Could a Pre-AMP be used to control 2 audio source to AMP

kingtut · 08-29-2004, 03:27 PM

Here is what I am thinking since I can't (easily/cheaply) replace my HU.
Use a pre-AMP to control which source goes to the AMP, one source will be the PC the other would be the HU after converting the speaker level to line level, would that work.
At least that is what a pre-amp should do, switch sources safely, the one I have in my leving room does that.

JC-S60 · 08-29-2004, 03:37 PM

Well, a pre-amp in a home stereo does more. It brings all inputs to the same level (and does riaa correction on the phono-in) and then also controls volume and basic equalizer functions.

For what you want to do, if the level of the 2 sources is controllable, just a line-level switch will do. You can find them in most consumer-audio stores, for people that want to add one or more inputs to their home stereo pre-amp.
As these are passive elements, you won't have troubles in the car.

kingtut · 08-30-2004, 02:16 AM

I could not find any thing using

, do you have any particular device in mind, that would be helpfull. Thanks

iCe_MoUtOn · 08-31-2004, 10:45 AM

http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=15%2D1983

This is an A/V (audio video) switch.. look for something like that but for audio only.. my guess is best buy or any electronics store you have up in NJ ...

Onyx · 08-31-2004, 04:37 PM

I belive radio shack (and plenty of other places online) also has an auto-switching switch that will automatically flip between one of the two inputs depending on which one is on. I'm not sure what it would do if both inputs were "on", but it might be worth looking into. It's more expensive, but could be hidden in the trunk/under a seat. Having a manual switch box that you have to press the buttons to pick an input is cheaper, but quite ghetto IMO.

found a link to an auto sensing one: http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...%5Fid=15-1988#

sounds like it switches to the device "most recently powered on". Wonder if there's one made for car audio (or better yet, built into an amp). This one needs AC power and has TV/video crap.

kingtut · 09-01-2004, 03:08 AM

Thanks guys, will give them a shot

JC-S60 · 09-01-2004, 04:09 AM

You can make one yourself, if you are any good with soldering...