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Does using XLR cables (double voltage output) mean I can use lower powered amplifiers?

Hi

Does using XLR cables (at 4V output from most dacs) vs RCA cables (with 2V output) mean that I have doubled the gain hence I only need half the power from amplifiers?

Just as a background I am looking for tube amplifers which typically are less powerful compared to solid state amplifiers. So I was wondering if using XLR connection rather than RCA mean that I can venture into lower powered amplifiers?

Or does the voltage input from the dac not matter/affect the power that a amplifier needs to drive the speakers?

Thanks!

Regards
Ben
thegreenman
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Fascinating. If you wear lifts in your shoes (at twice the gas pedal travel) does that mean you have double the horsepower?
gregm
3,405 posts
 
To your question: no you cannot use a lower powered amplifier.The amplifier’s maximum power rating is fixed, regardless of the interconnects used. Regards
thegreenman OP
44 posts
 
@ghdprentice 

thanks for your reply! yeah thinking of going SET from my current amp haha. like you I completely believe in tubes! love their magical/musical kind of presentation that imparts a soul into music.

using a primaluna EL34 x8 tubes, means 70W. thinking of trying out 845 SETs that output 25-30W. the 50-60W ones are more expensive so trying to think out of the box!

use a denafrips terminator dac with kef ref 5 speakers. how abt you? :)

Regards
Ben
thegreenman OP
44 posts
 
hi @gregm 

Oh I see. Thanks for your reply! I'm still new in this hobby.

Thanks!
Regards
Ben
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,785 posts
 
 Since the output voltage is double, that of RCA, would using XLR to RCA converter plugs, at the amp end, give more volume for a given volume-control position? Inquiring minds want to know...
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