Topic: preamp or input selector for T-Amp recommendations?

[mattb]

As some of you may know, I'm pretty cheap. I like to spend enough to meet my needs but not really any more.

This brought me to what is now my basement system, which is driven my a Sonic Impact T-Amp. I have that connected to a pair of JBL S26 bookshelf speakers and the result is a good sounding (to me) system on a very small budget. I like that. I hope to do some of the cool mods I see out there to my T-Amp, but even as a stock unit, it's pretty nice, and considering the price ($35) it's fantastic!

Anyway, I want to put some kind of switching input selector in front of it so I can run a CD player, and a Roku Soundbridge, and maybe at least one more input for something else (tuner? JB3?, PC?).

Does anyone know of an inexpensive (sub $100 preferably) solution to do this? One with a FM tuner in it might be nice too, but I don't really listen to a lot of FM, so that's not a requirement. I'd just like a simple switch so I don't have to pull plugs to change inputs. I don't want it to do anything to the sound. Anything beyond that might be nice, but unnecessary.

I'm also not opposed to building something from a kit and I'm definitely a fan of eBay.

Suggestions? Thanks!

[pfife]

Rat shack sells an input selector for about $25. 

[mattb]

Thanks. I just got a RatShack selector for $20! It will do for now, but I wouldn't mind something a little less flimsy if I can find it within my price range. I'll have to cover up the part that says Radio Shack too! 

[som]

I'll have to cover up the part that says Radio Shack too! 

snob!   

I love's my t-amp. I have it hooked up to a cheapo cyberhome DVD player and my old Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble II speakers for a bedroom system, works fine for me. Especially since I got a power supply and don't have to wrestle eight AA's into the worst-designed-ever battery compartment. Plus I don't have to worry about going to sleep with music on and wasting batteries all night.

[treespine]

I have the 3 input selector from rat shack.  i think they have a 5 input one to.  Works fine.

As far as the T-amp goes, its a shame the T-Amp does not come with a power adapter. 

[mattb]

Mine came with an adapter but I bought it on eBay. I guess they don't ususally come like that. It probably should.

[Genghis Cougar Mellen Khan]

I'm also not opposed to building something from a kit and I'm definitely a fan of eBay.

Suggestions? Thanks!

I don't know if you'd consider it, but have you ever thought of getting an old-school reciever like a 70's Marantz or Pioneer?  You can get a hell of a deal on some vintage gear (some easily under $100).

I used an old 1971 Pioneer tuner for quite a while, loved it.  For under $100 and a little research online you can find some pretty sweet deals on E-bay.  My friend picked up an old Marantz 2200 for under $100 on Ebay that was in pretty nice condition, a couple of the backlight lights were burnt out, but that's an easy fix, cosmetically the face was clean. 

[pfife]

yeah, what Genghis says is definately true.   I picked up an old school Harmon Kardon (can't remember the model # right now) from a thrift store for $15, and also picked up a Marantz 2226B on ebay for $78.   However, the vintage stuff may need a bit of work - the left channel on my Marantz cuts in and out....

[macdaddy]

got team t-amp!


i might build another one...

i started a thread on this a while back, and had links to some of the aftermarket kits and such; if i have some extra time (yeah right!) i will search for the thread...

[mattb]

I've been looking at a few mods myself. Not sure if/when I'd have the time but maybe sometime.
I'd like to do a quality re-box with quality binding posts and inputs and maybe do the "Stealth" mod, which seems to be the most bang for the buck and time spent.

Of course the Super T-Amp looks pretty cool too:



Here's some links I've been looking at:
Reboxing
Tweaking the T-Amp
Sonic Impact 5066 Amplifier Upgrade

[mattb]

I don't know if you'd consider it, but have you ever thought of getting an old-school reciever like a 70's Marantz or Pioneer?  You can get a hell of a deal on some vintage gear (some easily under $100).

Yeah, I was actually bidding on an old Carver preamp with a tuner that would do the trick but the guy must have had a high reserve and if I'm going to drop some cash I'm not sure that's where I'd spend it.
I really like the sound of my T-Amp and the cool factor combined with lots of possible mods make it a definite keeper for now.

Matt