@gordon I believe the issue is the synergy between the Innamorata and LS100. They are both fine operating with other devices, but together not so good.
Upscale Audio has a page discussing tube preamp hiss and says it is
often a combination of low preamp gain and low input sensitivity for the
amp. I believe this could be the issue.
Need suggestions for balanced equipment to Combat noise/hum
Issue: Hum and Noise from long 20 ft RCA cables between
preamp and amp. Current equipment is single ended preventing me from using
balanced connections
Current system> Modwright LS100, Wells Audio Innamorata, Auralic Vega, etc
Temp solution is to relocate equipment rack and amp to a new (unpreferred) location in the room enabling me to use “short” 1.5m RCA between preamp and amp.
Long Term Solution: Move to a fully balanced system to lower hum/noise floor and allowing me to move equipment back to preferred location in the room.
Ask: Suggestions for truly balanced amp and preamp. Budget is 8K for both (preowned), split anyway you like 4/4 5/3 etc. I seem to lean towards a tube preamp and solid-state power amp and am wondering if I would be happy with a tube pre with class D mono blocks (think Bel Canto, Merrill, Benchmark). The tube pre should have low output impedance (transformer coupled?) able to drive 20 ft XLR cables. If there is a solid-state preamp that fits the bill, I am open to it. I did demo the JC2 in my system and although it sounded very good it was a bit thin sounding. (Note my tubes are NOS RCA’s).
The other loaded question is will I be happy with a Class D amp after living with the Wells.
Thanks for reading and any suggestions15 responses Add your response
