Yes, I'm running a SE pre-amp (Manley Neo Classic 300b) with a fully balanced XLR amp (EC AW250R) and it sounds amazing. I had AudioArt cables build me a pair of XLR/RCA interconnects. Also, prior to purchasing I sent emails to both Manley and EC to ask if I should expect any issues. Got the green light from both...made the investment...and couldn't be happier with the outcome. Glad to share more info if interested...
Anybody use a single ended component with one that is balanced?
I currently have a single ended pass xa25 amp which is excellent but am looking to upgrade to an arc balanced pre. I was told arc works best balanced but I will have to use the rcas.
Anybody been in a situation like this? Will I really be compromising the sound of the arc using it in single ended mode? I know there are people who prefer single ended.
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In a way, a very pertinent question for me as I’m dealing with it now. Sort of in that I’m just looking for the right connection from my Rowland Model 12 monoblocks to my Townsend Allegri Preamp(which has both XLR and RCA). . In addition to the Townshend Allegri I also just ordered a Townsend Audio full loom and in discussions with Max Townshend about IC connectors, he told me that RCA’s are better than XLR’s. Max went on to explain single ended connection is more pure and true to the signal as a balanced connections goes through extra circuitry and should be avoided if possible, except for long runs of cable. I'm also changing the IC's from between my Classe processor and Allegri(for pass through) from balanced to RCA's. As far as noise, I asked about that. Townshend’s interconnects at least use shielding so others likely do as well.
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IMO I think it depends on where it falls in the chain. Single end into a pre amp and then balanced out of pre to balanced amp you are getting a full balanced signal in the end. That is the job of a well designed pre amp. Converting a single end signal to discrete fully balanced for output. Also remember that not all xlr are are fully balanced. I am looking to add a new dac and top two must haves are R2R and balanced. Its a matter of preference and my system can accommodate. |
Almost all of the above are utter garbage. My company wired recording studios and we interfaced balanced and unbalanced gear all day long. Balanced lines are to increase noise immunity over long runs. Period. No Noise, No Need. There is no inherent sonic quality to balanced vs unbalanced. Improperly done balanced is vastly inferior to a properly done unbalanced. It's important to know the circuit topologies and how the amps and other components are connected to earth safety. Some outputs MUST use only one side to connect to unbalanced gear. Other are able to connect one or either phase to 0vA. [Not ground, as so many incorrectly refer to signal reference.] It's only ground if the signal reference is connected to the AC line Earth Safety. Everyone read and understand https://www.aes.org/standards/comments/drafts/aes48-xxxx-190121-cfc.pdf PM with any technical questions. |
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