Hello!
This question comes up sometimes as well as the question if we can do source selection via one knob instead of two on the larger kits. Because of this I'll expand the answer a bit beyond your question - I hope that's o.k.!
First off it is a kit (or a custom built kit if we build it) so it's possible to do lots of changes. The reasons I went with 2 toggles (or 2 rotary switches) are:
1- The 'flow' of the internal wiring is much cleaner this way. The right and left channel wiring is at the sides of the enclosure then flows to the front and over to the transformer primaries on each side. If we use one switch it'll have to cross the chassis and it's not as clean and the signal path would be longer. This was the primary factor when I made the choice.
2- It's easier to wire this way. Because there are fewer wires landing on each switch (toggle or rotary) it is easier to hook-up and there is less chance of a wiring error or a bod connection. This was a considderation for the kit as lots of builder are quite new to this stuff.
3- Channel to channel crosstalk is lower. This may or may not be a factor but it is in theory better to keep them separate and it can't hurt. The Stereo Seiden switch does not share this concern as it is physically very large (especially compared to a small toggle switch) and also has a copper sheild plate between channels making it really like 2 switches from an electrical point of view.
This was the logic for the way it was done but as I mentioned up top it is fine to change it and not hard to do. You can get 4 pole toggles and I may even have some around here somewhere so if you wanted on that way we could do it easily.
To kinda finish the one knob vs. two discussion I'll mention the volume knob. I get the question of if we can do dual mono level switches (kind of the opposite of Josh's request!). The kit chassis was not layed out this way but I sometimes stock mono Seiden switches and sell them to folks doing their own DIY cases. The reasons I went with one knob are:
1- It just seems natural to have one knob.
2- It's cheaper and electrically just as good. Wioth a switch as expensive as the Seiden we use in that position the dual mono arrangement would add quite a bit to the cost of a kit.
3- I used to build stuff with dual mono level controls and I quickly got really tired of always making sure the 2 level controls were set matched.
As always please post any questions or suggestions!
Thanks!
John Chapman
www.bentaudio.com
