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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
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
4,946 posts
 
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.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
There are these Uberwaltz, composite analogue left & right Audio and video. Some have a box thingy mid way??

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1312.R1.TR10.TRC1.A0.H0.Xcomposit+.TRS1&_nkw=composite+to+usb&_sacat=0


Cheers George
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
So in your opinion I might be better with a switchbox than a passive pre that had say 2 inputs?
Absolutely! A passive preamp with 2 inputs is basically a switchbox + additional stuff (resistors or a transformer) that is directly in the signal path and is unnecessary.

With a pure switchbox, IMO the likeliest source of degradation, should any occur, would be the additional cabling that is necessary. But if you positioned the switchbox close to the Comet chances are good, IMO, that any such effects would be eliminated since the additional cable would be very short.

I should mention, also, that a slight downside of the DB Systems box I referred to is that depending on how the cables that are connected to it are positioned their weight might cause the front of the box to lift up a little bit. I suspect that wouldn’t happen with the Decware unit due to its greater depth.

Best regards,
-- Al


almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
George, thanks, but aren’t those things you linked to designed to interface analog signals TO a computer, rather than providing the audio in USB form as if they ARE a computer? The latter being what Uberwaltz would require, as I understand it.

Best regards,
-- Al

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
4,946 posts
 
I did see the ones George referred to on eBay myself and came to the conclusion they were not quite what I was needing.
I mean they MIGHT work and price was very fair if they DID work but I do rather like the look of the Decware item atm.
Not saying its a cost no object deal but in reality it is going to be about that as it needs to be a sq no object deal, which pretty much equates to the same thing...lol
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