Hi folks,

I'm looking for sugestions for good quality relays to use in an audio switch.

What I want to do is build a 6 channel switch to change the input to my preamp between my dvda/sacd player and hd dvd player.

I know there are a few options out there but they seem pricey for such a basic function.

My second question - are relays the best method of switching for this application?

Thanks,
Steve

I don't know if realys are the "best" as that can be debated all day...

The only thing eaiser would be a rotery swtich but relays might be cheaper and won't suffer from wear as fast.

really any relay should work fine for this purpose, I would suggest using reed relays as their contacts are sealed and their operation is very quiet.

Here is a nice one available from Digikey (http://us.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=155078&Row=494 480&Site=US) The Hamlin HE722A1210 (http://www.hamlin.com/images/upload/ByCatalogue/pdf/he700.pdf) is a 12V double pole single throw reed relay that fits in a DIP socket, so you will need three per input component. At $3.28 each it's not bad.

The DIY Forum has a thread on multi- channel switching.
Probably in the Solid State Amplifier section.

http://www.diyaudio.com/

Thanks for the replies,
If I have any success I will post here.
Still looking for sugestions for brands, models of relays

Thanks,
Steve

The DIY Forum has a thread on multi- channel switching.
Probably in the Solid State Amplifier section.
http://www.diyaudio.com/
Today, I went looking for the thread on DIY Forum.
But it wasn't there. But I remember seeing it somewhere. I'll keep looking.

I don't know if realys are the "best" as that can be debated all day...

The only thing eaiser would be a rotery swtich but relays might be cheaper and won't suffer from wear as fast.

really any relay should work fine for this purpose, I would suggest using reed relays as their contacts are sealed and their operation is very quiet.

Here is a nice one available from Digikey (http://us.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail?Ref=155078&Row=494 480&Site=US) The Hamlin HE722A1210 (http://www.hamlin.com/images/upload/ByCatalogue/pdf/he700.pdf) is a 12V double pole single throw reed relay that fits in a DIP socket, so you will need three per input component. At $3.28 each it's not bad.
you'll also need a power supply for the relay's controlling circuit (possibly the 12v triggers of one of your source components if they have one), requisite resistors, led's, project box, pcb, rca jacks..etc, not to mention you'll probaly destroy a few elements before your done - not an issue if you're truly into this.

But you begin to approach the cost of 3 stereo audio switchers: NilesPS1 (http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=PS-1&recordID=Source%20Switching%20Systems&categoryID=Automated%20Switching%20Systems&catcdID=10&prdcdID=FG00012)
NilesAXP1 (http://www.nilesaudio.com/product.php?prodID=AXP-1&recordID=Source%20Switching%20Systems&categoryID=Automated%20Switching%20Systems&catcdID=10&prdcdID=FG00002)

Today, I went looking for the thread on DIY Forum.
But it wasn't there. But I remember seeing it somewhere. I'll keep looking.I found the links. It might take some work, to make what you want.
http://electronics.dantimax.dk/Kits/Selectors_-_attenuators/index.html
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42589&perpage=10&pagenumber=1