• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

does using an audio switcher decrease audio quality vs connecting directly.

A

aifrecords

New Member
In situation A. if i want to use an audio switcher (which most i see say for av,like using a vcr and dvd and game console to switch back n forth from your tv rca inputs ) but i want to use this kind of switch box for a quadraphonic amplifier to switch between cd,turntable, cassette tape decks etc without having to mess with changing wires in back of amp all the time, would a switchbox like ones used for tvs and av in a strictly audio setting decrease sound quality? they make any copper ones for audio?
then in situation B, for using it for tv with dvd audio player,vcr,surround sound amp, etc would it decrease audio quality?
 
Register to hide this ad
everything affects the sound. It will be a downgrade but whether you hear it or not is the issue. Listen and decide for yourself.
 
Blue Shadow said:
everything affects the sound. It will be a downgrade but whether you hear it or not is the issue. Listen and decide for yourself.
Click to expand...

This is what I was going to say. It has more potential to cause some sort of issue vs. not being there at all but I would guess you won't notice a difference as long as it's of adequate quality and functioning properly.
 
The quality of the of the existing gear will have a effect also. Is it revealing enough that it could be an issue?
 
fill35u said:
Would be interesting to see if any difference could even be measured.
Click to expand...

Depends more on how revealing the gear is. A 70’s mid-if receiver with some CV’s probably and it wouldn’t matter for any noise induced.
 
Last edited:
fill35u said:
How do you know it will hurt the sound, and not improve it?
Click to expand...

Dirt, corrosion, mixed metals of the conductors, interconnects, multiple connections added to the signal. Too many to mention them all.

How can that be an improvement? It is a switcher designed to switch not change the signal so it can't make the signal better.

But the listener might prefer the sound of it in the signal path.
 
Blue Shadow said:
How can that be an improvement? It is a switcher designed to switch not change the signal so it can't make the signal better.

But the listener might prefer the sound of it in the signal path.
Click to expand...

Thank you, just clarifying. Some people describe a change in the direction of their preference as an "improvement", even if it's a step further away from fidelity.
 
fill35u said:
Some people describe a change in the direction of their preference as an "improvement", even if it's a step further away from fidelity.
Click to expand...

Like the folks that talk down using tone controls but insist on using a tube buffer. Both the same, change what is there. Again up to the user to decide if they like the change.
 
Blue Shadow said:
Like the folks that talk down using tone controls but insist on using a tube buffer. Both the same, change what is there.
Click to expand...

Well, not quite the same. If there's a response problem for some reason (low Q resonance from a boomy box, poor speaker design, hearing loss) then a tone control could bring things back closer to fidelity. But a tube buffer that changes sound by adding harmonic distortion will be adding frequencies that were never there in the original.

Linear distortion vs. nonlinear distortion.
 
I have 2 switchers in use. 1 is a $12 RCA 4 input switcher that I got at Menards. It works great, no noise, no switching noise or pops, can't really tell if the sound is degraded to any degree. I also have a 5 input switcher from Audio Authority and it is on par with the Menards one. For practical purposes, there is not really a problem unless you suffer from extreme OCD.
 
fill35u said:
Thank you, just clarifying. Some people describe a change in the direction of their preference as an "improvement", even if it's a step further away from fidelity.
Click to expand...

Suffice to say any difference in fidelity will be insignificant, if at all. The delta factor is likely to be far greater just by moving your head 1" while listening than would be caused by the presence of a switcher in the signal path.
 
I am using a 4 bay switcher in a reverse mode and have not experienced any problems or sound degradation.

I run my iPod thru a Pure i20 into a DAC. Out of the DAC into the switcher and then to a headphone amp, receiver and also a HT receiver. Works just fine!!
 
I suppose the argument could be made that ANY extension of the path between your gear could affect sound quality ...

(This IS the room for arguments?) <G>

... but, as with a lot of the stuff we argue about, not enough to matter.

PS ... I have two dbx 200 switchers here for processors, and a Niles speaker switch as well. It would take a LOT of noise to offset the advantages of having the switches.

tapeloop-dbx200.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom