Selector Switch

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guest1632

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Selector Switch
« on: 11 May 2009, 05:20 am »
Hi all,

Somewhere in this circle I asked for a good source of a Selector switch. I am in the process of either building or just getting a GGPreamp when I have the money. Anyhow, I wanted to get a good Selector Switch. I remember someone saying that a closed switch assembly doesn't make for a good audio switch. It was suggested, and that's where I need that thread, or where to find this switch. If I do get the kit, I want to replace the cheap Selector switch. It's gotta be a make and break type switch.

Thanks.

Ray Bronk

Niteshade

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Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #1 on: 11 May 2009, 11:46 am »
Ray- If you want just two inputs, a DPDT toggle switch rated for 5 amps or more is great. I doubt it would ever wear out. I never liked rotary switches, but if you were to go that route, get one with exposed contacts so you can clean them from time to time.


Blair

guest1632

  • Guest
Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #2 on: 11 May 2009, 07:55 pm »
Ray- If you want just two inputs, a DPDT toggle switch rated for 5 amps or more is great. I doubt it would ever wear out. I never liked rotary switches, but if you were to go that route, get one with exposed contacts so you can clean them from time to time.


Blair

Thanks Blair, The switch that was mentioned to me had an open frame. Somewheres in the $20 range. That's all I can remember. I guess I could search through the Lab threads and see if I could ffind it.

Thanks.

Ray

guest1632

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Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #3 on: 11 May 2009, 08:03 pm »
Ray- If you want just two inputs, a DPDT toggle switch rated for 5 amps or more is great. I doubt it would ever wear out. I never liked rotary switches, but if you were to go that route, get one with exposed contacts so you can clean them from time to time.


Blair

Hi again,

Gee, it's to bad they don't make triple pole, triple throw toggle switches.

Ray

JoshK

Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #4 on: 11 May 2009, 08:09 pm »
I am assuming you'd really only need a DP3T switch for 3 sources.  Two poles (for hot, neutral) and three positions on-on-on.  I believe they do make these switches.  I have a 4PDT switch, so you can get all crazy with switches.

JoshK

Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #5 on: 11 May 2009, 08:14 pm »
I remember someone saying that a closed switch assembly doesn't make for a good audio switch.
I'd think the opposite would be true.   :scratch:


  It's gotta be a make and break type switch.

For source switching it is more typical to be break before make, but for volume switches its make before break.


jeffdavison


JoshK

Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #7 on: 11 May 2009, 08:52 pm »

guest1632

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Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #8 on: 12 May 2009, 12:58 am »
I am assuming you'd really only need a DP3T switch for 3 sources.  Two poles (for hot, neutral) and three positions on-on-on.  I believe they do make these switches.  I have a 4PDT switch, so you can get all crazy with switches.

Actually, not to sure how that would work out. I'll stick to the rotary switch for now. lsol.

Ray

YoungDave

Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #9 on: 12 May 2009, 01:28 am »
You definitely need a break-before-make switch for a selector, otherwise you would have two sources mixed together for an instant during the switchover.  That might cause damage to a source.

I, too, am building a selector switch right now.  I'm building a stand-alone source selector switchbox for use with a Manley Steelhead's auxiliary input.  This will replace my SAS 10A if it sounds good.

The best selector I have ever seen is a DACT CT 3-5-4.  It has 5 positions, break-before-make, and has poles for both the signal and the ground for each source.  This enables you too keep the grounds isolated from common going through the switch, that is, you can keep both the signal & ground or shield connection from each source separate from the other sources.  The construction quality of the switch is superb.

You can find a few vendors on the WEB, including DIY Cable.  It sells for around $115.

I vouch for DACT in part because I replaced the Noble pots in my SAS 10A with a DACT step attenuator and obtained a significant improvement over the already high standard of the unit.  You can also motorize DACT switches with a quiet, proprietary stepper motor.

Hope this helps,
Dave

guest1632

  • Guest
Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #10 on: 12 May 2009, 02:43 am »
You definitely need a break-before-make switch for a selector, otherwise you would have two sources mixed together for an instant during the switchover.  That might cause damage to a source.

I, too, am building a selector switch right now.  I'm building a stand-alone source selector switchbox for use with a Manley Steelhead's auxiliary input.  This will replace my SAS 10A if it sounds good.

The best selector I have ever seen is a DACT CT 3-5-4.  It has 5 positions, break-before-make, and has poles for both the signal and the ground for each source.  This enables you too keep the grounds isolated from common going through the switch, that is, you can keep both the signal & ground or shield connection from each source separate from the other sources.  The construction quality of the switch is superb.

You can find a few vendors on the WEB, including DIY Cable.  It sells for around $115.

I vouch for DACT in part because I replaced the Noble pots in my SAS 10A with a DACT step attenuator and obtained a significant improvement over the already high standard of the unit.  You can also motorize DACT switches with a quiet, proprietary stepper motor.

Hope this helps,
Dave

Hi Dave,

Well, that sounds ok, except that the price tag for the switch. I guess I'll just have to perruse the threads of the Lab Circle and see if I can find it. I think it was about $27. Construction was good, and it was or had an open frame.

Ray Bronk

richidoo

Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #11 on: 12 May 2009, 03:10 am »
Elma is $39 at Michael Percy.
It may have been cheaper before last year's fuel and metal rallies.

My GG sounds quite good with the stock selector. Try it first, since it's included in the kit anyway.

An ALPS 4 position stereo selector switch is available from Mouser for $9. I used it in a Pass B1 kit, works fine.

guest1632

  • Guest
Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #12 on: 12 May 2009, 03:56 am »
Elma is $39 at Michael Percy.
It may have been cheaper before last year's fuel and metal rallies.

My GG sounds quite good with the stock selector. Try it first, since it's included in the kit anyway.

An ALPS 4 position stereo selector switch is available from Mouser for $9. I used it in a Pass B1 kit, works fine.


Well, I know the switch is included. I figured I'd try and do some preventative work for later. Did you up your opinion of the GG?

Send me a PM

Ray

richidoo

Re: Selector Switch
« Reply #13 on: 12 May 2009, 04:43 am »
It sounds great when used with moderate gain (20-26dB) amplifier. It is a great value for the money.