I’m trying to wrap my head around some RCA routing.
I’m going to have 2 RCA splitters coming off a source device (line level), one set going to a headphone amp, and the other going to Edifier R1700BTS. I’ll just power off the speakers or headphone amp when the other is in use.
I also want to have my phono preamp going to the Edifiers. I was planning to use some splitters in reverse (mergers), but just found some information online saying this is bad and can damage the speakers. Something to due with impedance. Both sources should never be used at once, but it is possible that both signals are accidentally sent at once, and I don’t want to blow anything up. Is piggy backing really that bad?
The other solution is to just utilize both inputs on the Edifiers, which isn’t ideal as I then have to run 2 cables and switch my input every time I switch sources, but that raises some more questions as both inputs have different sensitivities. One is listed as 700+50mv and the other is 550+50mv. Which of these would be better suited for the turntable, and which one is better for the digital 44.1hz stream?
Definitely don’t merge two sources into one input. Either a passive switch or a preamp kept within reach could be a solution if you wanted to avoid having to switch inputs on the speaker itself.
Ok merging idea scrapped! Drawing it out again I think I have a solution. I actually just ordered a JDS Labs OL Switcher to put in the chain off the phono preamp, but if I just use splitter cables there, I can move the switch to be right before the speaker and that should solve my problems.
I’m relying on the fact that splitting RCA cables won’t cause any discernable quality loss based on what I’ve read. Everything I’m splitting will be at line level before it gets amplified, so I believe the signal will still be solid.
Putting in another switch or two would make it “purer”, but I don’t want to have to flip 3 switches every time I switch inputs or outputs.
I guess I’m technically splitting twice in one path.
I’m splitting off the phono pre (one straight to the speaker, one to a Sonos port for streaming), then I’m again splitting off the Sonos Port (one to the speaker, one to the headphone amp).
I want the ability to cut the sonos port off the chain if I want to listen to the turntable by itself in one room (full analog until it hits the edifiers), but also have the option to stream vinyl through the house when I want. I then want to be able to stream the Sonos to either the speakers or the headphone amp.
(separately I’ll have a 4.4 going from the Zen Phono Pre to the Zen Can so vinyl to headphones can be higher quality)
So I guess when I am playing vinyl to the whole house, the signal will be split once from phono pre to Sonos Port, and then split a second time before it hits the Edifiers. But this is my chain where I’m accepting a loss in quality for convenience, so as long as it’s not a big drop in quality I’m ok with it.
Trying to plan this out with the Sonos Port being both a source and an output is really confusing, I’ve had to literally draw it out a couple times haha.
Yeah, I’ve been trying to figure out how to stream vinyl to the whole house without having to switch to the Sonos ecosystem since I already have a ton of Google devices. Seems about the only option is some form of RPi device.
When I bought the Sonos Port, I was under the impression that the turntable would pass through untouched when I wasn’t using the sonos system. That is not the case… I am 99% sure it digitizes the signal, then it goes through the port’s DAC.
The weirdest part is that they have you choose your delay setting, and they recommend a 2s delay if you’re not involving a TV. There is nothing as unsettling as dropping the needle and then having to wait 2 full seconds to hear the needle drop. Just isn’t right…
That’s why I want to be able to bypass it when I’m in “hifi” mode, yet have the streaming option there for when I’m moving around the house. It’s a solid (overpriced) product, but I can definitely see it not being what people on this board would demand.
Splitting signals out can work, splitting signals in can work, they can also blow up our source or destination depending on various factors. Check with your vendor as to exactly what you’re trying to do and they’ll let you know if it’s safe or not. If you’re dealing with high dollar components, it’s not worth the crap shoot. (granted it’s not a crap shoot for those that know the technicalities) but it is for me.
I was definitely over complicating things. Moving the switch to the end of the chain made everything easier.
The JDS Labs OL Switch I have on order has 2 inputs and 2 outputs, I was forgetting about the second output. So I just need to route everything through it since I’m working with 2 inputs and 2 outputs.
Will just need the one splitter off of the phono preamp.
