[HiFi1972]

Hi, I've been lurking around for a while and have searched and found nothing on what I'm looking for, so I think I may have to build it (?)

I work with audio and use two (sometimes three) pairs of headphones to help me focus in on various frequencies. I'd like to not keep plugging/unplugging my cans in and out of my DA's headphone amp, and would like a simple switcher; something completely passive to avoid degrading the signal as much as possible.

If any of you are familiar with the Coleman Audio LS3 switcher, that's pretty much something I would like, except the LS3 uses dual 1/4" jacks for stereo, and I'd like this thing to use one 1/4" stereo plug for the input/outputs.

I've got some soldering experience but very little electrical. Can anyone recommend a unit that would suit my needs? If this isn't already available, can someone give me some idea as to what it would take to build? Thanks!

 

[Juaquin]

You could get a bunch of 3.5mm jacks, a breadboard, and a few switches and DIY. I haven't seen a commercial version but they probably exist.

 

[MoNelly]

Check out the Model MK-2 Generic Audio Switch from Electronics USA.com. Uses 3.5mm jacks, but with adapters it should do the trick...

STEREO AUDIO SWITCH - A B Audio Switch Box

I use it to switch my DAC output between my speakers and headphone amp.

 

[HiFi1972]

Thanks for your replies. Last night I emailed Coleman Audio telling them how it would be great if they made a stereo 1/4" version of the LS3 and I got a reply from them saying that the unit already takes stereo 1/4", but if you use unbalanced jacks, it would then make the unit an unbalanced switcher. I feel like a dork, nice first post huh? Haha, oh well the good thing is that you guys have also given me alternatives; those LS3s are a little over a hundred bucks and it may be fun just DIYing one meself!

 

[Juaquin]

Scratch the 3.5mm jacks in my post, didn't see you wanted 1/4. Same idea though. I built one for myself with 3.5mm so I could connect one source to one headphone, but with two amps in-between that I could switch between. It's pretty messy though; I'm thinking about designing a PCB for it.

 

[Pars]

Do a seach here for switchbox for some ideas. There are many good rotary switches available; one such would be Electroswitch (search on that for series).

Here is a pictorial I ran across on my HD last night illustrating how to wire a rotary switch.