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.

 

roxy1927

I’d you use decent quality RCA to RCA cables and they are fairly short, no issues. 
 

Depends the length of cable run to me balanced is always better quieter and more dynamic.If you use xlr to single ended adapters are always detrimental to sound quality.

Hello Roxy 1927.  There are adapters that work perfectly well.  I have a mix of pro audio gear and consumer audio equpt. and often need adapters for a particular job. The amp's apparant sensitiviy will be affected since it only gets a half strength signal from the preamp, but it's only a 3 db loss. I have tested blanced vs single ended several times and there is no quality difference when using good cables. You may pick up hum, police radio, and nearby AM radio stations; but that's part of the fun of the hobby! Keep Smiling!

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