Building a simple source selector

Hi Guys,

I am sure not to be the only one who doesn't have enough inputs on his amplifier. For my "office" setup I am using a Pioneer SA-508 that I have restored. But with tape, reel too reel, tuner, CD player and Mac I am short of at least one input.

Trying to get away with the most simple passive design a possible. Found a switch that has one "output" and five "inputs". Each got two connectors. So that works for Left and Right.

But and thats the big question, I need to hook ground up together for all devices. Is that doable? Do I sacrifice on audio quality? Or is ground just ground and it doesn't matter?
 
Hi,

A long time ago I had the same need. As I have reel to reel recorders, I also wanted to be able to route inputs signal to tape outputs, and also copy from a recorder to the other one.

I had some perfectly adequate ELMA rotating switches lying in a drawer and a bunch of RCA sockets, so I ended building this : Sélecteur de sources - Google Photos

Soundwise, quality switches and good soldering job make it completely transparent.

Case is from HiFi2000, faceplate engraved by Schaeffer AG. Neat little project.
 
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Here is my solution. Input grounds of L are on a bus, same for R on a separate bus. Output grounds come from the active circuit, also separate L and R GND. Phono GND is also separate. Hangerőszabályzóhoz = to volume control.
 

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