Parker_knoll
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- Mar 14, 2024
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Hello all
Longtime lurker, only recently registered and first post so please do move it if it's in the wrong place etc.
I'm thinking of ditching my preamp (Topping A90). I really only use it for switching inputs and it seems like overkill, so I thought I might swap to a merge box or switcher. I'm running all balanced XLR connections. No volume control needed as both input devices have volume control.
Motivating the change is a) I can recoup some $$ by selling the preamp, b) save some space in the stack, c) reduce power consumption.
Besides that there is nothing wrong with the current system; it sounds great.
Routing is:
Channel 1: Cambridge Duo phono pre into 2 x parametric EQs with balanced outs
Channel 2: Topping DX7 Pro DAC with balanced outs
Output: Genelec 8020A powered monitors
A priority for me is low noise level and neutrality of signal path. Compact size is also desirable.
Would others regard a passive switch (e.g. Kramer VS4X or Arx Iso Switcher or similar) as better or worse than a balanced merge box (e.g. Palmer MBL, Arx IsoCombiner Duo or Radial Mix 2:1 (I'd obviously need two of those as it's mono))? The mergers are more expensive as it's a more complicated build with the transformers. However, with a merge box I wouldn't need to access it so I could hide it behind the stack. Some active mergers are available but then you're up at the same price as the preamp so there's no benefit.
Is a transformer balanced merger likely to affect the signal? Is a switch simpler and therefore more desirable? Which would give the least impact on the signal?
I will never be using both devices at the same time. I'm just looking to run two boxes into one set of speakers.
I'm aware I could pick up a small mixer for the same or less money but the system is on a shelf so not that convenient for a horizontal format like a mixer; I'd also be worried that an active mixer introduces unnecessary extra circuitry (like the channel EQ) and potential noise.
Thanks
Toby
Longtime lurker, only recently registered and first post so please do move it if it's in the wrong place etc.
I'm thinking of ditching my preamp (Topping A90). I really only use it for switching inputs and it seems like overkill, so I thought I might swap to a merge box or switcher. I'm running all balanced XLR connections. No volume control needed as both input devices have volume control.
Motivating the change is a) I can recoup some $$ by selling the preamp, b) save some space in the stack, c) reduce power consumption.
Besides that there is nothing wrong with the current system; it sounds great.
Routing is:
Channel 1: Cambridge Duo phono pre into 2 x parametric EQs with balanced outs
Channel 2: Topping DX7 Pro DAC with balanced outs
Output: Genelec 8020A powered monitors
A priority for me is low noise level and neutrality of signal path. Compact size is also desirable.
Would others regard a passive switch (e.g. Kramer VS4X or Arx Iso Switcher or similar) as better or worse than a balanced merge box (e.g. Palmer MBL, Arx IsoCombiner Duo or Radial Mix 2:1 (I'd obviously need two of those as it's mono))? The mergers are more expensive as it's a more complicated build with the transformers. However, with a merge box I wouldn't need to access it so I could hide it behind the stack. Some active mergers are available but then you're up at the same price as the preamp so there's no benefit.
Is a transformer balanced merger likely to affect the signal? Is a switch simpler and therefore more desirable? Which would give the least impact on the signal?
I will never be using both devices at the same time. I'm just looking to run two boxes into one set of speakers.
I'm aware I could pick up a small mixer for the same or less money but the system is on a shelf so not that convenient for a horizontal format like a mixer; I'd also be worried that an active mixer introduces unnecessary extra circuitry (like the channel EQ) and potential noise.
Thanks
Toby
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