2. amps-preamps
  3. 1423274299

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
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,533 posts
 
Agreed, keep what you have!
skipper320 OP
89 posts
 
Thanks for all of the replies! I think my question has been answered.
david12
1,454 posts
 
The only reason to use XLR is if there is no other option. I have switched to ARC, which only has XLR inputs on a power amp, so no choice. What you have to avoid is RCA to XLR conversion cables, that will degrade the sound
luked
9 posts
 
I have a CJ pre and a amp that takes both RCA and XLR. One of the amps had the RCA go out. I was told to get a switching controller. Went to Ebay and found a used Henry Engineering Matchbox HD for under a $100 that allowed a interface from CJ RCA to the amp XLR inputs. What a difference it made I could hear the skins of the drums vibrate. (Read my forum on How do you like the Parasound P5) That one experience was a huge eye opener and has me asking the same question. You may want to try just getting a separate controller that allows the cables to be interfaced.
redphu72's avatar
redphu72
78 posts
 
Stupid question can a preamp be a balanced design/topography and have only RCA inputs?  I’m considering the CJ GAT2 premap and my system is all balanced.  The GATv2 has gotten rave reviews and I don’t want to feel like I’m not getting the full benefit from my Dac/amp. 
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