As I mentionned some time earlier, I will be in need at some point of a good analog switch as the number of devices I need connected using 5.1 analog increases and I have only one set of inputs on receiver/pro. The Zentek stuff is 100% exactly what I need, but at 600-700$, my wallet is getting nervous.
I found the following at Monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10112&cs_id=1011201&p_id=3027&seq=1&format=2). Are these devices very generic or do they support protocols so that if I try to use the 6 inputs for audio instead of Component Video+Audio it will not work?
At 20$, I am tempted to try it unless there is even the slightest possibility to dammage something.
I looked at the reviews and some people have been using it for audio. I think there was a discussion of this unit some time in the past. I'm looking for something like this so I can use analog input switching for my Oppo 970 and plan on getting a BluRay player. If you try it let us know.
I ordered it. At the very least I can use it as a switch for my Audiobytes as I will soon have three sources for them.
I think you need wider bandwidth for video, but hopefully some actual scientist will be along shortly to offer more than conjecture.
I'm not a scientist, but I play one on the Axiom forums. Video requires 100 times the bandwidth of audio, and should have matched impedance, where as audio is unmatched. If a device can pass component video signals cleanly, it'll have no trouble with audio.
I hear you, ClubNeon. My concern is more in the line that the device expects some digital handshaking and "understands" components signals. If it is just am analog passthrough with higher bandwidth, I'm in business. If not... I guess my Audiobytes just got their switch!
From the Knowledge Base:
Question: Can I use this switch to switch 5.1 channel analog audio instead?
Answer: No, it won't work. Levels are not matched between the inputs.
Bad luck. Seems there are re-transmission amps in there, and the video ones have a different gain than the audio.
Well, get a complex-enough system and you'll find need for anything. I was reviewing some coming connections this morning and realized that I was using 2 S-Video cables instead of 2 components because I had ran out component inputs... Gee. Now look at what I just ordered to fullfill another need (and failed at it)...
Hm... Go the unit. Tried it with audiobytes... Regardless of the combination of inputs I was using, I got the same exact results. With my SACD player, I got a terrible ground loop, but it was not entirely unexpected (long story). Unfortunately, that prevented from doing actual testing. Levels seemed consistent, except that I had my center channel flipped with a surround wich made my measurements unreliable. When I re-install tear down my system next week, I will try to create a mini setup to try swithcing between 3 6ch analog units.
But now it leaves me without a component switch... Darn! Can't win!
For those of you keeping score, I have final word on this. Got the second unit and, with new setupm, it does not work at all. Levels are very low and there is a terrible hum. I guess that is why the switches meant for that purpose are more expensive!
