I decided to build an audible transparent test rig with some parts I had on hand and a few new components:
ARX RS-1
This is a remote XLR switch controlled that can switch inputs with a 12-volt trigger reviewed here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/arx-rs-1-xlr-ab-switcher-review.15328
With SINAD of 133, this device is audibly transparent but there is some crosstalk, so that may be an issue.
Cost: $299.20 (somewhat expensive, but I had one on-hand).
12V 1A 0.8A 0.5A Power Supply
This power supply is UL listed and has a tip with wire screws.
Cost: $13.99
Shelly 1 Relay Switch
This device is tiny (2" puck) that includes a build-in WiFi with setup access point and web page control.
Just connect to it from a phone and set it up for your network.
Cost: $15.50
Once setup, these is the command to turn the switch On:
And to turn off:
The response is the Json with the switch state.,
Once they are all wired together, I have a method to programmatically use a URL to switch the XLR ports using the RS-1.
This is working now!
Now all I need is write the program to do the blind testing.
Here is the setup for testing:
- Connect both DACs to the ARX SR-1 test assembly (with web control function)
- Level Match the outputs at 2.83 volts playing 1 1kHz 0dBFS tone and an RMS multi-meter (in this case a Fluke 87V)
- Stream content from Roon using grouped zones. Roon can also be used to level match if needed.
Now I have to write the software in Visual Studio.
Here is what I am thinking it contains:
- DAC1 description (this is the default with the relay off)
- DAC2 description
- Test Count - The number of tests to run. Default 10.
- Start button - Starts the test.
- For Each test, the random DAC is selected, the user can listen to tracks with Roon switching as many times as desired and then selects the DAC that he/she think is playing.
- Once selected, the information is recorded in a log file with the actual DAC playing and the user selection.
- At the completion of all tests, the result total correct selections are recorded and displayed.
Thoughts on this project?
- Rich
ARX RS-1
This is a remote XLR switch controlled that can switch inputs with a 12-volt trigger reviewed here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/arx-rs-1-xlr-ab-switcher-review.15328
With SINAD of 133, this device is audibly transparent but there is some crosstalk, so that may be an issue.
Cost: $299.20 (somewhat expensive, but I had one on-hand).
12V 1A 0.8A 0.5A Power Supply
This power supply is UL listed and has a tip with wire screws.
Cost: $13.99
Shelly 1 Relay Switch
This device is tiny (2" puck) that includes a build-in WiFi with setup access point and web page control.
Just connect to it from a phone and set it up for your network.
Cost: $15.50
Once setup, these is the command to turn the switch On:
And to turn off:
The response is the Json with the switch state.,
Once they are all wired together, I have a method to programmatically use a URL to switch the XLR ports using the RS-1.
This is working now!
Now all I need is write the program to do the blind testing.
Here is the setup for testing:
- Connect both DACs to the ARX SR-1 test assembly (with web control function)
- Level Match the outputs at 2.83 volts playing 1 1kHz 0dBFS tone and an RMS multi-meter (in this case a Fluke 87V)
- Stream content from Roon using grouped zones. Roon can also be used to level match if needed.
Now I have to write the software in Visual Studio.
Here is what I am thinking it contains:
- DAC1 description (this is the default with the relay off)
- DAC2 description
- Test Count - The number of tests to run. Default 10.
- Start button - Starts the test.
- For Each test, the random DAC is selected, the user can listen to tracks with Roon switching as many times as desired and then selects the DAC that he/she think is playing.
- Once selected, the information is recorded in a log file with the actual DAC playing and the user selection.
- At the completion of all tests, the result total correct selections are recorded and displayed.
Thoughts on this project?
- Rich
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