What do you think? Will it work... ? (1 Viewer)

[JackJD]

O.K. ...Four 301 disc changers, one passive analog mixer.
Take the digital coaxial out from the four players and plug them in to the right (or left if you prefer)input on the passive mixer. Run the right (or if you chose left...)line out of the mixer into digital coaxial in on amp/receiver. Will this work as a digital passive mixer? Why or why not? Anyone try it? Thanks. -JD

 

[JackJD]

Nobody on this forum has tried this - or has any thoughts?
Your help is always appreciated. -JD

 

[Glenn Overholt]

It is early, so give it some time - but these are my thoughts.
First, you have not specified if you're talking about CD changers or DVD changers. I have two of each.
My CD changers do not have a digital out, but I'm not sure if any other brands outside of Pioneer do. If so, yes you can use any passive switcher. A four in/one out A/V switcher would be the best bet for this.
However, if you're talking about DVD changers there is a video isssue to deal with too. I am using a Sony three in/one out passive switcher just for the component video.
There really isn't any 'trick' to doing this. The RCA sockets do not have any limitation on the signal, along with the internal (passive) wiring.
Glenn

 

[JackJD]

Glen,
Thanks for the response. I will be more specific. I have four Pioneer Elite PDF-19 301 Mega-CD changers which I would like to automate (jukebox-style) with a computer program. The Elite changers have both optical and coax digital outs -which I would prefer using (to use the D/A converter in my Elite 29TX receiver). The mixer would have to "switch" on its own, depending on which player is sending a signal at the time. Any thoughts are welcomed... -JD

 

[Glenn Overholt]

Ok, I guess it was too early for me. I have 2 PD-F1007's, and they do have optical outs. The elite models have the I/O interface on the back for connection to a PC. That's what you're talking about, isn't it? (Please nod head!).
Yeah, that would work for four. With two units, you could do the master/slave thing, like I am. I thought about getting a switch box to change it from changer 1 & 2 over to 3 & 4, but my first two aren't full yet.
I did notice that I only have optical outs on mine. The composite L/R outs have 'in's' so that you can chain them, but not for the optical. They did the same thing with their DVD changers. They have in and outs for everything except for componet cables.
Getting a 4 in/1 out passive optical box is another matter. I'm sure that someone here knows where to get this, but I'd really like to know what program you're going to use to do this with, as I'd like it for my DVD changers. Pioneer sent me to a commercial site for a whole new piece of hardware, but all I really need is the software.
Back to you
Glenn