Yamaha AX-570 amp

[JoeE SP9]

A switch box like the one in the link below is what you need. It accommodates up to six stereo inputs with one stereo output.

http://www.amazon.com/TC-716-Stereo-...elector+switch

[Yamahog12]

Thank you.

[blackraven]

Schiit Audio makes a higher end 2 input switcher with a volume control. It's what I would buy if I needed an extra input. It will be of higher quality.

Schiit Audio, Headphone amps and DACs made in USA.

[Yamahog12]

Thanks. I think I found a way to avoid the need for this switch by using the second optical input for the DVD/TV signal. I currently have a blutooth receiver connected to that but I really don't use it.

Thanks, also, for your TT suggestions. I will look more closely at those and other options as I become a little more educated on all of it. I can tell upgrading will cost me more than I had originally thought but you gave me some good ideas to keep it all within my budget.

[blackraven]

Thanks. I think I found a way to avoid the need for this switch by using the second optical input for the DVD/TV signal. I currently have a blutooth receiver connected to that but I really don't use it.

Thanks, also, for your TT suggestions. I will look more closely at those and other options as I become a little more educated on all of it. I can tell upgrading will cost me more than I had originally thought but you gave me some good ideas to keep it all within my budget.

I was in a similar dilemma as you. When I wanted to resurrect my vinyl I needed to start from scratch. I debated a long time as to whether or not I wanted to spend a lot of money on an analog rig. It boiled down to how much vinyl I would listen to and the condition of my old vinyl. I ended up buying a refurbished Vintage 1970's Thorens TT at a price that was too good to turn down from a friend. I paired it with a very good cartridge and a decent phono preamp that a friend gave me. For well under $1K I have a very satisfying system. I love my vinyl but it gets used about once a month. I can't really see spending more except for a phono preamp upgrade in the future.

[Yamahog12]

I'm definitely an audiophile wannabe. I recall the first time I ever heard a really decent stereo at a friend's house when I was about 16. It was his older brother's and I was just bowled over by how good the music sounded. I'd never heard anything like it. Many years later and I can better afford to buy stuff but I still have to slow down and come to my senses sometimes!

Also, as I get older I'm not sure my hearing is able to fully appreciate the ultra-expensive stuff anyway. But I'm happy with my amp and with my speakers. I have a Yamaha CD player that seems decent and now to the TT. I asked my wife if she'd be offended if I upgraded, since she bought the TT I currently have. She said emphatically no. She's pretty cool about things like that. So now I'm excited about getting a new one and maybe I can get a few bucks on Craigslist for my old one.

Regarding the switch box you suggested above, if one input is the phono preamp and the other is the DVD/TV, why does this work when splitting the RCA inputs does not? In other words, why was the TT signal so weak using the splitters even when the TV was turned off?

I also need to learn about how to create/buy better quality CDs. I read some posts about some programs that do this and I need to research it some. I know very little about this stuff. When I first discovered i-tunes I thought I had hit the motherload, but then I read that the quality of the downloads isn't very good. Again, I just need to research this stuff when I get time.

Going through my old vinyls the other day is pretty cool. Not only is the format of the music cool, so is the album cover art and presentation. Oh well. I digress. I better get back to work. Thanks!

[blackraven]

I am 57 and my hearing is rolled off above 12.5Khz but I can still tell the difference between high fidelity and midfi. I am still overly sensitive to bright systems and sibilants. I can still appreciate detail, resolution, air and transparency. I can still pick out subtle differences in vacuum tubes and usb cables. And believe it or not, most high end and ultra high end gear is made for middle aged and older people because we are the one's that can most afford it. What is nice about audio today, there is a renaissance in good sounding reasonably priced gear with the advent of better and cheaper DAC's and good digital amps and low to moderate power integrated amps. You can put a nice sounding system together for under $1k.

Your system is awesome. I believe I recommended the Peach Tree. It is an excellent sounding integrated with plenty of power and it would be at home and not be embarrassed with higher end gear.. Your speakers are well regarded as well. If you ever wanted to take your system to another level, upgrading your DAC and digital player to something like HQ Player or Bug Head would really make a difference.

The Schiit Audio switcher works because it has 2 inputs and it allows you to switch between them without splitting the signal.

Cheers,

Larry