OK, I'll admit it: I didn't think about this before deciding to go format-neutral with the purchase of separate Blu-ray and HD-DVD players... how do I switch the audio between the two?

The problem I have is that my preprocessor (an Outlaw 990) doesn't have an HDMI input, so HDMI switchers won't do the trick. The only way I can enjoy high-quality audio is to let my two players do the decoding... but I only have one set of 7.1 channel analog RCA inputs on my 990.

I can't believe I'm the first person to face this dilemma... or maybe I am! Audiophiles with both SACD and DVD-Audio players only had to deal with six discrete channels on their 5.1 systems, so I'm guessing they adapted component video switchers for their needs... but my Panasonic DMP-BD10 has eight channels to deal with (it has 7.1 channel analog outputs).

Any suggestions?

I am using 2 composite video and analog audio switches to switch my 5.1 audio. I run front left and right and center in one switch and the sub and surrounds in the other switch. These are 4 in and one out switches so I can switch four audio devices.
This is a cheap way to do it . To do 7.1 add one more switch.

Do you notice any degradation in signal quality using a component video switcher in this manner? I thought I read somewhere that since those things were designed for video and not audio that the signals get filtered/lessened in strength...?

I'll most likely be in your shoes soon enough. If I haven't found a new receiver by then I'll be picking up one of these. (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=101&cp_id=10112&cs_id=1011201&p_id=3027&seq=1&format=2&style=)

I am using 2 composite video and analog audio switches to switch my 5.1 audio. I run front left and right and center in one switch and the sub and surrounds in the other switch. These are 4 in and one out switches so I can switch four audio devices.
This is a cheap way to do it . To do 7.1 add one more switch.

Exactly the way I am handling this. Picked up a couple of mechanical switches from Radio Shack for $15 apiece. Have not had any issues with sound quality at all. LCR through one switch and LS,RS and sub through the other.

Most of the Zektor switches can handle 5.1 audio switching. They are not inexpensive but they are remote controlled and high quality.

Laters,
Jeff

Honestly I just run my Panny BD player to the analogs on my Arcam and the Tosh to the optical hookup. My Arcam's DACs are so much better than the A1's that even when playing lossless codecs from that A2 there is only a minimal gain in sound quality (mostly in detail clarity). The A1 has beter DACs than most midrange recievers, so I can't answer the question for anyone else, except (worse case scenario) to suggest that you look at which format has more movies that you are watching with uncompressed/lossless audio and just hook that one up.

No problems at all my AVR has 2 sets of analog 7.1 inputs.

No problems at all my AVR has 2 sets of analog 7.1 inputs.

That is sweet.

This is what I am using and plan to in the future also. I have the exact same Pre/Pro as you are using (outlaw 990). Right now I switch between a YamahaDVD-C920 DVD-Audio Player and a SonySCD-CE775 SACD player on Input 1 and 2. That leaves the bypass unused for the Panny Bluray player (in the next couple of months after the next update). The additional 2 back channels will go directly to the Outlaw.

I also plan to remove the yammy dvd-audio player and add the Toshiba AX2.

This 5.1 preamp sounds great and adds fleibility to the system.

I run this system through 5 conrad johnson 2 channel amps and it sounds very good.

So I will end up running Bluray, DVD-Audio, HD-DVD, and SACD all through the Sony P9000ES!

Sony P9000ES (http://cgi.videogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?preamisc&1158791881&class&3&4&)

No problems at all my AVR has 2 sets of analog 7.1 inputs.
What is the make and model of your AVR?

Using 2 players and having to switch inputs was a deciding factor in choosing a combo player -- as was equipment space requirements.

Actually I do switch inputs (HDMI, Coaxial & Optical) using an Octava 4 x 1 HDMI Switch with Optical Toslink Routing -- between 2 TiVo S3's and the LG BH100 combo player.

Use a $20 Philips mechanical switch from Wal*Mart.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8011303&&#post8011303

I'm using y adaptors on my pre-amp, and analog cables from both devices to the y adaptors ,you only use one or the other anyways,works great.Jim

Use a $20 Philips mechanical switch from Wal*Mart.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8011303&&#post8011303

I second this. Works for me at least.

I'm using y adaptors on my pre-amp, and analog cables from both devices to the y adaptors ,you only use one or the other anyways,works great.Jim
Now THAT is an interesting idea. I might try that since the cheapo Rat Shack A/B switches I was trying didn't work with the Toshiba HD-XA2.

I'm using y adaptors on my pre-amp, and analog cables from both devices to the y adaptors ,you only use one or the other anyways,works great.JimThis is an easy thing to try and, if it works for you, just fine. OTOH, success will depend on the relative output impedances of the two sources and the input impedance of the receiver.

I will be using the y cables also. It works fine. At worst, you can unplug one of the machines when you want to use the other.

I'm using y adaptors on my pre-amp, and analog cables from both devices to the y adaptors ,you only use one or the other anywaysI just don't like the idea of tying two line level outputs together without a series isolation resistor in each leg (1K ohm minimum). Call me a picky engineer who worries. :o

Just bought the Pioneer VSX-81TXV - sweet receiver. Two input HDMI 1.2 1080p, 7.1 channel PCM capable. This has unified my PS3 and Tosh A1 HDMI and provides seamless shifting. And what a beauty this Pioneer is.

At worst, you can unplug one of the machines when you want to use the other.
That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid, both for convenience reasons and for the fact that I don't want to stress the RCA connectors on the players any more than necessary.

Just bought the Pioneer VSX-81TXV - sweet receiver. Two input HDMI 1.2 1080p, 7.1 channel PCM capable. This has unified my PS3 and Tosh A1 HDMI and provides seamless shifting. And what a beauty this Pioneer is.
Yeah, I'm starting to lean towards the VSX-82 myself (although I really DON'T want to get rid of my 10-month-old Outlaw 990 preamp).

That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid, both for convenience reasons and for the fact that I don't want to stress the RCA connectors on the players any more than necessary.


Yeah, I'm starting to lean towards the VSX-82 myself (although I really DON'T want to get rid of my 10-month-old Outlaw 990 preamp).

Well I've never done it, used it, etc. but the Pioneer VSX series has multichannel pre-amp outputs as well.