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Newb help request - I have 2 in and 2 out - looking for the "Grand Central Station" of my Home...

post #1 of 7
1/12/13 at 4:50pm
Thread Starter 

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So I'm reading and clickin' and surfin' and I just can't figure this one out so far.

 

First - What I'm looking for and what I'll be using it for:

 

I'm looking to finish my Version 1.0 rig for audiophile beginners. This is for my home office. I'll be listening to headphones 80% and speakers 20%.

 

 

Sources:

 

1. Laptop - (90% of the time) USB output of WAV files, CD player, Mp3's, YouTube vids, Internet radio. (90% WAV files)

2. Record Player - (10% of the time for starters) I'm looking to get into vinyl - thinking about the Rega RP1 record player (might need a pre-amp for this - depends) - Planning on buying this piece in February after more research.

 

 

 

"Grand Central Station"

Whatever I need to hook all this jazz together - one unit or multiple units?

???

 

I have a HeadRoom Total Bithead on the way that I think would actually route everything. Would need a phono pre-amp for sure. 

 

As a possible improvement, I found a  NuForce Icon 2 that looks like it would do everything. Also - would need a pre-amp

 

 

 

 

Output:

 

1. Headphones - (80% of the time) I have AT ATH-M50's which are closed back, my next pair maybe a really nice pair of open-back.

2. Speakers - (20% of the time) I'm considering powered speakers like Audio Engine A2W on their own stands on either side of monitor. Want to decide on and order these in the next few weeks.

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

So that's my question- how do I hook up two IN to two OUT?

 

Integrated Amp with phono in?

Separate phone pre-amp?

Keep everything separate and just swap plugs every time I switch back and forth?

 

 

A few notes - this is my Version 1.0 Home Office rig. I don't want to go crazy and drop 5 grand on gear before I know more about everything. Later on I plan on maybe putting together a really nice Version 2.0 floor rig in my Master bedroom. I would use my knowledge then and get some really nice kit for that.


Edited by Grevlin - 1/12/13 at 5:23pm
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post #2 of 7
1/12/13 at 6:04pm

For an inexpensive all in one solution check out the ART Phono Plus V2 PA and the ESI  Phonorama.

 

Also Native Instruments do s eries of interfaces with nuilt in Phon Preamps.

Although you might be better off with something like the Focusrite 2i4 interface and an inexpensive stand alone phono pre-amp.

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post #3 of 7
1/12/13 at 6:17pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the info RD - that Focusrite looks like its geared for instruments?

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post #4 of 7
1/13/13 at 7:00am
Thread Starter 

Well, I've had a few thoughts.

 

On the record player side, if I use this: BELLARI - VP130 TUBE PHONO PREAMP

I can just plug headphones into it to listen. The output can run over to the desktop equip, mainly to feed the speakers when I want to go loud.

Anyone have experience with this one?

 

 

Then I would have to sort out the desktop equip.

 

...still researching.


Edited by Grevlin - 1/13/13 at 7:08am
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post #5 of 7
1/13/13 at 7:10am
Check out electronicsusa.com, they have a selection of audio switches that can do those things. Works pretty well for me.

For your needs, may need to daisy chain one or two together though.
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post #6 of 7
1/13/13 at 7:22am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by MannerPylon View Post

Check out electronicsusa.com, they have a selection of audio switches that can do those things. Works pretty well for me.

For your needs, may need to daisy chain one or two together though.

 

Yeah, I know I can patch it all together but I'm concerned about losing sound quality with all the steps involved.

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post #7 of 7
1/15/13 at 3:45pm

If you are prepared to spend that much you might want to have a look at the http://www.mackie.com/products/bigknob/ Mackie Big Knob.

 

It even has a built in phono pre amp!

 

 

Quote:
that Focusrite looks like its geared for instruments?

 

Well it does have a Hi-Z input that allows you to plug in a guitar or keyboard but all the inputs double as standard line level. So you can plug anything in. CD players, DACs, interfaces, MIDI controllers, tape machines etc etc. It's really just a more up to date and flexible version of the pre amp section on an old integrated amp or receiver.

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