Bojan | March 21, 2020

Perfect product

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I needed an automatic switching solution for several outputs. After spending money and time on various suboptimal products on the market, I finally stumbled upon this. I could write volumes about it, but in summary: after plugging it in, I forgot that it existed. Truly brilliant.

Response from Beni_Skate | June 16, 2020

Thank you very much for your review :)

Miljenko | Feb. 17, 2020

Caleb | Feb. 2, 2020

Definitely works as advertised

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

It comes *so* close to my ideal use-case, which is the advertised automatic switching. This totally fixes my audio lag between my Sonos setup and my OLED tv (video was almost 1 second ahead of sound, which cannot be compensated for in the sonos app or tv). My external hardware (PS4, XBox One) work great! But the TV has a weird issue where I have to change to an unused input before the sound will come across when using internal tv apps (Youtube, Sling, etc). Since the tv already had weird optical out issues, I'm going to blame it on that, and ultimately that isn't a huge hurdle.

Shipping required me to be home, which I wasn't, so I had to take off work to get to the post office. Package was packed fine.

Overall very satisfied!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 3, 2020

Thank you for your review! :)
This really sounds like your TV has some problems with the optical output.
Yes people have to sign for the package (because it's shipped insured and with tracking).

Matthias | Feb. 2, 2020

Works a treat!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

A small review has been published in the RME Audio forum:

https://forum.rme-audio.de/viewtopic.php?pid=149763#p149763

It doesn't get better than this!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 3, 2020

Thank you for your detailed review in the forum! :)

Emily | Jan. 28, 2020

Perfect gadget

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

This device solves one problem that is strangely not a standard feature of every multi-input digital audio sink. Plug it in, problem solved. No more getting up or finding a remote to switch audio inputs.

Well built, functions perfectly, great seller---thanks!

Response from Beni_Skate | Feb. 3, 2020

Thank you for your review! :)

Tom | Jan. 23, 2020

Does exactly what it says

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Works very well, got it with the ES9023 DAC option which sounds better than I'd expected based on previous experience with this chip. As a no-fuss solution to an AV system containing several different sources, some of which will "idle" with a zero signal, it fills the gap perfectly - I was working on a remote controlled solution using an AK4113 but this is more elegant. Also consumes very little power, meaning the TV can power it as well as the HDMI switch using a USB splitter cable.

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 23, 2020

Thank you for your review! :)

Casey | Dec. 16, 2019

Gyorgy | Nov. 28, 2019

Mathijs | Nov. 27, 2019

Little piece of magic

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I have a very decent hifi amplifier (with no digital inputs) and a separate dac with only one optical and one coax input.
Connecting a Nintendo Switch, TV, AppleTV and AirPort Express was impossible.
This little device gives me enough inputs to connect all my digital devices to my old amplifier. I have the one with the build-in DAC, connected to my amplifier. It sounds amazing. Really. Compared to my other, more expensive DAC, there are only very small audible differences in really good recorded (classical) pieces. It really is that good.

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 23, 2020

Thank you for your review! :)

Angel | Nov. 25, 2019

Joe | Oct. 28, 2019

Plug & Play with DietPi on a Rasperry Pi Zero W

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

Purchased to use on a Raspberry Pi Zero W v1.1 to turn an old iPod Hifi into an airplay source using shairpoint-sync.

Used the DietPi distro (and it's preconfigured shairpoint-sync install) and it was essentially plug & play to get the tinyToslink up and running!

Here's how I got everything working on a raspberry pi zero w with dietpi & shairpoint-sync:

1. Follow the instructions for setting up DietPi on the DietPi site, including connecting to your wifi network (don't worry about adjusting any audio settings/sources in config.txt, DietPi has an easier way once it's up and running). After first boot, SSH into the Raspberry Pi and DietPi will prompt to update. Do these updates. It might take a few minutes.
2. Once the updates have completed the Raspberry Pi will reboot. SSH into the Raspberry Pi, and enter "dietpi-config" (no quotes)
3. From the DietPi-Config screen, select "option 2 : audio options"
4. From audio options, select "soundcard" (it will say "rpi-bcm2835-auto" next to it)
5. From the sound card options, scroll down until you see "hifiberry-digi", and select this by pressing enter.
6. At this point exit the sound card options, audio options, and dietpi-config until you are back at the DietPi terminal
7. Type "reboot" into the terminal (no quotes)
8. After rebooting, the tinyToslink raspberry pi should appear in iOS as an airplay audio source called "dietpi" and should be working with whatever audio software you'd like to airplay from.

Optional: Change the name of your shairpoint-sync device from DietPi to whatever you'd like by going to: dietpi-config –– 6 : security options –– 2 : change hostname.

(updated on 2020/02/24 to clarify language a bit)

Response from Beni_Skate | Oct. 30, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Brian | Sept. 21, 2019

Perfect device to integrate into a smart home setup

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I've been using this device for about 15 months now, and it's still functioning flawlessly. I haven't been able to find any device that replicates it's functionality.

I have 4 input devices (tv/cable box/Xbox one/Bluetooth receiver) which all output to my 5.1 speakers. My original goal was to use this switch to get my Amazon Alexa to override my other outputs when I speak to it, and come out over my 5.1 speakers when I talk to it. I still haven't succeeded with that, but that's Amazon's fault.

What I have been able to do is establish a voiced control AV system by pairing this automatic toslink switch with some cheap manual toslink switches and a smart home power strip.

I've put each of the manual switches upstream of this device, and plugged their power cords into the smart power strip. I don't actually use the 'switch' functionality of the manual devices, I just plug one input in and have the output run to the automatic switch. By using voice commands to alexa, I'm able to power on the plug at the smart power strip, which powers on the manual switch, which then sends the signal to the autoswitch, causing it to switch to that input (if it's highest priority input). For the audio from the actual Alexa, I found a Bluetooth receiver with a toslink output that I put on the highest priority input on the automatic switch. The key is that the particular BT device doesn't register as an active input on the automatic switch unless it's connected to a BT source. So when I say "Alexa, connect Bluetooth", it automatically connects to the BT receiver, activates it's output, which switches the automatic switch to that input. In this way I have an overriding music input. Disconnecting Alexa from Bluetooth shuts down the output on the receiver and reverts the automatic switch to another input.

The backbone of all of this whole setup is the automatic switch, which works extremely reliably and predictably, something I can't sat about most other devices I've tried to integrate into the system.

To the developer, if there's updated firmware can you please send me a link?

Thank you for making such a great device.

Response from Beni_Skate | Sept. 24, 2019

Thank you for your detailed review! :)

Short time ago I got a feedback from another customer that there is a good bluetooth receiver that switches off the signal when there is no audio (also when a bluetooth device is still connected) available here:
https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00KMS7HFG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
(but I didn't test this bluetooth receiver myself)

Some time ago I finally started to write a detailed manual about the switch and a first version is available on the product site here on Tindie (added as Datasheet):
https://d3s5r33r268y59.cloudfront.net/datasheets/10187/2019-05-06-15-47-31/Automatic_Audio_Switch.pdf
Downloadlink for the newest firmware and instructions how to update the firmware are included (Windows computer needed).
You can also check the current firmware version that you have with the Windows client tool.

If you have any other questions just write a message.

Best Regards
Benjamin

Kaj | Aug. 29, 2019

Amazing

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Exactly what I was looking for. Works perfectly and does exactly what was advertised.

Very pleased with this purchase, and happy to buy something from an independent manufacturer.

Response from Beni_Skate | Sept. 24, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Henri | July 28, 2019

Extremely useful and easy to use device

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

There are very few options in the market for a device like this, and what I've come across, this is definitely the best one. The case is robust and seems very durable. Completely silent. Fast shipping. Ability to choose different build configurations for the device is great.

The default time of 10 seconds between activating an input is slightly long (considering that pausing video playback appears to trigger this), but as the switch parameters can be configured with over USB, I don't think it's a big issue.

I definitely recommend this to anyone considering an optical switch.

Response from Beni_Skate | July 28, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Ado | July 22, 2019

Best SPDIF switch I ever tested

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I waited some time with this review. Now, that I'm using the device for about 5 months, I'd like to thank a lot for that really solid and more than well built and working switch. You have done a great job in designing and building the electronics and in finishing the mechanical part. The enclosure is finished with great care and precision! To have such a level of professional and fast support would be good to have from any real commercial supplier! Would be nice to hear about new developments from you.

Response from Beni_Skate | July 22, 2019

Thank you for this great review :)

Andrea | June 18, 2019

Very cleverly designed - built like a tank - easy to use

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

There are things you would't even dream of you'll find them someday. This switch is one of them. Just plug in the different sources and the DA-Converter and enjoy. Great service: fast, to the point and very nice. To be warmly recommended.

Response from Beni_Skate | July 22, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Ivan | May 2, 2019

Excellent HifiBerry digi alternative

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I use tinyToslink on my Pi 3B with Volumio as radio streamer/media player for my AVR. Since I only needed to use Toslink as input for my AV Reciever, classic Hifiberry digi seemed a bit too much for me, so this came as a perfect solution.

I ordered a kit, received schematics and datasheets by mail. Instructions and packaging were really clear for my needs, although I would like to know more about the use of the optional components (EEPROM and LED). This is not a downside at all, as I believe that one e-mail to Beni would give you all the information you would need if you opt for the usage of optional components. I placed everything in a Rpi 2B case I had lying around, drilled a hole with a Dremel and it all fits fine.

Communication with Beni was great, I had some questions before purchase which he answered really fast.

All in all, I am really satisfied with tinyToslink and service provided by Beni.

Response from Beni_Skate | May 7, 2019

Thank you for your review :)
For the LED I have to say: I never assembled it so I'm not sure what the driver really does with it.
In the future all Raspberry Pi boards should get a EEPROM which serves as identifier, so that you can just plug it onto the Pi and it will load all drivers, etc. automatically (because the Pi knows what board it is) - currently this is not in use here, but I just wanted to keep it in the layout of the board to be on the safe side.

Kristoffer | March 26, 2019

Great product

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Good build quality and it does exactly what it promises. You forget that it is there, which is the point of having it:-).

Response from Beni_Skate | April 10, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Travis | March 26, 2019

Awesome product and awesome seller!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The device works flawlessly and it is one of a kind - I can't find one like it anywhere else. The seller provides great support and communication!

Response from Beni_Skate | April 10, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Philipp | March 25, 2019

It's not perfect but ok

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Overall this switch is okay but it doesn't fit my expectations.

My configuration is: TV, PC (Windows + Soundblaster) and Playstation 4.

The switch has an audio input search mechanism which keeps scanning the active inputs for a valid audio signal. If there are two or more active input signals (in my case TV and PC) but no valid signal (no audio playback) the switch keeps waiting for 12 seconds on one port for an audio signal before it jumps to the next port to wait another 12 seconds for a valid audio signal and so on. That means that in some cases I lose up to 12 seconds of the beginning of a movie or a song or what so ever. If you have 3 active signals without any audio playback you will lose up to 24 seconds soon as you start something (movie/clip/song/TV etc.). Unfortunately I can't configure my sound card to switch off the SPDIF signal (red light on the optical port) whenever I do nothing on my PC and switch it back on when I hit play on my VLC player. The same thing happens to my TV. The red light at the SPDIF ports of my TV and PC are constantly on.

That's why I can't recommend the switch in my case but it may perfectly fit on other configurations. 3 of 5 Stars because I had to learn that specific behaviour the expensive way (89$) plus after more than 6 weeks the manufacturer missed to give my a final answer if he could assemble a modified firmware for me with a lower scan period at every port (I would have totally accepted a 'No!').

Response from Beni_Skate | April 10, 2019

Hi Philipp,
this is just the "fallback" mode when multiple devices transmit a signal at the same time.
Unfortunately I've been quite busy, but I'll come back to you regarding the firmware update as soon as possible (I didn't forget about it and you will get it)!
Best Regards
Benjamin

Jeremy | March 18, 2019

Awesome Seller Great Switcher

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Fantastic switcher. Has all the outputs you could need. Using it for car audio. The auto sensing works fantastic and switches quickly. Lights indicate which input.

Response from Beni_Skate | March 19, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Richard | Feb. 25, 2019

Essential purchase if you have multiple SPDIF sources.

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I have three SPDIF sources (TV, Chromecast Audio and DVD player) which I used to connect to the DAC via a manual switch - now replaced by the basic 4 input optical only version of the Automatic SPDIF Audio Switch. The main benefit is that of convenience, but the jitter reduction is an unexpected bonus which makes me wonder about the expensive reclocker add-ons on the market. The device responds quickly without any noise or glitches. I requested - and received by return - the app to change the indicator light behaviour and was able to stop the red flashing on the inactive inputs.
Deserves to be more widely publicised - I came across it by chance by browsing around audio sites.

Response from Beni_Skate | March 4, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Jim | Jan. 21, 2019

A unique product for a unique situation that works perfectly

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Like the creator of this product, my TV doesn't forward HDMI 5.1 and has no ARC port, so I wanted a way to force my optical 5.1 devices to output over toslink to my 5.1 soundbar, and this is literally the only product I ran across. I've received it and am very happy to say that it works perfectly and exactly as advertised, and now all of my devices are outputting 5.1. My next TV upgrade will have a functional ARC port, but that it as least $3000 away, so this is wonderful until then.

Like many customers, I would like instructions on how to shut off the blinking LEDs :-) but otherwise this is a quality product.

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 22, 2019

Thank you for your review :)
I'll send you a mail regarding how to disable the LEDs.

Carter | Jan. 15, 2019

A one-of-a-kind product!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

I'm pretty sure you can't find anything like this SPDIF switch anywhere on Earth besides this store. While there are some headaches with SPDIF devices that always put out SPDIF signals, there are some serial commands that help out a lot with this. Seller shipped extremely fast (it took longer to propagate through the US than it took to arrive from Austria!) and has been a great help.

If you do get the DAC option and level match with your existing DAC, you might be surprised how good this ES9023 can sound...

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 15, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Rasmus | Jan. 13, 2019

Great product! Works as promised. No documentation necessary

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Great product! Works as promised. No documentation necessary. The Coax output also works with AES-EBU using a RCA-XLR -cable.

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 15, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Xavier | Jan. 9, 2019

Awesome

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Works really well. Fast shipping and very good price and quality. The seller responded to my questions quickly. Thanks!

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 9, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Xavier | Jan. 9, 2019

Great product

For tinyToslink - Raspberry Pi Optical Audio

I bought the kit version. My soldering skills are a bit rusty but I managed to do it. As written in the description, the MCU and the oscillator aren't that easy to solder. One thing: the component positions are not always clear from the footprints/silk. I had to do some (minimal) guesswork on a couple resistors, the MCU and the oscillator. Maybe shipping the printed layout could help.

Works fine with my RPI3b+ and Arch Linux ARM with minimal setup (one line in config.txt iirc).

All in all great product, good price, fast shipping and good communication. Thank you!

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 9, 2019

Thank you for your review :)
Sorry I forgot to send you schematic and picture of the layout via email (not many people buy the DIY kit) - I'll send it to you immediately.
Best Regards
Benjamin

Viktor | Jan. 7, 2019

Exactly what I was looking for

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Hi Beni,

I am using this device for over a week now. It works exactly as was described and I am really satisfied.
I have been looking for such device quite a long time but couldn't find it, until now.

Only one thing (and it was mentioned in the previous reviews) LEDs are too bright.
As I understand there is some configuration software for setting of LEDs brightness. How can I get this?
Would be nice to lower brightness or even to turn LEDs off.

Viktor

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 8, 2019

Hi Viktor,
thank you for your review!
Reducing the brightness is not possible, but you can disable the LEDs (enable/disable on active input, enable/disable on inactive inputs, disable only red blinking leds [inactive inputs which have no signal]).
I will disable the red blinking on inactive inputs for all future orders from now on.
I will send you a email with the client tool (Windows).
Best Regards
Benjamin

H E | Jan. 4, 2019

Just what I needed

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Great item, just what I needed to connect 3 input items to my amplifier (Logitech Squeezebox, TV and TV box (radio signal)).
Very fast shipment: I received my package (in the Netherlands) just a few days after my purchase (around Christmas).
One possible improvement: add a small switch to suppress the red blinking LED's

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 8, 2019

Thank you for your review!
You can disable the red blinking LEDs when you connect it to a computer and send "$CL0\r\n" over the virtual COM port.
I also have a small client tool for Windows (I'll send you a mail with the details).
I will disable the red blinking on inactive inputs for all future orders from now on.
Best Regards
Benjamin

Tomas | Jan. 1, 2019

A perfect device

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

Pros:
Very simple to use.
Fast (no added audio lag)
Has worked flawlessly ever since I connected it (no reboots required)

Cons:
Unconnected ports are constantly slowly blinking red (can be hidden with a little bit of tape).
Ports could have descriptions on them (such as "in 1" or "out 2")

I strongly recommend this product.

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 8, 2019

Thank you for your review!
You can disable the red blinking LEDs when you connect it to a computer and send "$CL0\r\n" over the virtual COM port.
I also have a small client tool for Windows (I'll send you a mail with the details).
I will disable the red blinking on inactive inputs for all future orders from now on.
Best Regards
Benjamin

Kerekes | Dec. 27, 2018

Thiago | Dec. 8, 2018

Exactly what I needed!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

The product is perfect and well done constructed.
I looked on the internet for something that does that to connect with my Sonos Sound System (Plex, PC, UPC TV Box) and all solutions I found were super expensive and with too much extra that I didn't need it. This box does the job perfectly fine.
The USB cable to connect on the TV as a power supply is a perfect idea.
Thanks mate!

Response from Beni_Skate | Jan. 8, 2019

Thank you for your review :)

Vladimir | Dec. 5, 2018

SPDIF switch for all your SPDIF switching needs

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

It’s doing exactly what it says on the box, and so far has been very reliable at that. If I could change one thing I’d make the LEDs less bright or not blinking - that can be distracting in a dark room. Otherwise it is a great product which for some reason you can’t find anywhere else!

Response from Beni_Skate | Dec. 7, 2018

Thank you for your review :)
You can disable the blinking LEDs on inactive inputs (just write me a message and I'll send you the client tool for configuration)

Martin | Nov. 29, 2018

A fantastic product!

For Automatic SPDIF (Optical/RCA) Audio Switch

This piece of equipment is a gem! I bought the 4 port optical version. It only took 5 days from the time I placed the order at Tindie until the parcel arrived. (I live in Denmark in the EU.) The switch is very sturdy built and smaller than I had anticipated, which is an extra bonus, since it's just going to lie hidden away in the back of a cupboard. I use it to connect an Apple Airport Express, a Google Chomecast audio and a HifiBerry equipped Raspberry Pi with my wireless Dynaudio Xeo 3 speakers. Finally I can use all of my digital audio sources without any bother. Thank you Benjamin for making this possible with your nicely built switch! (Only one small quibble: I didn't receive any documentation. But since the product is so straight forward to get connected, documentation wasn't really necessary.)

Response from Beni_Skate | Dec. 7, 2018

Thank you for your review :)
I'm working on a detailed documentation