Beni_Skate

1,472 orders since Jan 01, 2017

Kalsdorf, Styria, Austria

Ships from Austria.

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Overall Rating:

Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.92)

Documentation: (4.33)

Shipping: (4.79)

Communication: (4.76)

All Reviews

Ville | June 17, 2021

Robust plug'n'play device

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I bought the audio switch to connect a PS3, PS4 and PC (USB optical audio) to a stereo amplifier with only one optical input. Build quality is great and the device does exactly as advertised and documented. I chose the combination model with both optical and RCA inputs and outputs for potential future expansion or if I need to change the room configuration. The selling points for me were: automatic input switching with clear and simple priority rules, and duplicated output signal in both optical and RCA (e.g. multiroom audio possibilities).

Wenzel | June 11, 2021

Great addon for a media center Pi

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I've orderd the DIY Kit and I used my homemade reflow oven to make it complete. There were some optional parts in the kit and no documentation about that. So I just placed them all on the PCB. With some grinding work it fits in a heatsink case for the RPi 4. I'm using it for a media center with LibreELEC.

Before using tinyToslink I had a button at GPIO3 (Pin5) to boot and shutdown the Raspberry Pi (Tutorials for this can be easily found on the net). Unfortunately, GPIO3 is used by tinyToslink now. The shutdown functionality can be rerouted to another pin but the pin for booting the pi needs to be GPIO3. I wanted to keep my power button and managed this with a little extra circuit.

Vladimir | May 19, 2021

Excellent source switcher in a studio environment as well

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

This is an excellent digital audio switch with great flexibility.

This S/PDIF switch has intelligent automatic switching by sensing inputs and their activity. But that is for the stuffed-behind-the-TV use case. As I am not using it like that, but for my digital studio, where several computers and their digital outputs are connected to several digital devices (speakers, headphones...), I needed a utility to explicitly control the inputs on demand. So I built one.

https://github.com/AtmanActive/AtmelSPDIFSwitchUSBTrayControl

Can't recommend this one enough!

Gerald | May 18, 2021

Wonderful

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

This is the one and only Switcher you should buy! It works wonderful. It is just sad, that it doesn't has a branding! I wrote the instructions on labels, which I printed and glued on the part.
I immediately would by it again!

Michal | May 3, 2021

Works like a charm

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I was searching for an easy way to add decent audio to my raspi. (For my Yamaha yas-207 airport speaker project)

Needless to say, the search is over. I will not use another usb sound card with my raspberries. Current or future ones.

Why would I? This product is reasonably priced, works like a charm, and is a lot less clunky than a usb-connected gadget.

Thank you, this is by far the easiest hat to install that I encountered so far.

Ben | April 23, 2021

Well engineered, awesome piece of kit.

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I purchased the simplest version of the switch just with 4x1 toslink ports. However it has really surprised me. It is very well built. The instructions (available via the specifications page on tindie) are excellent. The ability to change the configuration via a software client is really surprising at this price. It is all carefully thought through and really well engineered. But what has surprised me most of all is that it actually improved the sound! It's not a massive difference like upgrading speakers for example, but it's definitely noticeable. The music has improved clarity and presence. This is easily worth the money - I say buy it now - you won't regret it.

Stavros | April 14, 2021

Excellent product!

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I always wished the Raspberry pi had a digital audio output. Well, the tiny Toslink achieves exactly that, at a sensible price and with minimal editing of just one configuration file. I installed it in a Raspberry pi 4 and connected the output via optical cable to my 5.1 Logitech Z5500 speaker system. Then I edited the conf file on the Librelec OS via ssh, without mounting the sd card anywhere else. Everything worked like a charm and I get passthrough multichannel digital audio for Dolby Digital and DTS audio tracks.

Peter | March 26, 2021

Fantastic piece of kit, solves a lot of connectivity issues.

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I finally bought this automatic SPDIF-switch, in its most extensive format: optical and bnc inputs and outputs, plus the bult-in DA, providing a stereo analog output. The unit has replaced a 4x2 optical SPDIF-matrix, two SPDIF-to-coaxial converters, plus a separate D-to-A converter. This is an amazing piece of kit, functioning very well, the automatic switching is so very convenient, and just works! Buy it, you will not be disappointed!

Marcus | March 18, 2021

Great product! Fast and does the job well!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Using this to give my wireless audio (Airplay 2 via Apple Airport Express) priority over my Smart TV. As I've gone digital I have all my HDMI devices connected to my TV with a digital audio output going into my DAC (MDAC). However, I've never liked having to turn the TV just on to listen to music from my phone. So this devices makes it possible for me to play music automatically from my phone (via airplay 2) without having to switch channels on my DAC. Pure genius!

John | March 10, 2021

Excellent product. No doubt best of type.

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Works a treat. I purchased some Dynaudio focus 20 DX speakers and connected them to the digital output of a "good" Panasonic BD player, and the sound was terrible - electronic, scratchy and yuk. Add Optical switch to digital path (with inbuilt re-timer) powered by an iFi iPower wall wort, and the change in sound quality was stunning. And this is all in the digital domain! I never thought you could hear such changes by just tweaking the digital connections. I strongly recommend use of the iFi iPower wall wort (or x version) with this device, especially if you also have the D/A converter option. Good power = good sound. Only thing lacking is some writing on the box. Ports numbered and our electronic geniuses name perhaps.. :-)

Julien | March 9, 2021

9.9/10 super easy to use!

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

Plug-and-play, super easy to use! I'm running Volumio and was able to select the "HiFiBerry Digi" driver and everything ran perfectly! I'd love to see a direct download to the driver on this page, and shipping took a couple of weeks, but overall I am VERY impressed with this little hat.

Ben | March 4, 2021

I received this unit a year and a half ago...

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I received this unit a year and a half ago... but didn't get around to making a review until today. Why? One, because I'm lazy, and two, because I didn't get a chance to use the DAC in the until a few hours ago.

So, being the dummy I am I accidentally broke the optical input on my way-too-expensive Mytek Manhattan II DAC. The unit itself only had one optical input, but it has a few coax inputs. This is where the SPDIF switch comes in: not only could I get around the need to use an optical input by converting optical into coax, I could also hook up my Playstation, Chromecast Audio, TV, and a Bluetooth streamer to the Mytek -- something that wouldn't have been possible with one optical switch (and definitely something most audiophile purists would scoff at - a Bluetooth streamer hooked up a $5k DAC?).

The switch works flawlessly after many months of daily use, including powering off/on via a power conditioner and multiple input switches. What drove me to write this review was the use of the onboard DAC. I was hooking up an older Yamaha receiver in another bedroom and was using the Chromecast Audio's built in DAC. While it sounded better than I expected, I was curious how another DAC would sound in the system. (The speakers were some older made-in-England Mordaunt Shorts.) I hooked up the switch and use the analog out, and wow, I was amazed. It sounded noticeably better than the Chromecast Audio. For $19 extra, this is a heck of a value. The sound was clear and very crisp - something that an older receiver and speakers could definitely benefit from. The DAC breathed new life into the system. I didn't do any "critical listening" or anything of that nature because this setup was a couple bookshelf speakers on different pieces of furniture in a suboptimal listening environment, but the important thing was the music sounded great. Way more than $19 great. I got the upgrade just because it seemed like a no-brainer at that cost point, especially if I ever end up sending my Mytek in for repairs.

If you need some extra inputs for your Mytek or if you're building a minimalist system with quite a few inputs -- or anything in between - this switch/DAC will suit your needs. Very pleased with this. Thank you!

Adam | Feb. 21, 2021

Superb as a format converter

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I'm using this device not as a switch but as a S/PDIF format converter (TOSLINK optical to RCA coax) to connect my computer audio interface to my studio monitors (which have a digital input). Believe or not, essentially all of the converters available on Amazon--which probably all contain the same one or two chips--do a crummy job of this (analog audio can be heard over the supposedly digital RCA output, suggesting either a poorly isolated unused DAC or, worse, conversion by way of a paired DAC/ADC--either of which can cause havoc with signal-detection circuitry on the monitors). Not with this device! As Benjamin notes in his description, the device contains a high-quality digital audio processor that does de-jittering as well, and the optional output transformer avoids ground-loop situations (so if using the RCA out, I strongly recommend getting that feature).

On top of this, the LED status light helps me diagnose signal-chain issues by indicating whether there's a valid bitstream, a silent/invalid stream, or no signal at all present.

Benjamin was also super responsive to questions and helpful with answers. If you're in the U.S., be sure to allow some time for shipping, as the international postal system is having a lot of issues due to COVID, etc.

Oh, and be sure to click on the datasheet, which is actually the full manual.

Michael | Feb. 15, 2021

As described, automatically switches between Optical and RCA

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Works well and automatically detects the input that is playing music either optical or RCA. It is a really well made device and Benjamin is fantastic to deal with. The only thing I would like to point out, and it is a very minor point, is that the switch takes about 10 seconds to detect a change of input but in terms of convenience in having a switch tucked away and autochanging inputs into my DAC it is brilliant. I currently have three devices, a Bluesound Node 2i, a Naim unitiserve and a CD transport connected to the switch.

I marked documentation as OK because it doesn't come with any. To be honest you don't need any documentation as it is such a straight forward device and very obvious what gets plugged into where.

I highly recommend the switch. It is the solution to automatic switching of multiple inputs, optical and RCA, into a DAC.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)
I guess both of your devices always transmit a signal (light in the cable on) - in this case the switch toggles between the input, as it has to analyze the signal of the current active input - when the signal (light) is off and turned on it switches to higher prio immediately.
For a documentation please check the "datasheet" on the Tindie page.

Spencer | Feb. 10, 2021

Excellent. Fit it & forget it- it just works as you'd expect

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

What a great little device. I got the version with 3 optical inputs, and it works exactly as it says; switching automatically between them based on the priority of what is active. It is a "fit & forget" solution that just sits there doing its job. Sound quality is fantastic - By which I mean, there is absolutely no difference in sound between what come in and what goes out. The only thing I would change about it is to have all of the cables on one side and the LEDs on the other, so that it can be mounted neater. Shipping was quick, and well packaged.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)
Putting all connectors to one side would result in a quite big device which would also be more expensive so I decided to make it as it is.

Ratrimoarivony | Jan. 5, 2021

Everything is working, fast shipping and nice seller!

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

Good product, work perfectly fine, just need a little setup! Seller is nice and has shipped the good rapidly! Thanks again

David | Dec. 16, 2020

An Excellent decice!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I originally purchased this product for its audio switching capacity. The plan was to run the DVD & TV audio signals through it to prepare to connect to the stereo system. I ordered it with a DAC so it would convert to Analog to run to the analog preamp. In the process I added a Bluesound "Node 2i" streamer which has an internal DAC. So instead of using the Tindie's DAC, I bypassed it and ran the digital audio from the DVD & TV through it and directly into the Node which then converts the digital signal and passes it onto the preamp. This works flawlessly and effortlessly. Which ever audio device is on, based on priority, its sound comes through without manually doing anything. The goal achieved! I'm more than pleased and Benjamin is great to work with. He answered all pre-sales inquiries in a timely fashion which was very helpful in insuring that the device was configured to my requirements. For its, price this is an incredibly valuable piece to add to an AV environment.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Dennis | Dec. 4, 2020

A SPDIF switch that surpassed my expectation

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I ordered the version with the coax output transformer. The coax-out goes straight into my Genelec 8340 (with a Neutrik NADITBNC-M). I change the volume with the GLM kit and a DIY motorised potentiometer. Together it's like a little 'pre-amp' and it works like a charm!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Dennis | Nov. 12, 2020

So close

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Reliable and supports 24/192 content.

Unfortunately, the silence detection only works for the selected input, so it keeps cycling between silent sources when nothing is sending valid audio. It fully connects to the source and passes the silent stream on with the source sample rate, so when it switches between inputs with different sample rates, my DAC's relays keep clicking when nothing is playing.

What I'd really need would be a switcher that can immediately switch to the highest priority input that produces non-silent audio, without switching under other circumstances. Admittedly, that's challenging to implement since all inputs have to be actively monitored simultaneously.
If all your sources stop transmitting entirely, this switch can perform as I'd like and switch instantly.

Another issue is that I couldn't get the settings tool to run on Windows 10 Pro 64-bit. No COM ports show up, and adding a legacy device manually fails because the driver isn't signed. I could probably get it to work with Linux, but I couldn't install firmware updates without the tool.
I did contact the maker with this issue, but he basically just said that what I'm describing shouldn't happen. Well.

I'm now using it in a different system to switch between a Chromecast Audio and an HDMI Audio Extractor, which works beautifully since the Chromecast Audio only sends a signal when I cast audio to it. Unlike an automatic TOSLINK switcher from PI Manufacturing, this one doesn't randomly stop working.

Shipping to San Francisco took very long. After the package cleared Chicago, USPS only sent a daily assurance that the package is on the way, without disclosing the current location or a shipping date. Then I didn't get any updates anymore at all for a week, before it suddenly popped up in San Bruno. It took another day to leave that location and only when it arrived in San Francisco, USPS bothered to give me a delivery date. Of course the shipper isn't to blame for this in any way.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)
Sorry that the COM port is somehow not working on your computer - hard to tell what the problem here is (the used driver is a Windows internal driver which is signed).

David | Nov. 10, 2020

Incredible sound and nice maker

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The Switch is second to none concerning transmission quality and jitter reduction.
It makes me love Toslink again as that nice implementation from Benjie offers both electrical noise isolation AND low jitter (high jitter is a standard issue with toslink). Sturdy build, made to last.

Beni - the maker - is a great guy - nice communication.

Highly recommended!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Wit | Sept. 25, 2020

Great audio switch. The DAC that can be ordered is good

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The optical audio switch on this device is spectacular. Plug in all the inputs you have and... it just works.
I have ordered a version with built-in Sabre DAC, to potentially replace SMSL Sanskrit 10 mk2 DAC.
The output of the built-in Sabre DAC is good - but not spectacular, compared to the SMSL DAC. There is absolutely no noise or distortion, but - again - compared to Sanskrit DAC - it lacks when it comes to fine details, sound stage.

At first, I thought about returning the Sanskrit DAC, but after listening to the builtin Sabre for longer period, I have connected it via optical and it's a keeper.

The optical switch by Beni is highly recommended - works great and you'd have hard time finding another device like this in the whole world!
As for the DAC - if you already have one that you like, the built-in Sabre DAC will not bring any benefit (but won't hurt, you can always use it as a backup if your main DAC breaks).

Shipment:
Shipment via postal service was a disaster in Poland. Costs a small fortune (13$) and was not even delivered home. I had to go to the post office to grab the package. Package itself was destroyed by Polish Post - paper box crushed and torn. It was then repacked in a sealed plastic bag.
Due to the safe packing done by Beni, the device did not receive any harm.
Maybe another way of shipping in the EU could be introduced?

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)
Sorry that polish post is a disaster - I will think about it when I send something to Poland again - unfortunately other shipping options are way more expensive, because I can't ship thousands of packages per week.

Anthony | Sept. 16, 2020

Excellent

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Works beautifully and even cleans up jitter as a bonus. Plug it in and forget about it.

-************^*^*^*******************_

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Andrew | Aug. 26, 2020

Works well, simple to set up

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Very pleased: it makes it very easy to get very high quality audio from multiple inputs to my hifi without needing extra remote controls or buttons.

I bought this to connect my TV and several Hifi and streaming components to my Chord DAC and then to the hifi. It works well, but I had a few problems (not sure if they're anything to do with this unit or something else). My Teufel Streamer had to have its "used fixed clock" setting set otherwise my DAC had lots of problems (but the Teufel app did say that, so maybe to be expected). My Sony TV seems to always provide some kind of signal that the device picks up, even when the TV is off. Not sure why. In the end, I was glad I got the unit with lots of input and output connections (optical and coaxial) because I needed them to make the auto-detection work well. My DAC has a couple of auto-detecting inputs and that didn't work well with this device, so I had to make all the digital inputs go into this switch and then just one output to the DAC.

It didn't have any negative impact on the sound. The sound worked excellently. And I had no problem playing a variety of high-sampling-frequency and high-precision audio files from my streaming devices.

It had no problem being powered from the USB port on the Teufel streamer.

It took about a week to arrive, so not long considering there's a pandemic on and I chose the extra input/output options.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Richard | Aug. 25, 2020

Not as well made as the original

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

Although functional, I felt this is not as well made as the original ones I purchased, a few years back, still going strong.

I'm not convinced these will last as long, time will tell.

Jochem | Aug. 10, 2020

Works flawlessly

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

After installing and configuring the Pi according to instructions posted by others, it worked immediately. Sound quality with Spotify is noticeably better compared to my setup with Chromecast, which wasn't something I necessarily expected, but am really happy with (could also be because my receicer has a better decoder for toslink vs hdmi). Awesome product, definitely recommended.

Laura | July 30, 2020

A simple but useful custom device

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I was looking for something like this for years. Many speakers only have one input which is usually optical digital but your blu ray player has only a coaxial output, and then, as well a a computer with spdif output you also have an Xbox. But you have only 1 input! This is fixed by this device. It nearly and automatically switches between up to 7 inputs which can also be a nice of coaxial and optical. You can buy extra cables also with the device. This is FAR cheaper than buying a full size AV amp and speakers and very small and near. Because it is automatic you don't need to switch or control anything. It just works. A great device which has made life a little easier for me and sounds good.
Also you can get a dac as an option of your speakers are analogue. This normally costs 30 Euro at least stand alone. Sound is good and it looks very professional

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

David | July 20, 2020

Does what it's supposed to at a fair price.

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Searched the world over for this functionality, and this is the only device I could find. Works great. Really nice, small company makes it. Super simple to use -- self explanatory operation. Highly recommended.

Slow delivery to USA, though, thanks to relying on the postal system during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. If you are reading this while the pandemic is still active, and you have a UPS or FedEx account, you can email them a "return" shipping label for faster delivery.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Andre | July 12, 2020

Superb

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The device works absolutely flawlessly. Communication with the seller was a pleasure, he always responded swiftly.
I am not aware of any similar device, it replaces a remote-controlled switch that I imported to Germany from the US a few years ago - so far it was the only one that I could find matching my requirements to provide toslink an RCA inputs/outputs. I am very happy with my decision!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Paul | June 24, 2020

Cost effective digital audio output

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

This device was the most cost effective way for me to resolve the HDMI CEC wakeup problems in my home theatre setup and pipe the Pi's digital audio output to my receiver. Setup took about 10 minutes and I'm really happy with it.

Robert | June 20, 2020

Excellent optical switch

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I got this because my Audio Authority was often getting confused with optical signals with just the carrier but no sound. Plenty of devices never switch off the optical carrier like HDMI audio extractors or media streamers. This switch recognizes which device actually outputs audio and switches to it. The switching is not always instant, keep that in mind.

The device comes a sturdy metal case and looks like it will last a long time, There were no instructions.

Don’t forget to order a mini-USB cable with it because chances are you don’t have it since the works moved on to micro-usb.

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 19, 2021

Thank you very much for your review :)

Clément | June 16, 2020

Just perfect

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Only automatic spdif switch I could find on the market. And it's better than I hoped for.

It just works. If a device plays sound, it will switch to it. It's plug, play and forget.
USB-powered. No power plug needed like most devices this small.
Enclosure looks solid and good overall quality.

My only regret, is not knowing about this sooner.

Response from Beni_Skate | June 16, 2020

Thank you very much for your review :)

Damian | June 11, 2020

Perfect in every regard!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Excellent product, superb quality, works perfectly! Seller and support are top notch. The default switching logic works just great, but it is great to have options to customize it down the road if need be. Great components like this just do their job day-in-day-out. Others have been more polite, but for SEO purposes I will name names...this replaced a Lindy 70405 automatic toslink switcher which deserves the poor reviews it gets. Save yourself the trouble, get this switch and support independent builders!

Response from Beni_Skate | June 16, 2020

Thank you very much for your review :)

Jesper | June 10, 2020

Works great

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The product works great and as advertised.
Shipping took a bit longer than I expected but that wasn’t a problem.

Response from Beni_Skate | June 16, 2020

Thank you for your review :)

Arjen | June 10, 2020

Great product, just what I needed

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

This is a great product, and does exactly what I needed. The switch looks well made to me, and is simply connect and forget (at least in my use case). The item was well packed and quickly shipped.

My use case:
I got the 4x optical version. On the input side I've connected a LG TV, Apple Airport Express and a Google Chromecast Audio. The TV is on the lowest priority input.
The output is connected to my NAD D3020 amp. This amp has the option to automatically wake up when it detects an active input.

So I can turn on the TV, start a Spotify session on the Chromecast or stream via Airplay to the Airport and the NAD amp will turn on automatically. After receiving no input for 30 mins, the amp turns off by itself.

One thing I noticed, is that when I stop the Spotify session on the Chromecast (by just pressing pause, and not disconnecting the Spotify connect), the Chromecast does not turn off (which is expected for a quick reconnect) but sends out an invalid output. The corrresponding LED on the switch turns yellow. In this case, the switch does not turn off the optical output. Luckily, the NAD amp does turn off after 30 mins while it receives this empty signal, but I don't know if this is the case for other amps. So it might be helpful for some cases to have the option to turn off the output completely when receiving an invalid signal.

Beni_skate, thanks for developing this great product!

Response from Beni_Skate | June 16, 2020

Thank you very much for your review :)
I'll check if I can implement a timeout in one of the next firmware versions to switch of the output in such a case.

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