2. amps-preamps
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Should I switch to a preamp with balanced outputs

Hello all,
I'm just looking for opinions here. I recently acquired a Belles 350a power amplifier from my dad. I am currently running a Conrad Johnson PV-7 preamp. I wondering if it would be a huge benefit to switch my preamp to one with balanced outputs. I really love the CJ's sound with the tubes I am running in it plus it has a killer phono stage. My budget for a new preamp would be around $700.00. Any recommendations? The amp/preamp combo sounds great to me (which I know is the most important thing). Would the sound be dramatically improved with balanced interconnects?
I've never used balanced IC's so I'm not sure if I'm missing anything.
Thanks for any input.
Skipper320
skipper320
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,811 posts
 
Well excuse me you did mention new in your thread. I owned a classe preamp years ago and it was real nice but it still is not better than what you have now. But if you want to make a change go ahead and do it. You might regret the musicality of tubes. Good luck!
mesch
3,529 posts
 
+1, Yogiboy.
lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,713 posts
 
I would stay with the equipment you have because you like the sound and thats the most important factor as far as I'm concern. You don't have to spend a fricking fortune to create great sound.
Over 30+ years I have experimented with single ended vs. balanced and in my opinion unless tou have a really long run for your interconnects you are fine with single ended. I agree with Brauser's comment.
nglazer
846 posts
 
I have a new preamp, VTL 7.5iii, with balanced and RCA options. I switched to balanced because the mfr prefers it. I cannot say I notice any improvement, to be candid.

BTW, I have a Belles 150A Hot Rod in my 2d system and I LOVE that amp. Paired with a CJ PF-R SS preamp (top of the line, its time) and I am very happy.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
The reason why I originally went balanced way back "when" was because I saw that I could get 'better' interconnects at a lower cost if I went with balanced. (Pro Audio Gear). I ended up staying with balanced. The old addage is that balanced cables fare better on long runs, but thats from the live music where youre running cables from trailers over 50 meters, etc., and my understanding is that some of those uber long runs had some sort of voltage line amps or repeaters of some sort. In any event, to continue, just because your gear has a balanced conector doesn't necessarilly mean that the circuit is a balanced desgin and takes advantage of that design. Some balanced connections are only to facilitate connection and do not implement a balanced design.
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