Toslink Optical 3x1 Switcher

[jdandy]

I have wanted to be able to use the digital output of my McIntosh MR88 tuner in my studio system but have been handicapped due to the limited digital inputs into the Esoteric K-03 DAC (1-coaxial, 1-Toslink optical, 1-USB). The USB is used with my laptop computer, the coaxial input is used with the Olive 04HD music server, and the Toslink optical input is used with the Sonos Connect. That left me with no option to be able to use the MR88 digital output without unplugging something already in use. I have been enjoying the MR88 tuner using its balanced analog outputs.

I started looking for a Toslink optical switcher several months ago. I almost purchased one that was manually switched between two inputs and one output but wasn't convinced it was a high quality switcher. I kept looking. Ultimately I discovered the Panlong Toslink Digital Optical 3x1 Switcher (model PLSW0301). This product is available on Amazon and is also marketed under other names as well, J-Tech Digital, Lightwave, and others. They are all the same product. What is most astonishing is the price, $21.49 and includes a 5 volt power supply, infrared receiver, and remote control. The remote allows direct access to the inputs without having to roll through them to select the input you want, plus it retains the last input in memory even when powered down.

It took all of five minutes to connect the Toslink switcher's output to the K-03 input and the outputs of the MR88 tuner and Sonos Connect to two of the three optical inputs. All connections to the switcher are made on the four sides of the device. I am happy to report the Toslink switcher works like a champ and sounds completely transparent. I placed the infrared receiver on the front edge of the lower rack shelf, hid the switcher and fiber cables, and immediately began to enjoy being able to select the Sonos Connect or the McIntosh MR88 to the Toslink optical input on Esoteric K-03 DAC. The tiny remote control is simple and easy to use. This is an amazing product at an astonishingly low price. It seamlessly switches between three Toslink optical inputs to a single Toslink optical output. I could not be happier with this device. It does exactly what I needed. If you are in the same boat I was and need additional digital inputs, check out this product.