via the Meridian.

I think this would work as volume could be controlled with the Meridian (and also the DAC if this is the source) however would the quality of the signal be degraded. Having good quality kit and cables is fine but if it is all running through a £20 RCA Switch box from Amazon seems like an obvious weak link to me. I appreciate its only function is to link the output to either input 1, 2 or 3 but there does not appear to be any good quality expensive switch boxes around.

Would this plan work or can somebody think of another option apart from the obvious manually unplugging the RCA's from the power amp every time I switch sources.

 

[Gray]

....there does not appear to be any good quality expensive switch boxes around.

I'm sure you could find some expensive ones 🤔

If you're into a bit of DIY drilling, wiring, soldering - the advantage of making your own is that the switches you use can be at least as good as what you get in a preamp.

On the other hand, if you don't care what you spend, I could sell you the 6 in, 1 out one I made 🤑

Seriously, if I see a potentially decent looking one online, I'll put a link on here...

 

[Buckie1967]

Thanks, making one is an option I suppose.

I have noted a brand called Solupeak and another called Tiancoolkei...... Take a guess where they are made!?

Not saying it is always poor quality out East but it is a bit hitty missy.

 

[nopiano]

Surely you just need your preamp back?

 

[Buckie1967]

What would a dedicated pre-amp add? They select source and control volume. I don't need volume control as I have that with the Meridian and the DAC, all I really need is to be able to select the source.

Unless someone else can point out the benefit of an actual preamp.

 

[Al ears]

What would a dedicated pre-amp add? They select source and control volume. I don't need volume control as I have that with the Meridian and the DAC, all I really need is to be able to select the source.

Unless someone else can point out the benefit of an actual preamp.

Sound quality??
Whilst the DAC and headphone amp may have volume controls I think it was a mistake to get rid of the preamp and also getting those devices with a volume control.
But that's just me.

 

[Gray]

This is what you need in an aluminium box.
You could get away with DPDT (double pole, double throw) switches.
But the 4 pole types allow for easier (rail) wiring....and half the effective contact resistance of the selector switches in most amps.

Pardon our interruption...

Your choice of round/ square buttons sold separately.
If you need a wiring diagram, just say.

 

[Buckie1967]

Thanks for the responses. In relation to "sound quality" is it not the case to try and keep the signal chain pure and simple. For example when I use the TT, I would suggest the Meridian will do a very good job when it comes to sound quality but I need to take into account the source which in this example is a TT, the tone arm, the cartridge, the external phono stage, the RCA cables that feed the phono stage, the Meridian unit itself, the RCA cables that feed the Meridian, the amp, the RCA cables that feed the amp, the speaker cables and then the speakers. One weak link in the chain could have an adverse affect on the sound quality. Do I really need to add further electronics to the mix like a pre-amp?

Please consider the Meridian is already a pre-amp. I am simply looking to add a passive RCA switcher to select between three sources.

 

[Gray]

If you decide to do the switch selection option - you won't be able to buy better than you could make using the type of switches in that link.
(...which are better than the mini versions fitted to my old Marantz KI amp).

 

[Buckie1967]

Classi Phoenix Stereo Switch-Box, High-End Rotary Source Selector Kit

This Phono Source-Switch Box let you switch up to 4 Stereo Sources The design turning aluminum knob and bursted aluminum case is perfectly matched for

www.don-audio.com

Classi Phoenix Switch-Box Aluminum Enclosure, 91,30 €

This Switch-Box Enclosure Kit is a great base to build up a quality selector-box with an Elma Type 04 Switch It comes with 6 Dual RCA cut-outs on the back

www.don-audio.com

What about this? Looks like it comes in kit form

 

[Gray]

Classi Phoenix Stereo Switch-Box, High-End Rotary Source Selector Kit

This Phono Source-Switch Box let you switch up to 4 Stereo Sources The design turning aluminum knob and bursted aluminum case is perfectly matched for

www.don-audio.com

Classi Phoenix Switch-Box Aluminum Enclosure, 91,30 €

This Switch-Box Enclosure Kit is a great base to build up a quality selector-box with an Elma Type 04 Switch It comes with 6 Dual RCA cut-outs on the back

www.don-audio.com

What about this? Looks like it comes in kit form

Looks great.
Not cheap - but it saves you a lot of work.
No (potentially inaccurate) drilling.
Not even any wire to prepare.

Good find 👍