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Equalizer as multiplexer?

post #1 of 8
11/27/10 at 10:33pm
Thread Starter 

So I have the WA22 balanced headphone amp modified for two balanced sources but now I want to add a second balanced SS amplifier to the system. As an alternative to a switchbox or a preamp I was thinking of adding an inexpensive pro audio equalizer like the DBX 231, which utilizes both 1/4" and XLR in and out connections.

 

My thinking is if I connect my two sources to the two inputs of the equalizer with the appropriate cabling, that I can then connect the two outputs to the two different amps.

 

dbx_231rear_25w8.jpg

I have some concerns.

 

Will I add any noise, even if the EQ is defeated? My purpose is to multiplex the amps more than to add EQ capability, but that would be fun to play arund with.

 

I am imagining that I won't have any real problems as long as I don't have both sources activated at the same time, but would that damage anything? Would I be able to listen to both amps at the same time?

 

Finally am I asking for trouble here? It seems like there is this price tier for pro audio EQs, and another one that is roughly 10X as much.

 


Edited by grokit - 11/27/10 at 10:37pm
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post #2 of 8
11/28/10 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 

^ anybody?

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post #3 of 8
11/28/10 at 3:26pm

Having two sources in parallel is not a good idea.

Sources often have low impedance outputs meant

to drive high impedance inputs. Having one source

driving into another source has all sorts of nasty written

on it. I think you will need some kind of switching for

the sources. Driving the amps is much easier. A low

impedance output can drive several inputs without much

trouble. A more audiophile solution would be to have

a buffer for each output to isolate the amps from

one another.

So using the EQ is probably not the best idea.

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post #4 of 8
11/28/10 at 3:40pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for responding Avro_Arrow. So maybe I could use an a/b switch into the EQ for the two sources and then use the EQ as a splitter going to the two amps? I am guessing that an output buffer would be most helpful if I was going to run both amps at the same time but that is not necessarily the plan.


Edited by grokit - 11/28/10 at 3:48pm
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post #5 of 8
11/28/10 at 4:15pm

An A/B switch into the EQ would probably work fine.

Remember too that even when an amp is off, it is

still see by the output of the source the same as

when it is on...

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post #6 of 8
11/28/10 at 4:23pm
Thread Starter 

Yeah I guess I could always add another a/b switch instead of a buffer lol.

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post #7 of 8
11/28/10 at 4:45pm

You could just do an all passive switch box and save the price of the EQ...

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post #8 of 8
11/29/10 at 9:24am
Thread Starter 

What I have been looking for is a balanced 4-in 4-out (or 2 stereo channels) switch box but the one I referred to above is the closest I could find, which is a 4-in 2-out switchbox. I am not really set up for that kind of DIY project ATM.


Edited by grokit - 11/29/10 at 9:26am
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