Well, I know this post has been cooling off for a while, but I just started reading the mastering section, and thought I'd add a note.
I am just a home recordist, who strives to put his resources into a few select pieces of quality gear rather than tons of "consumer grade" solutions which lead to frustration or low sound quality. Before buying a monitor st, I kept thinking bout all the pre-amps, mics, or compressors I would be delaying by getting a $2000 (plus) monitor switching device.
I will simply say I have never regretted it for a moment, and I don't begin to exploit the features like talk back, aux input, LFE subwoofer options, etc. Just basic switching between four inputs and three outputs, muting L or R, mono on touch, and a level control. It has saved me tons of hassles and for that alone it's worth it.
dangerously yours,
D