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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
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. 
avanti1960
1,472 posts
 
I recently purchased a preamp with balanced circuitry and outputs paired with an amplifier that has balanced input connections.

The gain and dynamics using good quality XLR cables is far superior to connecting with very good RCA interconnects.
Music has more life and energy in spectacular fashion.

The other thing a balanced preamp offers is more flexibility when choosing partnering amplifiers. Some well regarded amps only have balanced connections.

This is for reference as someone bumped an old thread.  
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