I have a JVC component video switcher I'm using for my son's video game consoles. It has two component video input and two S-video/composite video along with their audio L/R.

My question is can I use it to switch between the 5.1 analogs on my blu-ray player and SACD/DVD-Audio player without compromising sound quality?

The Zektors people talk about in these forums are attractive but not the price.

All I need is the 5 channels. I have my front speakers set to large .The L/R pre outs on my receiver goes to my sub then to an external power amp.

In theory that should work fine. As long as your JVC has 5 circuits that are switched, it should be no problemo.

Brian

You can try it. But if you're proposing using 3 component video inputs + 2 R/L audio inputs, you MAY have problems with there being 2 different impedances between the video and audio circuits in the switcher. I would use the R/L audio inputs/outputs for the center and subwoofer.

Otherwise, you'll need 2 of them so you can use 5 matching component video inputs (or 3 of them in order to use 5 matching R/L audio inputs).

BTW, do you realize that your players, if they're like any other DVD players with multichannel outputs, do not reroute the LFE channel to the front speakers' R/L pre-outs if set up as having NO SUB? The new BR players may have corrected this "flaw", but every universal player that I know of drops the LFE channel altogether when set up as having NO SUB. You can confirm this by using a test track that is "pure" LFE. If you have AVIA, the "Low Frequency Sweep, LFE" track is a "pure" LFE track.

You can try it. But if you're proposing using 3 component video inputs + 2 R/L audio inputs, you MAY have problems with there being 2 different impedances between the video and audio circuits in the switcher. I would use the R/L audio inputs/outputs for the center and subwoofer.

Otherwise, you'll need 2 of them so you can use 5 matching component video inputs (or 3 of them in order to use 5 matching R/L audio inputs).

BTW, do you realize that your players, if they're like any other DVD players with multichannel outputs, do not reroute the LFE channel to the front speakers' R/L pre-outs if set up as having NO SUB? The new BR players may have corrected this "flaw", but every universal player that I know of drops the LFE channel altogether when set up as having NO SUB. You can confirm this by using a test track that is "pure" LFE. If you have AVIA, the "Low Frequency Sweep, LFE" track is a "pure" LFE track.
Thanks for your replies guys.
I'm in the process of hooking it up.
BTW, My players are Denon 2200 and Panasonic BD10A. I had previously set the Denon to no sub, fronts large, center small, surrounds small. Used Avia for channel level setting.
Did a lot of SACD, DVD-Audio listening with excellent results even at low frequencies so I think LFE channel being absent would not be a problem. I like to use James Taylor's Hourglass in SACD. Also tested the Panasonic's Dolby TrueHD with "300" and "Legends Of Jazz". You just want more after listening to Dolby True HD or uncompressed audio (pcm). Awesome!
I just hope after incorporating the switcher to my system it will sound the same.

My players are Denon 2200 and Panasonic BD10A. I had previously set the Denon to no sub, fronts large, center small, surrounds small. Used Avia for channel level setting.
Did a lot of SACD, DVD-Audio listening with excellent results even at low frequencies so I think LFE channel being absent would not be a problem.
AVIA doesn't use LFE for calibration. I have a Denon2200. It DOES NOT REROUTE LFE IF IT IS SET UP AS HAVING NO SUB. This is not debatable. As I said, AVIA's "Low Frequency Sweep, LFE" track is "pure" LFE. Play that specific track through your 2200's multichannel analog outputs and you will not hear the track in your front speakers if you have set the player up as having NO SUB.

It may sound fine to you, but you should know that your LFE channel is being dropped altogether by the player when it's set up as having NO SUB, when utilizing its multichannel analog connections. Many DVD-As and SACDs do not utilize an LFE channel, and are 5.0, but others do. Movies, of course, utilize an LFE channel.

As I said, I don't know about your other player. You can check it the same way. In fact, please do, as I'd like to know the answer. If it reroutes LFE "properly", then you are good-to-go LFE-wise with movies played back on it via its multichannel analog connections.

I was looking at the same issue not too long ago, and wondered about the component switchers. As you've discovered, many have asked about this, and the Zektors are the default answer. From what I've read, the input impedance of a component switcher could potentially "mess with" the sound in some way. I don't understand it completely, but that's what I've read. Anyway, I like to DIY stuff, and I figured I could make a manual switcher without too much difficulty. So, I built a two-way switch box with 6 DPDT switches, 18 RCA jacks, and a box. You have to flip 6 switches to change sources, but I don't do it that often, so it wasn't an issue. Anyway, if you know how to solder, you can do it for under $50 probably. Probably less if you order your components online instead of using Radio Shack stuff. I think the component switchers will work, but I just wanted to let you know what I'd read and give you another option.

AVIA doesn't use LFE for calibration. I have a Denon2200. It DOES NOT REROUTE LFE IF IT IS SET UP AS HAVING NO SUB. This is not debatable. As I said, AVIA's "Low Frequency Sweep, LFE" track is "pure" LFE. Play that specific track through your 2200's multichannel analog outputs and you will not hear the track in your front speakers if you have set the player up as having NO SUB.

It may sound fine to you, but you should know that your LFE channel is being dropped altogether by the player when it's set up as having NO SUB, when utilizing its multichannel analog connections. Many DVD-As and SACDs do not utilize an LFE channel, and are 5.0, but others do. Movies, of course, utilize an LFE channel.

As I said, I don't know about your other player. You can check it the same way. In fact, please do, as I'd like to know the answer. If it reroutes LFE "properly", then you are good-to-go LFE-wise with movies played back on it via its multichannel analog connections.
I should have mentioned I used the Avia test tones for channel level adjustment. Indeed, there is no LFE tone when front speakers is set to large as I have it. Remember, the sub out is not being used so LFE is not the issue. For movies I use the coax digital out and have all the LFE's I want. The bass using the 5.1 analogs are somewhat weaker than the digital outs. Correct me if I'm wrong, if you set your surrounds & center to small, will the low frequencies be sent to the fronts since they're set to large with no sub selected?
The Panasonic BD10A audio setup is pretty much identical to the 2200's-fronts=large,
center=small, surrounds=small, sub=no. Like I said, I watched "300" with Dolby TrueHD and I thought the sound was awesome. The LFE's was clean and tight.
I had the Sony S300 Blu ray player but returned it because of freezing problems and the audio setup was limited. The BD10A has performed flawlessly so far on both BD and SD.

I was looking at the same issue not too long ago, and wondered about the component switchers. As you've discovered, many have asked about this, and the Zektors are the default answer. From what I've read, the input impedance of a component switcher could potentially "mess with" the sound in some way. I don't understand it completely, but that's what I've read. Anyway, I like to DIY stuff, and I figured I could make a manual switcher without too much difficulty. So, I built a two-way switch box with 6 DPDT switches, 18 RCA jacks, and a box. You have to flip 6 switches to change sources, but I don't do it that often, so it wasn't an issue. Anyway, if you know how to solder, you can do it for under $50 probably. Probably less if you order your components online instead of using Radio Shack stuff. I think the component switchers will work, but I just wanted to let you know what I'd read and give you another option.
After I'm done, I will evaluate the sound. If the switcher does compromise sound quality, then the Zektors will be in my future. I will be switching quite often between the two players. The Denon 2200 for SACD & DVD-Audio and the BD10A for Blu-ray movies/concerts with the Dolby TrueHD/uncompressed 5.1 audio.
I'll reply later with the results.

Remember, the sub out is not being used so LFE is not the issue.I'm not sure what you're saying. I know you're not using your receiver's sub out. But LFE from your 2200 is not being re-routed to the front channels when you use its multichannel analog interconnects. So you're losing the LFE track from any SACDs or DVD-As that DO have an LFE track, as well as from DVD movies played back via the 2200's analog multichannel connection.




For movies I use the coax digital out and have all the LFE's I want.Yes, receivers DO re-route the LFE properly when set up as having NO SUB.




The bass using the 5.1 analogs are somewhat weaker than the digital outs.This may or may not be due to the player not re-routing the LFE properly. The LFE track from anything played via the 2200 will be missing if you have it set up as having NO SUB.




Correct me if I'm wrong, if you set your surrounds & center to small, will the low frequencies be sent to the fronts since they're set to large with no sub selected? Yes, the 2200 will re-route other channels properly.




The Panasonic BD10A audio setup is pretty much identical to the 2200's-fronts=large, center=small, surrounds=small, sub=no. Like I said, I watched "300" with Dolby TrueHD and I thought the sound was awesome. The LFE's was clean and tight.If you used a digital connection, the BD10A's settings are not applied to its digital output. The receiver's settings are applied to the BD10A's (or 2200's) digital output and receivers DO re-route the LFE properly when setup as having NO SUB. If you listen to movies via the BD10A's analog multichannel outputs and the LFE was present, then maybe the BD10A does re-route the LFE channel properly to the LARGE fronts. Again, this is simple enough to check with the AVIA disc.

I'm not sure what you're saying. I know you're not using your receiver's sub out. But LFE from your 2200 is not being re-routed to the front channels when you use its multichannel analog interconnects. So you're losing the LFE track from any SACDs or DVD-As that DO have an LFE track, as well as from DVD movies played back via the 2200's analog multichannel connection.




Yes, receivers DO re-route the LFE properly when set up as having NO SUB.




This may or may not be due to the player not re-routing the LFE properly. The LFE track from anything played via the 2200 will be missing if you have it set up as having NO SUB.




Yes, the 2200 will re-route other channels properly.




If you used a digital connection, the BD10A's settings are not applied to its digital output. The receiver's settings are applied to the BD10A's (or 2200's) digital output and receivers DO re-route the LFE properly when setup as having NO SUB. If you listen to movies via the BD10A's analog multichannel outputs and the LFE was present, then maybe the BD10A does re-route the LFE channel properly to the LARGE fronts. Again, this is simple enough to check with the AVIA disc.
I contacted my knowledgeable audiophile friend and he agrees with you with the LFE issue. He said don't waste your time with the component video switcher because it only switches 5 channel and you need a 6 channel switcher to accurately reproduce the source as intended. No LFE signal on both players with the Avia Low Frequency Sweep LFE test was enough to convince me.
Looks like my question(s) been answered and I thank for sharing your knowledge.
Zektor switchers here I come.
I might have to apply for a home equity loan just to get one those babies.

I don't really understand why you set your players up as having NO SUB when you DO have a sub. :confused:

What receiver do you have, btw? Does it allow nass management of its multichannel analog outputs?
yes i do. def tech supercube. like you said, <<Yes, receivers DO re-route the LFE properly when set up as having NO SUB.>>
my l/r pre-out on my receiver goes to the sub which high passes 80hz to my power amp then to my front mains.
at this moment i'm enjoying diana krall SACD on my denon 2200 using all required 6 channel directly to my receiver.
what's a icbm? are you referring to inter continental ballistic missile?

I contacted my knowledgeable audiophile friend and he agrees with you with the LFE issue. He said don't waste your time with the component video switcher because it only switches 5 channel and you need a 6 channel switcher to accurately reproduce the source as intended. No LFE signal on both players with the Avia Low Frequency Sweep LFE test was enough to convince me.

Zektor switchers here I come.
Awww, you didn't trust me? :mad: ;) :)

I don't really understand why you set your players up as having NO SUB when you DO have a sub. :confused: Except that you use your receiver's L/R pre-outs to connect your subwoofer. But why don't you use your receiver's sub out?

What receiver do you have, btw? Does it allow bass management of its multichannel analog inputs?

You can use 2 of the switchers (or similar) that you described in your initial post. I've seen them at TARGET. That will give you (6 component video inputs) x 2 on the input side and 6 component video outputs on the output side. Just make sure you wire everything properly.

Or you could use a 4:2 (or anything:2) switcher like THIS (http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/4-2-ATLONA-COMPONENT-VIDEO-MATRIX-SWITCH-BLK-SILVER-p-16291.html) one.

Awww, you didn't trust me? :mad: ;) :)

I don't really understand why you set your players up as having NO SUB when you DO have a sub. :confused: Except that you use your receiver's L/R pre-outs to connect your subwoofer. But why don't you use your receiver's sub out?

What receiver do you have, btw? Does it allow bass management of its multichannel analog inputs?

You can use 2 of the switchers (or similar) that you described in your initial post. I've seen them at TARGET. That will give you (6 component video inputs) x 2 on the input side and 6 component video outputs on the output side. Just make sure you wire everything properly.

Or you could use a 4:2 switcher like THIS (http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/4-2-ATLONA-COMPONENT-VIDEO-MATRIX-SWITCH-BLK-SILVER-p-16291.html) one.
the hook up was recomended by my buddy and it was the result of some rigorous listening test with all sources. i did not like the sound using the receiver's sub out. it was great for movies but not for audio cd's. my receiver is a harman kardon avr500.
it does not have bass management in it's 6 channel direct in.
we have no target in hawaii.

we have no target in hawaii.
Well, you have something like it, don't you? Wal-Fart?

Two switchers like what you currently have will definitely work.

Did you check out that 4:2 switcher? HERE (http://www.lenexpo-electronics.com/pdf/sb-5470.pdf) is a cut sheet regarding it. I think it will work as I think that it allows different and simultaneous output from its 2 outputs. It's hard to figure out whether it operates like that or not. Under its features description in that first link to it, it says "Outputs to two Component Video Displays (you can select different signal at the same time)", but the info on the cut sheet would lead one to believe that it only displays identical output from the 2 outputs. They're on Eebay for $100.

BTW, you may come across switchers like your current one that also have a digi coax input/output which would seemingly provide you with a 6th input/output. (3 component, 2 audio, 1digi = 6 total input/outputs) There was a thread here within the last 3 months about using a switcher like this for what you need. Someone bought one and I think they discovered that the digi coax input/output was too different to be of use. I'll try and find the thread.

HERE (http://www.newtechindustries.com/structuredwiringproducts/hdtv_audio_video_switch.html) is another 4x2, but there's not much info about its capabilities, at all.

(it has the additional 6th digi input that I mentioned above, btw)

HERE (http://www.newtechindustries.com/structuredwiringproducts/hdtv_audio_video_switch.html) is another 4x2, but there's not much info about its capabilities, at all.

(it has the additional 6th digi input that I mentioned above, btw)
i did check your first recommendation and the price was right.
i also check with one of the audio specialty store here and they can get the zektor hds4.1 for a good price. i probably won't use the digital part of the switcher.
so it's between the two. again, thanks for your help.

i did check your first recommendation and the price was right.
i also check with one of the audio specialty store here and they can get the zektor hds4.1 for a good price. i probably won't use the digital part of the switcher.
so it's between the two. again, thanks for your help.
Just be careful. The 4x2 switcher must REALLY and TRULY be a matrix switcher in order for you to be able to use it for your purpose. It must be able to "display" different output, simultaneously, from its 2 outputs.

Again, you can use 2 switchers that are identical (or even simpler) than your current one to do what you need, as well.

BTW, are you certain that you can't bass manage your analog multichannel inputs? The reason I ask again is because some HKs do offer this capability. It involves an extra A-to-D-to-A conversion, but some people have claimed this to be transparent.

Just be careful. The 4x2 switcher must REALLY and TRULY be a matrix switcher in order for you to be able to use it for your purpose. It must be able to "display" different output, simultaneously, from its 2 outputs.

Again, you can use 2 switchers that are identical (or even simpler) than your current one to do what you need, as well.

BTW, are you certain that you can't bass manage your analog multichannel inputs? The reason I ask again is because some HKs do offer this capability. It involves an extra A-to-D-to-A conversion, but some people have claimed this to be transparent.
i'm leaning towards the zektor HDS4.1.
yeah, i can't bass manage my multichannel input on my hk500. it's a direct input source.
no buttons work in that mode.

Hey, Subharmonic, there's a guy selling one HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=896880).