Number of inputs: 2 (stereo RCA)
Number of outputs: 1 (stereo RCA)
Input impedance: 10k ohms
Output Impedance: 5k ohms maximum
Size: 5 x 3.5 x 1.25”
Weight: 1 lb
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SYS
VOLUME CONTROL AND 2-INPUT SWITCH
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SYS stands for "switch your, er...schtuff." Sys is a simple, 2-input passive preamp. No electronics. No power. No distortion. Just a 2-way switch and a potentiometer.
Huh? Why would you want such a thing? Well, if you've ever wanted to use one of our DACs with powered monitors, Sys puts the volume control right at hand. Same goes for using two sources with one of our headphone amps—use Sys to switch between a DAC and a phono preamp, for example.
And, you don't have to use Sys with our gear at all. It's a simple, high-quality, passive preamp that works with pretty much any line-level source.
Designed and Built in the USA
By “designed and built in the USA" this is what we mean: the vast majority of the total production cost of SYS—chassis, boards, assembly, etc—goes to US companies manufacturing in the US. Our chassis are made in California. Our PCBs are made in California or Nevada, and it all comes together in our Corpus Christi facility.
2-Year Warranty, 15-Day Easy Returns
SYS is covered by a 2-year limited warranty that covers parts and labor. And if you don’t like your SYS, you can send it back for a refund, minus 15% restocking fee, within 15 days of receiving it.
Hey, this is cool! Can I use it between my DAC and a pair of powered monitors?
Yep, that's exactly what it's meant for.
How about if I have a CD player, too?
Sure. Add it as a second input, and you can switch between them. Double the fun!
How about a phono preamp?
Yep, that works too. As do tablets, computers, phones, DVD players, Blu-ray players, cassette players, tuners, digital radio receivers, or anything else with line-level output.
Hey, but lots of stuff has a 1/8" jack, not dual RCAs!
Yes, and wonderful people make amazing things like this cable.
Hey, but lots of stuff doesn't have a 1/8" output anymore!
Yep, but that's what dongles are for.
Can I use it with a power amp?
Absolutely, you can use SYS to connect two sources to any power amp with RCA inputs, and control the volume.
Hey, I just want a switch, not volume control.
Turn the volume all the way up and use the switch.
Hey, I just want volume control, not a switch.
Then just use one input.
Hey, can you use this in reverse to switch 1 input to two outputs?
Yes, with the volume all the way up. But why not just use RCA Y-cables or splitters?
Okay, let's be serious. This is one cheap little gadget. What's the downside?
The downside to a passive preamp is exactly that—it's passive. That means there are no electronics in it. Which means it can't drive really long cable runs. If you're expecting to run 35' RCA cables to your power amp, Sys isn't going to be the best option. If you're running 6' cables to desktop speakers, that's not a problem. We'd be careful with anything longer than 15' on Sys, depending on the cable type.
2020 Golden Clef Award
HiFiAudio.Guru
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Schiit SYS Review
Jay's Take