2. amps-preamps
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Long distance between preamp and power amp

Due to house moving and some constraints, I will have the power amplifier 6 meters away from the preamp.
The power amp only has RCA inputs, but the preamp has RCA and XLR outputs.
What's the best solution for this long distance? Simply go RCA to RCA? Or should I use the balanced outputs on the preamp side and then make use of an adapter (XLR to RCA) to connect on the power amp side?
Suggestions?
migueca
wolf_garcia
6,744 posts
 
Rule #1 for single ended cable is to not use them for longer runs (I think rule #2 is don't eat them). Sqlsavior is a rebel rule breaker...
inna
7,830 posts
 
6 meters is not a very long run for an excellent RCA cable. Not a problem. I can speak of older Purist Dominus with full certainty.
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
There’s no reason to consider selling such a fine amp. If it proves to be necessary you could connect a suitably chosen Jensen transformer (ca. $275) between the preamp and the amp (close to the amp), to convert balanced to unbalanced. That would provide essentially all of the benefits of a balanced connection.

But it may very well not be necessary. What is the make and model of the preamp?

The approach that is best may very possibly depend on several different characteristics of the preamp. Including its output impedance; how its balanced outputs are generated (and therefore whether the sonics of its balanced outputs are likely to be better than, worse than, or similar to the sonics of its unbalanced outputs); and its internal grounding configuration (that may affect susceptibility to ground loop issues, which can be brought out by long lengths of unbalanced cables).

Regards,
-- Al

winoguy17
1,189 posts
 
 I used a 7 meter cable for years between pre and power amp. It sounded fine  , but I always felt it HAD to be a weak link. When I was able to reconfigure my system I went to a much shorter and more expensive cable. Damned if I could hear the difference.

migueca's avatar
migueca OP
112 posts
 
As many of you say, maybe the distance is not an issue after all - as long as I use a good cable. 
My preamplifier is an old (and mint) McIntosh C712. 
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