Equipment Rack Between Speakers...Good or Bad

@atmasphere  Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking of using the long runs based on a thread you commented on. I am thinking of using a Benchmark LA4 preamp, which I think supports the balanced standard as you described. 

I am getting 2 amps (one a backup or change of pace). One will be a Benchmark AHB2 amp, which I assume supports the balanced standard. I used to own the AHB2 and a Benchmark DAC3 preamp/DAC and I could not tell a difference with different XLR cables. The second amp I will get is a Luxman m900u. This one I am not sure if they follow the balanced standard. I shall see.

@mijostyn Thanks for your input. I would not of thought using a AES/EBU cable between a preamp and amp was possible. I will dig more into this combo. Not too expensive to test with a short run.

Thanks for the feedback. I was thinking of using the long runs based on a thread you commented on. I am thinking of using a Benchmark LA4 preamp, which I think supports the balanced standard as you described.

@yyzsantabarbara I would not leave that bit about the balanced standard to chance or assumption! Ask them if the unit supports AES48. They should reply with a 'yes' or 'no' without obfuscation.
The tricky bit that most manufacturers have is the part about how the balanced line system ignores ground and as a result how the output of something like a preamp **doesn't reference ground** in order to work. So if they seem uncertain if the standard is supported, ask them if it will work if only a twisted pair is used to conduct the signal, using only pins 2 and 3 of the output. If they say 'no- that will cause a hum or buzz because pin 1 isn't hooked up' or words to that effect, then you will know that the standard is not supported. I looked at their website, but information like that wasn't available.

Millercarbon, what planet are you living on? Here on earth when dealing with very low impedance devices like loudspeakers you want a cable that has as low series and parallel resistance as is possible which means as short as possible. Since I make my own cables I don't have to worry about price much. Canare D206 can run in lengths up to 300 feet without a significant drop in bandwidth. Since all my cables are either digital or balance analog with the exception of my phono cables and speaker cables, I have perfectly performing cables at an extremely reasonable price. I could even put them in a fancy sheath, make up some marketing BS and sell them to people like you for $6000.00. But since I am stupid I make them for my friends usually as gifts. I buy the stuff in big rolls so I have all this wire hanging around.  

Dear @caphill  : Certainly I'm not the indicated person to answer what you ask to Mike but in the window where you seen the speakers along all his system is all the information you need.

Speakers?:   https://www.evolutionacoustics.com/loudspeakers/mm-series/mmseven/  

Specs:  http://evolutionacoustics.com/evolution-acoustics2/specifications-for-group-brochure-4.pdf

Yes, powered bass towers.


Btw, you own too really good system. Congratulations,

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.