Thinking too much probably... wiring alternatives for my system

[Sonnie Parker]

Currently I have a miniDSP main left + right XLR outputs running to an ARX RS-1 Remote Switcher... and the same outputs L+R XLR from a HTP-1 to the Switcher. When the HTP-1 is switched on it feeds thru the switch to the Magtech amps, and when off, the SHD feeds the Magtech amps. All XLR at this time.

Thinking about using RCA's from the SHD to the Magtech amp and eliminating the Switcher. Worse case issue is both the HTP-1 and SHD are both powered on at the same time feeding different signals to the amp. Highly unlikely that this would happen, as to get any signal from the SHD, I have to manually open Roon on my laptop and start playing music. I don't see me doing this when the HTP-1 is switched on and I'm watching video. I guess anything could happen, but shouldn't be an issue even if I did ... I don't think... unless I'm missing something. Opposite of that... I could be listening to music and turn on the HTP-1 to watch a show/movie and forget to turn off the SHD, but I've already stopped Roon, so there is no signal going thru it.

I'm thinking the SHD will output XLR and RCA at the same time, as I'll still need it to output XLR to the subs, or I could change those to RCA as well. The Magtech amps have RCA and XLR inputs, so that's not an issue.

Am I missing anything that could be an issue?
https://www.markertek.com/product/a...tereo-xlr-balanced-remote-controlled-switcher

 

[JStewart]

Is this your amp?

Sanders Sound Systems - Magtech Amp

Magtech Amplifier - with a linear, voltage regulated power supply.

sanderssoundsystems.com

If it is, it says right on it, paraphrasing, No, Don’t Do That!

 

[AudiocRaver]

Like JStewart and the Magtech say, DON'T. Since each of the two cables will come from low impedance sources, there is probably a point in the input circuitry where one will effectively short out the signal from the other, or something like that. It does not look like the two signals simply mix together. AND/OR, there could be a grounding issue.

 

[ddude003]

My McIntosh Solid State Power Amplifier emphatically states: Warning Will Robinson, Do Not Connect BALanced and UNBALanced Inputs At the Same Time... RTM...

Input Sensitivity (for rated output) 2.4 Volts BALanced vs 1.2 Volts UNBALanced...

 

[Sonnie Parker]

Well just be that way... I never said I could read.

I did look at the back of the unit to make sure it had RCA inputs, but the writing was upside down and cataract surgery took my reading away from me.

This was such a cool idea and you all had to go and just pure ruin it for me.

 

[ddude003]

Well just be that way... I never said I could read.

I did look at the back of the unit to make sure it had RCA inputs, but the writing was upside down and cataract surgery took my reading away from me.

This was such a cool idea and you all had to go and just pure ruin it for me.

I don't think we wanted to rain on your parade @Sonnie, just wanting to save you from the smoke and fire... Wouldn't want to see those fancy new Amp stands melt... Wouldn't you rather BBQ out on your new gazebo??

 

[Sonnie Parker]

I don't think we wanted to rain on your parade @Sonnie, just wanting to save you from the smoke and fire... Wouldn't want to see those fancy new Amp stands melt... Wouldn't you rather BBQ out on your new gazebo??

Oh c'mon now... you know you all enjoyed it immensely.

 

[ddude003]

Oh c'mon now... you know you all enjoyed it immensely.

Are you suggesting that we can't give good technical advice and point and laugh at the same time?

 

[AudiocRaver]

Sorry, friend. Sounds like you are looking for a fairly simple mixing function with two sources mixed together going into each of your Magtech power amps. You know you will only have one of those two sources active at a time, and if one should overlap the other for a few seconds, no big deal, and that will probably never happen, right?

Question: must one of the sources be a balanced source, with XLR cable? Can they both be RCA interconnected sources? That would simplify things a lot and would allow you to accomplish your task with a pair of small DIY passive signal mixer boxes, one to the RCA input of the Left Magtech and the other to the Right Magtech. I have done this before and it works great.

BTW, my way was quick and ugly but worked fine. I am sure yours would be a lot neater, because that's the way you do things.

I would suggest doing it with a pair of equal value - let's say 1,000 ohm - non-inductive 1/2 watt resistors from Mouser or such an electronic parts supplier. I have dealt with Mouser, their prices are very reasonable, and they have no minimum quantities, great as a DIY source, and they carry all the weird stuff you can imagine. Each of the two input signals will feed into a separate resistor. Those resistors mix the two input signals together to become a voltage divider so you end up losing 6 dB going through this little network. But the entire circuit is super simple, super cheap, and requires no power supply, plus near-zero added noise (theoretical self-noise of the resistors is -129dB or so) and zero distortion and no affect on frequency response (with a little care).

Let me know if you want more details.

 

[AudiocRaver]

PS - There ARE a few more complicated factors, so if you are interested in the approach we should talk before you go ordering parts.

 

[Sonnie Parker]

PS - There ARE a few more complicated factors, so if you are interested in the approach we should talk before you go ordering parts.

The issue is the HTP-1 only has XLR outputs... so I would have to use XLR to RCA cables or adaptor on all of those.

It's passively switched now, although thru the XLR cables using the ARX RS-1 switcher. I believe Amir at ASR tested this ARX and it was dead silent as well. While it doesn't interfere with anything, I was just thinking it would eliminate the need for the ARX and make it simpler. Not really a big deal at all.

 

[AudiocRaver]

Alright, just thinkin.