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Multiple Turntable Switch Box

ChefE

ChefE

Active Member
Hi. I'm curious. Does anyone manufacture a selector switch box specifically designed for turntables, multiple turntables? A separate component as a hub for individual turntables, even when using a phono preamp, with or without ground wires, and RCA interconnects/cables/jacks.
Similar to a A/V switcher or tape selector box. Similar to a mixer, but without the mixing capability.
Something simple to hook up a bunch of different turntables into. Optional A or B output preferred. Does this product exist? What other options are available?
 
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There are a couple of phono preamps with 2 inputs / 1 output. Brand? sorry I do not remember, but I have seen them.
 
I used a speaker switch with good results. Used a multiple amp type just use TTS instead of amps. Then ran the switch box outputs back to the preamp. Worked like a charm.
 
For casual use a phono switcher may be usable but for critical listening the added circuitry and additional cable length will add capacitance that will roll off your high frequencies.
Many preamps and receivers have 2 phono inputs which (while limited) might serve your purposes.
 
I use the Rek-O-Cut Low Noise Phono/Aux Switch [that's what it's called].
Reportedly made with turntable input in mind.
I'd rather it had a rotary switch than buttons, and there's only two inputs/one output.
Still for 50-60 bucks, it does the job.

I always have at least two turntables hooked up. Currently, three.
If I had more room, I'd have four ready to roll.
 
There is a danger with switch boxes such as the example. If the volume of your system is up and you switch tables, you may experience a very loud "pop", because of the make/break. I run 3 tables in my vinyl room and each has its own dedicated phono preamp.
 
I used a cheap radio shack passive 4 way switchbox for a few years that worked pretty good.
Since it had no power to it it didn;t impart any artifacts to the low signal and sounded ok as far as I could tell.
I ran 4 TT's through it at one point until I got a Yamaha preamp with 2 MM inputs.
 
Top of line I have experience with is the KAB RSX-1 spendy though. Uses a latching relay, zero noise during the switching of the inputs. Wired remote. Can be used in multiple configurations and has about 12-15 pF capacitance impact. So helpful for mm. I use mine now to feed mc signals into my Pass XP-25. It has no audible footprint

https://www.kabusa.com/rsx1.htm

The Technolink specifically excludes using Moving Coil cartridge so must have some low signal level issues? Be curious of the capacitance if someone tries one
 
https://www.dbsystemsaudio.com/access.html Second item, switch box. I have an older 4 input unit but it has a ground connection for each of the five sets of jacks.
Used it for phono but haven't done esoteric audiophile testing on it but it worked just fine with a very low output moving coil cartridge among others.
 
As many have pointed out, some of the basic (less pricey) switch-boxes may degrade the sound of LOMCs, their output level is so low. Blue Shadow mentions the DB Systems unit — I've had their full-function preamp for 25 years, quality is top-notch, both sound- and build-quality. And the price is almost absurdly low for what you get.
 
Doing this two ways. First I got a Dak preamp mixer from an Aker for $20. Two phones in. Has a level controls for each turntable plus a fader. Have it on the bench to test turntables with out reaching behind my test amp. They work great. Saw some on Eprey. My second way is a switch box from Radio Shack for tape decks. I use this on my living room system. My 4270 Marantz has only one phono input. Have a Dual 1010 and a 1229 hookedto this setup. Works well. Doubt you can find this switch box. Validly’s suggestion looks good.
 
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WaynerN said:
There is a danger with switch boxes such as the example. If the volume of your system is up and you switch tables, you may experience a very loud "pop", because of the make/break. I run 3 tables in my vinyl room and each has its own dedicated phono preamp.
Click to expand...

Into what? Individual line level inputs on your amp or into a switch box and then to a single line level input?
 
ChefE said:
Hi. I'm curious. Does anyone manufacture a selector switch box specifically designed for turntables, multiple turntables? A separate component as a hub for individual turntables, even when using a phono preamp, with or without ground wires, and RCA interconnects/cables/jacks.
Similar to a A/V switcher or tape selector box. Similar to a mixer, but without the mixing capability.
Something simple to hook up a bunch of different turntables into. Optional A or B output preferred. Does this product exist? What other options are available?
Click to expand...
There are a number of different ways to skin this cat. For a passive option, I'd choose something with a rotary knob over something with push buttons.
 
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