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Using XLR for Phono out

Hi folks, I am setting up my stereo on paper first and have an interesting question. I have bought a PS Audio GCPH phono preamp. It has RCA inputs for phone but output
can be RCA or XLR! PSAudio states their amp is all balanced. I am using a VPI JWM tonearm that has direct RCA outputs. I am using XLR from preamp Cambridge 840E to my Marklevinson 336. Should I use the XLR phono output to the preamp too? Thanks, Rique.
spaninc
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hi,
I had the GCPH and apart from getting 6dB more output with the XLR, you will also find to get some more depth of detail.

Having said this, detail is NOT everything and you may find that the RCA could sound a bit smoother, or musical by comparison. If your system is more on the bright side (some glare? - and who has not some these days) the RCA may be the preferred way to go, if you do not hanker after the last bit of *detail* in favour of some slightly more harmonic balance.
Ergo, you will not be able to do this one on *paper* first / alone, as you would have it... :-)
Greetings,
Axel
daverz
487 posts
 
I'd get a pair of XLR cables from monoprice.com and try it out.
lewm
13,345 posts
 
This question, and ones in a similar vein, comes up all the time. In this specific case, if your linestage (the Cambridge 840E, I guess) is balanced, then there is an advantage to using the XLR outputs on the GCPH. If your linestage is single-ended, you may as well use the RCA outputs from the GCPH. When I use the terms "balanced" vs "single-ended" with respect to your linestage, I refer to the internal circuitry, NOT to the fact that it may or may not offer XLR input jacks. The problem is that many manufacturers use "fuzzy" language in describing their circuit topology, now that balanced circuits are somewhat in vogue. It is safe to say however that if your Cambridge preamp offers only RCA inputs, you may as well use the RCA outputs from the GCPH.
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