how would you connect it?

[lpv]

how would you connect the following:

1. airport express

2. tv ( outputs available: headphone out, optical, rca line out)

3. active speakers

the desire effect? sound from tv and AEX present at the speakers.

 

[spiny norman]

Depends on the input connections on the active speakers, but if they have digital inputs I'd use those; if not, analog connections from both to the speakers.

 

[lpv]

connection on the speaker 3,5mm phono and that's it..

don't want to replicate dac as AEX dac is perfectly good;

how about this manual audio switch box?

http://www.cables4all.co.uk/4-port-rca-audio-switch-box---manual-switching-898-p.asp

can you see anything wrong with it?

 

[ChrisIRL]

A double 3.5mm adaptor for connecting 2 headphones to one audio jack. Put that in the speaker input. Then run a 3.5 to 3.5 lead from the express to one input. An RCA to 3.5 j2p cable from TV into the other.

 

[lpv]

can I run 2 signals into one input?

 

[ChrisIRL]

I'm working on the assumption only one audio source will be active at a time. Running both into the speaker at once may create a black hole.

 

[spiny norman]

connection on the speaker 3,5mm phono and that's it..

don't want to replicate dac as AEX dac is perfectly good;

how about this manual audio switch box?

http://www.cables4all.co.uk/4-port-rca-audio-switch-box---manual-switchi...

can you see anything wrong with it?

Only one input? Then yes, that switchbox will do the job very well. I wouldn't connect both simultaneously through a y-adapter, as you may find you have some hum issues. I mean, worth trying if you want to do it for minimal cost, as the adapter won't cost much, but I wouldn't be surprised if you got interference from the Airport Express when listening to TV sound, for example.

 

[The_Lhc]

A double 3.5mm adaptor for connecting 2 headphones to one audio jack. Put that in the speaker input. Then run a 3.5 to 3.5 lead from the express to one input. An RCA to 3.5 j2p cable from TV into the other.

Those adapters are splitters, not combiners, I doubt that would work.

 

[ChrisIRL]

Perhaps not, just a quick suggestion he could try with items he may have at hand.

 

[ChrisIRL]

Provided only one source is running at a time I wouldn't see an issue though.

 

[ID.]

Personally I use a DAC/pre, but otherwise I guess something like Schiit's passive preamp.

 

[lpv]

do you know what's inside these audio switch boxes? I mean, is it simple wiring, some inputs & outputs, switches and that's all?? If so then the switch box itself shouldn't introduce any unwanted buzz, hiss whatever?

 

[lpv]

double post

 

[lpv]

Personally I use a DAC/pre, but otherwise I guess something like Schiit's passive preamp.

the only problem with passive preamp I can see is you have to get up to manipulate volume control while with audio switch box you can operate AEX volume from iDevice and TV volume from tv handset and only need to get up to switch manually between inputs.

 

[ChrisIRL]

I imagine the switch box is probably just a less rough and ready version of my suggestion allowing you to deactivate one input. If my suggestion works you may not have to get up at all, just mute one source via remote. If both grounded, as I'd say they are, you shouldn't get any hum issue.

 

[ChrisIRL]

My TV has an audio analogue input. If yours does too you could connect the AE to that and play out through that channel. Blank TV screen though and you'd be using the TV dac.

 

[lpv]

My TV has an audio analogue input. If yours does too you could connect the AE to that and play out through that channel. Blank TV screen though and you'd be using the TV dac.

I'm sure it will work but don't like the idea of ' tv on' while listening to music.. but thanks for suggestion

 

[lpv]

cheers guys..

there are remote controlled passive preamps but expensive as fu...

that pushed me to look for quality remote controlled active preamp and found this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/121625529676

it is texas instruments design intended for professional and high end customers

http://www.ti.com/product/PGA2310

my technical knowledge tells me it's a good spec..

what do you think about this?

 

[ChrisIRL]

cheers guys..

there are remote controlled passive preamps but expensive as fu...

that pushed me to look for quality remote controlled active preamp and found this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/121625529676

it is texas instruments design intended for professional and high end customers

http://www.ti.com/product/PGA2310

my technical knowledge tells me it's a good spec..

what do you think about this?

A touch excessive given your simple requirement. I'd opt for the switch box and avoid another item that needs a power source.

 

[lpv]

cheers chris.. indeed, no need to pay more in given scenario..