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XLR/Balanced problems???

I'm using a Pass Aleph 3 amp, Pass Aleph P preamp, a Studer(revox)A727 CD(professional model), Cardas Quadlink speaker cable, Mission 753 speakers, and both balanced and unbalanced Cardas Cross interconnects. I'be been using the variable output on the CD with unbalanced Cardas Cross and the sound has been a little bass shy, but fine(even with the CD volume at maximum...and I know Aleph 3's aren't bass heavy amps). I recently started using balanced Cardas Cross cables from the CD to the pre-amp. The signal is much louder, and the bass is much stronger...so much that it distorts a bit(especially noticable on vocals). Is this natural? Is my problem with the speakers(I've never had the problem before), or should I forget about using balanced interconnects?
phild
carl_eber
1,425 posts
 
Sounds like your problem is with the CD player or preamp. I don't know. Try other XLR cables, and try another balanced CD player, if you can borrow one. There could be some kind of impedance or level mismatch between preamp and CD player.
7p62mm
97 posts
 
The Sony CD player that I have has constant levels for the balanced outputs (The unbalanced outputs have adjustable levels). If your CD player allows you to adjust the balanced output levels then you may be over driving the front end of you preamp.
phild OP
603 posts
 
No...the balanced outputs are constant...that's why I can't figure out why they're signal is so much stronger than the unbalanced at maximum volume.
audioq
5 posts
 
Sounds like your overloading your preamp's input. Going from single ended to balanced inputs can increase the output level by 3db eg the BAT VK d5 which I use doubles its output voltage from the balanced jacks to about 4.4v. Check to see if your CD player specifies an output voltage (the cd standard is 2v). Also see if your preamp has an input overload spec and whether you may have exceeded it.
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