Question: Need to connect two analog 7.1 outputs

[bermanjd]

I would like to connect two 7.1 analog DVD players up to one processor. How can I connect two analog 7.1 outputs into one 7.1 input processor? I can only think of using a 2 to1 pigtail connector for each input, but isn't that going to feed back into the other unit (although it will be powered off at that time)?

Any thought / suggestions ?

thanks,
Joe

[Otto]

Hi Joe, and welcome to the Shack!

Yeah, I don't think you want to use a simple splitter for that. You want to use a switch of some sort.

Here's the Zektor model. I understand that these are really nice switches, but a little pricey at $599.

I looked around at some other sites, but I couldn't find what I was looking for. I think you might be able to accomplish 5.1 switching with a component video switcher, but you'll have to look around a bit.

Good luck.

[bermanjd]

Otto,
thank you for the reply. How would a Component switcher (3 inputs) function? Wouldn't I need three of them to accomplish switching 8 inputs?

Joe

[Otto]

Well, I was thinking if perhaps you only needed to do 5.1 (even though you said 7.1, I know) there are some component switches out there that will switch (I think) six at a time: three for component, two for L/R audio, and one for another (perhaps composite video?). But I was looking around for it this morning, and I couldn't find anything.

So, yeah, if you need to do 7.1, you'd have to have at least two of those switches...

Sorry I couldn't find anything better...

[superchad]

Can you elaborate on why one cant be a digital connection?

[bermanjd]

I have a DVD-A / SACD player and I want to add a Blu-Ray player that will be doing the decoding and outputing via the 7.1 analog outputs. Although I have read that Pioneer is coming out with a player that will decode DVD-A / SACD and the newer HR audio formats in 7.1 all being output via analog. My process does not accept HDMI.

[superchad]

So if you run Analog inputs for multi channel you get all benefits from the HD Audio? Sorry but no real ideas, looks like an outboard device is gaining a market while people hang onto their gear before going all HDMI.

[zero the hero]

I've heard of people using a Behringer Patchbay for this purpose. At $50, not a huge investment.