Is there such an animal as a RCA analog to USB converter that works?


So here is my problem, self made I admit.
My present preamp is an Exogal Comet Plus.
This has only one analog input which I am using for input from my phono amp.
Now somehow I would like to also run my cassette tape unit through the system but the ONLY spare input left on the Comet is a USB input.
So my question would be if there is such a thing as a RCA analog to USB converter?
Or could I do something like a passive analog preamp before the Comet that would take the inputs from the phono and the tape to run into the single input of the Comet.
Or are all of those options REALLY bad ideas?
And when I want to play cassette I just swap the input leads directly at the back of the Comet?
Thank you
uberwaltz
Hello Uberwaltz,

In addition to incorporating an A/D (analog-to-digital) converter function, a device which accepts an analog RCA input and provides a USB output would have to either be a computer or be designed to emulate one, for purposes of supplying that output. I don’t know of any such devices, other than computer-based products.

What I would suggest that you consider is a line-level switchbox. I’ve had good results, although in relatively non-critical applications, with the DB Systems model DBP-2JAU/5 ($110) listed near the top of this page. It is similar to the DBP-2J/5 for which a review and description are linked to, except that it has gold-plated jacks. For contact information go to their home page.

Another possibility, although it costs $359 plus options, is the Decware Zen Switchbox.

Good luck. Best regards,
-- Al

Thanks Al, as always!
So in your opinion I might be better with a switchbox than a passive pre that had say 2 inputs?

It is a bit of a dilemma  as I really do not wish to compromise the sq of my phono signal or the tape signal if at all possible.