Relay-controlled A/B switch box, part 3
Author: Dmitry Nizhegorodov (dmitrynizh@hotmail.com). My other projects and articles
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1. Intro
2. Epistemology and AB
3. Relay box with distributed switching network
4. Variants
5. References
1. Intro
This article is a continuation of [1][2], where a simple yet versatile relay-controlled A/B switch box was described. This part digs yet deeper into the world of A/B and shows some replicas and variants of the device built by me and by my friends.
2. Epistemology and AB
It looks as some audiophiles repell A/B or A/B/X testing assuming it is something highly unhuman, mechanical and boring; some dismiss A/B tests as too complex or "scientific", some fear a challenge to their hard-earned "golden ears" status. In another camp, engineers sometimes do not bother with A/B procedures, implying everything that is interesting can be measured on a bench.However, a simple switch box is surprisingly versatile device which can appealing for both an audiophile and an engineer, helping to the former to verify his/her golden hearing and helping the latter to refine electronic design descidions. A simple switch box can reveal results that are suprising to almost everyone and ground-breaking to many.
It should be stressed out that no tedious, mundane A/B drills involving complex protocols need be associated with A/B comparator. Double blind testing, or ABX, is an important methodology and it is the one associated with lots of formalities; yet simple A/B switching in real time can be very helpful. When done correctly, and anyone can learn to do it correctly, it can reveal that differences that were apparent during conventional listen-change-listen sessions are a fantasy, as well as reveal subtlety that can never be caught otherwise. The crusial factor is switching time. A relay-controlled switch box with 3 pairs (6 total) of RCA sigal jacks and 6 pairs (12 total) of 3-way binding posts controlled with a push-toggle switch on a long wire is all that is required for instantaneous switching.
3. Relay box with distributed switching network
TBD
4. Variants
Several friends of mine followed my design described in [1]. The results are nice and the switchboxes work flawlessly.
- Sergey Zhupanov, Bay Area
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- Alex Bazileev, Dnepropetrovsk Ukraine
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Click here for large pic.
5. References
[1] Part One abbox.htm[2] Part Two abbox2.htm
Author: Dmitry Nizhegorodov (dmitrynizh@hotmail.com). My other projects and articles