Considerations for adding a 4th RCA input...

[jwilcox]

I'm about to build my first BH Stereomour, and am going through all of the logistics now as I'm waiting on the kit to arrive.  One of the challenges I'm looking to solve is that I have four sources that I'd like to connect, and the Stereomour only has 3-inputs.  I've considered a few options, and wanted to see if anyone had already solved this.  One option:  The Submissive.  Definitely slick-looking, but it may be overkill for what I'm trying to do.  There are simpler/uglier solutions for just an RCA switch box (ex:  Niles AXP-1), but that introduces more connections/wires/switches/noise into the signal-path.  Finally, I'm wondering if I don't just modify the Stereomour to have a 4th input before I build.  Has anyone done this?  Seems I'd need a new switch, and someplace to add the 4th set of RCA's...

I believe I'd want a 4-pole switch, but I've never seen a 4-pole/4-throw, so I think we're talking about 2-decks (2-pole, 4-throw, 2-deck)?  Any suggestions for a good switch?  Also, has anyone modified the top plate to add a 4th input? Looks a bit tight, but I'm wondering if an extra pair couldn't fit between the RCA's and the binding posts... 

Just looking for a nice/clean solution, and trying to add as little in the signal path as possible to get the best sound possible.  Hoping someone else has met/overcome this as well!  Thanks for your help!

[coca]

The Parts Connexion in Canada have a couple of switches that may work :DACT 2 POLl 1-6 POSITION-
Expensive though or CONNEX-They may both work.

Bernie.

[caffeinator]

Hi there,

I haven't built the stereomour, so I don't know the configuration of the supplied switch.  It might be worth seeing if it has more than three throws.

However, are you sure you need four poles?  Can't you use a three pole switch and tie the grounds together on the third pole?

[borism]

I bought a goldpoint selector switch, though only for 3 inputs (4 pole, one deck). They also offer dual deck switches for up to 6 positions. It may be expensive but is very high quality and has worked great so far.

[Paul Birkeland]

I would just add an external switch box.  What are your 4 sources?  There may be another way. 

-PB

[jwilcox]

My 4 sources:
- External Tuner
- Turntable Amp
- Mac Mini
- TV Output (I have my BluRay/etc all piped into TV and use TV to select source if TV is on)

I think a switch box might be a non-obtrusive option.  Any suggestions for a good one?

-Jacob

[Paul Birkeland]

Can the Mac Mini feed your TV?

[jwilcox]

The Mac Mini can feed the TV over HDMI (which works great when I have the TV on), and the audio would go out TV RCA to the amp.  But when I cut the TV display off and just want to stream music (most of the time), I'd lose audio.  For that reason, I usually just use the Mac Mini headphone port to the amp RCA inputs directly...  So you still think you'd just stick with the clean 3-input Stereomour (TV, MacMini, SwitchBox), and add a switch box (Phono, Tuner)?  Thanks!

-Jacob

[Bonzo]

Buy a Bottlehead DAC to handle both tv output and macmini
It will improve the sound too

[Paul Joppa]

Back when I had that problem, I put the two highest quality sources directly in, and the switch box for the rest in the third input. Mine was a cheapo $15 box from Radio Shack.