I don't think you want to go the patchbay route. For starters, it requires doubling the number of interconnects - to the patchbay and from the patchbay to your equipment. Then you need the patch cords themselves.

I use a patchbay because my room contains professional gear which needs to be constantly and easily configured in a flexible manner. For you, I think it would be simply confusing.

Answering KWOK:

The patchbay is analog only. So since DVDs and CDs have a digital output (as well as analog) I don't use it for those, except when I want to patch an analog signal to a CD recorder or my hard drive recorder.

I agree with altec that it might be more than you need. I posted just to show an easy alternative for those so-inclined. I have had patchbays for more decades than I care to remember

A useful configuration for me is this: normalled analog outputs from my MILLENIUM dts decoder into 7.1....then I can listen to dts discs in either dts or thru analog. However I can patch in my Alesis hard drive recorder with also multi-channel recordings.

Sorry if confusing. Wife would agree with you, but she never goes near the thing.

So your suggestion is not suitable to my requirement.
I am now thinking of using a better coaxial cable btw the center channel (analog signal) from the switcher to my outlaw 990. Will see if there is any better (i.e. gain back a db or two from the output.
Kwok

Gonk and other fellows,
In order to boom up the db of the center channel, I make a spliter to contact the center chennel analog outputs from the Sony BDP-S550 and the other dvd player which decode SACD and DVD-A. Only the side channels and the subwoofer are using the inputs and outputs from the Component video switcher. The back channels also using the audio input and output from the switcher. I trim the speaker level at outlaw 990. Not balance exactly, but close to it.
Now I can switch the 7.1 analog outputs between 2 players more easier.
Kwok

You may want to try a different component switch (there are probably some available at Radio Shack) - and you might even send the MonoPrice switch back or ask for an exchange, as there is no reason I know of for the attenuation you were experiencing on the component video and coaxial digital audio connections.

Gank, Thanks for further advice. I try the present setup for a while and try fine tunning the sound level at 990 for a few days more. I might be able to do something better.
Anoter crazy idea is to get 3 units of audio swithers if can find in the market. Regards.
Kwok

There is a Q&A at Monoprice.com about this that says:

Question: Can I use this switch to switch 5.1 channel analog audio instead?
Answer: No, it won't work. Levels are not matched between the inputs.

Maybe it is because video connections are supposed to be 75 ohms, but the audio ones are not?

Wolverine, sorry to hear your advice late. I got the component switcher almost 1 week already and proved it does not match the levels, as you advised. Did Monoprice advise any alternatives?
Kwok

Not that I see.

Hi,

Another 7.1 analog question.

Is the "center width" control in the 990 available? I do not run a center channel. My fronts image very well and a center is unnecessary. I currently run hdmi in to my receiver and it processes with "none" set for center.

I don't know of Blu-ray players have settings for each speaker type. If so, I might be able to get the processing done there. I plan to buy the Oppo when available.

Thanks,

Jerry