@maxwave,
For the passive switch box, I purchased a Kramer Electronics VS-4X. I really was reticent on adding this, but with my home theater processor in the system and my Vinnie Rossi not having HTB, my choices came down to disconnecting and connecting XLR cables to my active crossover every time I changed to home theater and again back to 2-channel system, replace/remove my Vinnie Rossi unit, or go to a passive switch box. I had read of another Lumin user using the Kramer unit and did not notice any degradation, so I decided to try it.
I do believe that everything we insert into our audio systems have some influence, so am in the camp that everything matters. However, we may or may not personally detect an audible difference. I did not immediately notice a difference, but also admit I did not continue to try to critically test listen on various music selections and resolutions for this. Basically, I wanted the switch box to be an acceptable solution, and this could have affected my opinion. However, it was still a kludge, though better than manually switching cables out constantly.
Before the Vinnie Rossi L2 DHT Signature, I had a VR LIO and had Vinnie configure an HTB for me. However, he would not do so on the Signature with concerns it could negatively affect audio results. I do find it interesting that he once again is making that available for your new BRAMA--gorgeous looking unit. I would think some form of bypass is a favored market customer feature option that can be done very well. My Mola-Mola Makua allows programming on each input (other than the DAC module inputs) for Line, Phono, or Direct, where Direct is a programmed pass through that disables volume control of the preamp, and should be used only with sources that are volume controlled.
