What is your opinion regarding the best connectivity route to follow?

[user 15009]

I have a question on which might be the best route to follow connectivity wise.

My Meridian 808 CD player sounds at its best (to me) when it is connected directly to the power amp from its balanced analog outputs, using its own DAC and inbuilt variable volume control.

My Krell S-1200 processor does not have a direct pass-through. The best it has, via its balanced analog inputs, is a preamp mode, which offers a direct connection to its own volume control.

I prefer CD sound having the Meridian connected directly to the amp.

What I am doing is this: When listening to CD, I have the Meridian connected directly to the amp. When I want to spin blu-ray, I disconnect the balanced connecters from the CD player and connect them into the Krell processor. In this way, when playing CD's, there are the least number of connection interferences and therefore the best benefit to audio quality.

I've done some searching and have located 2 potentially suitable switching devices:

1. The Kramer unit

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/250688-REG/Kramer_VS_4X_VS_4X_4x1_Balanced_Stereo.html

My supplier can land this for me for just under R2 500

2. The Goldpoint SW2X-1

http://www.goldpt.com/sw2x.html

I would have to import this directly and estimate a cost of approx R4 400 including bank/other fees

My question:

Would it be better for me to get a switching device? If so, is there anyone here who might be able to build a good quality one?

I would prefer to manually switch my balanced connectors as I am doing simply because it results in the least number of connection interferences. Best quality sound is everything to me. But I need to know whether my doings are introducing a MATERIAL or SIGNIFICANT "wear and tear" factor.

All suggestions/comments appreciated.

Thanks

 

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[user 15009]

 

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[user 15009]