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Speaker hiss from power amp

I have a Mark Levinson 532H amp that is connected to a Levinson 390S CD processor only (no preamp).  Recently, I switched from single-ended to balanced interconnects (Cardas Neutral Reference) because it's a pretty long run (~12 feet) between the components.  The 532H has switches on the back for selecting balanced or unbalanced interconnects.  The switches had always been set for the RCA single ended inputs, so I just noticed that when the switches are set to balanced, there is a very slight hiss coming from my tweeters.  When unbalanced are selected, the hiss is substantially reduced, nearly but not quite silent.  Both speakers have an equal amount of hiss.  In balanced mode, the hiss is only audible when my ear is 3 or 4 inches from the tweeters so it doesn't in any way detract from my overall musical experience.  I should note that the hiss is evident whether or not anything is actually connected to the amp (other than the speakers, obviously), and there's no difference with gain when I have the 390s connected.  Also, the addition of a power conditioner has made no difference at all.  Two other things: there is a very slight hum coming from the amp (again, only audible if I'm very close to the amp) and the A/C power from my outlets seems pretty inadequate (probably less than 5 amps according to the Parasound).  Appreciate any ideas on why the hiss increases when the switches are set to balanced inputs and how it could possibly be eliminated.  
rwatson
rwatson OP
6 posts
 
Thanks, @mrdecibel, I really appreciate it!  To clarify, I have a Parasound Max 5500 (actually, borrowed from a video set up in another room) that indicates (what I assume is) amps from the wall.  Again, forgive my lack of knowledge regarding electronics, but I've often heard of dedicated 15A circuits, etc., for audio systems.  Bottom line is that I don't have anything like that.  Perhaps it's a non-issue, or perhaps I need to have an electrician come in.  It sounds like you're saying the latter might be advisable?

Regarding speakers, I am really just looking for some initial manufacturer suggestions since synergy is another thing that is often discussed on this forum and I'm sure there are speakers which are particularly well suited to the Levinson gear.  It might be best to start another thread so we don't drift too far off topic.  But, for what it's worth, I really only listen to vocal and instrumental jazz and classical music.  I'm sure there are many modern speakers that are far more accurate and better sounding than what I've been using.  Piano, small instrumental and vocal ensemble music sound quite nice to me on the B&Ws and I can definitely tell which recordings are not particularly well mixed.  One area where I'm sure there's a lot of room for improvement, however, is in detail and dynamic range with big band and large orchestral recordings. 

Stay safe (and sane) as well!
rwatson OP
6 posts
 
@georgehifi, if I'm following you, the hiss can't be explained by the DAC since it's present whether the 390s is connected or not.  Thanks!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Ok then same noise if the dac is not connected to the amp just the speakers,
Then when it’s switched to XLR input (which is .5db lower gain than SE) as Stereophile measured, it has more noise to you from the speakers, it must be a Balanced to SE summing opamp giving the extra noise, and therefore should not only be quieter using the SE as you found, but also sound better because the summing opamp is not used.
I found exactly the same but other way around using Belcanto Ref600 monoblocks, the RCA input used a se to balanced opamp into the Hypex NC500 balanced input buffer module, the XLR input input did not use it and had the same gain, and not only had less noise but sounded better as well (less hifi’ish), because the opamp was not used.

Cheers George
dynacohum
652 posts
 
Another point is that 12’ is not a worrisome length for unbalanced cables. In pro audio applications there can be 50 to 100’ of cable as in the mic drops in a big concert hall. Unless you have a proven source of RFI/EMI nearby, like a broadcast tower, you’re better off with the RCA connects. 
mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
951 posts
 
georgehifi has it right, in my opinion.  I would also suggest that you contact Levinson and inquire on the design of the amp on weather or not it uses an op-amp for the XLR inputs.  My guess is that is probably the case; that they do use op-amps to convert the incoming single-ended signal to a balanced design.  And if so, then simply revert to using RCA connections for the best signal integrity to the amps primary design.  In my own system the components are expressly designed for use with XLR cables.  Hence, they pulled that into the name of the brand, Balanced Audio Technology (BAT).  

I also have to question MC comment about Balanced XLR cables being more costly than RCA cables.  The cables I use are by Audioquest.  They can be purchased with RCA terminations or XLR terminations for the exact same price.  I imagine it is possible that some cable vendors have a difference in price based on the terminations, but obviously not all.  And indeed, there are a lot of quality cable vendors on the market by which you can choose from.  Just my two cents on this particular comment.
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