My take on the BeePre

[Paully]

I am thinking that I would rather have four inputs and I have no need of the balanced out.  So I thought i would just move the regular RCA out over to the balanced out spot and sub in some more RCA jacks to gain another input.  I have been searching and have come up with "Neutrik D Style" as stated on the product page.  So basically I need this, right?

http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Neutrik/NF2D-B-2/?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvlX3nhDDO4AENKlXxvJs2PoyYpzPF8P7w%3d

[johnsonad]

That's it. I had a couple sitting around from a previous project. I use that second set of outputs to drive a SEX amp for headphones. You could use it for subs too.

[Paully]

Yea, I was thinking whether or not I really want to go to another input or keep it a second output.  But I have four inputs I want to use and don't use a sub or any other secondary out (and I don't plan on upgrading my Altecs anytime soon to anything that would require a sub).  So another input might be a lot more helpful.  Though I do think about building a headphone amplifier someday.  Hmmm, decisions...

Thanks!

[Paul Birkeland]

You'll also need a different rotary switch: a 4P4T.  This is generally a 2 level rotary switch, which gets pricey. 

[Paully]

Wow, you're right.  $100 and then you get started.  Thinking that a second RCA out is sounding better and better if not just wire it up as intended!  Thanks!

[johnsonad]

I was thinking the same thing PB, that's a big ass switch.  Paully I rarely use a couple of sources and swap cables when needed.

[Paully]

Just got off the phone with Grainger after talking though PB's post and that exact same thought occurred to me.  I use vinyl 99% of the time.  CD for most of the rest.  I do have a SACD player and an MP3 player.  Thinking if I need to switch between the two there is absolutely no way I use them enough to merit this sort of PIA and expense.  Think I will just swap them out manually when needed like you.  Its not that big of a deal.

[Paul Birkeland]

You can also wire it completely stock and use a pair of these:
http://www.parts-express.com/xlr-female-to-rca-female-adapter--240-428

[Paully]

That's cool, PB, even better idea then.  I am just going to wire the inputs and outputs stock.  Saves me some shipping and I get the adapters at Radio Shack or order them later.  Sweet!

Just out of curiosity, Johnsonad, what Elma selector switch did you use that still allowed the proper grounding scheme (if I understand the concept correctly)?

[johnsonad]

I'll PM you this weekend Paully.  I suck at switches and the BH team would be able to tell you off the top of their collective heads.  I'm into a bottle of wine at the moment and don't want to risk flipping the BeePre until morning

[Paully]

Enjoy the wine!  I have some seriously special beer upstairs, think I will go get some.  And I think we have a couple of weeks before I would need to know anything!

Edit: beer brewed by Trappist monks, and a Bottlehead Eros, Foreplay, and Paramounts feeding some Altec Model 19s.  Must be Friday night!  Too much fun!

[Skip Pack]

A good alternative to a complex rotary switch is two 4pdt microswitches. Each of four (or three) inputs can be wired to the output bank of eyelets and the center eylets can be wired in parallel to the preamp circuit input. This switches four stereo inputs and grounds into the preamp. Michel Percy sells these for about $11 each, and they are quality switches (and very small). I've done these many times and it works very well.

Skip

[johnsonad]

Thanks Skip, I'm going to give it a try on my next preamp build.

[Paully]

Got it done, will post a picture with the big chokes on the chassis.  Sound was stunning.  Once again I was shocked by how much better something can make my system sound.  I didn't realize there was this much improvement left to be had.  The Bee Pre is magnificent.

[johnsonad]

Well said! BH really got it right with that preamp