2. analog
  3. 175198-1640

Is the Schiit Magnius up to the task ???

My sysem has

  • a Simaudio MOON lp5.3 RS phono stage 
    • is has both RCA and XLR outputs
    • it is connected to my Bryston B135 Amp
      • via exceptional single ended IC's
    • NOTE: The amp does not have XLR inputs

But I'm curious to know if the XLR outputs from the LP5.3 will provide any sonic improvement over he RCA outputs.

So I went looking for an active unit to insert between the LP5.3 and the Bryston and stumbled upon the Schiit Magnius Headphone amp

I do not want to use a simple convertor plug 

So My Questions...:

  • is the Magnius up ot the task of providing a "high end" single ended output from its XLR balanced inputs
  • The Freya might be another choice, but the price is getting up there 
  • Or are there any other units I should be looking at - around the same snack bracket i.e. <$500

 

Many Thanks - Seve

williewonka
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,508 posts
 

I'm curious to know if the XLR outputs from the LP5.3 will provide any sonic improvement over he RCA outputs.

XLR will only be better if you have a really long run (50 feet) in a noisy environment. 

williewonka OP
3,075 posts
 

@russ69 - yep - I already understood that.

But I can't figure out why do so many brands use XLR outputs when their gear is really designed for use in home audio situation there are very few cases where a 50 ft run is actually reqired.

For Example

  • we see many source components (like DAC's) with XLR outputs, where it would be very unusual for them to be located more than a few feet from a preamp of amp.
    • the only two areas I can think of where XLR would be required is:
      • ​​​​​​​From the phono stage to the preamp/amp, assuming the turntable may be located in another room
      • or from the pre-amp to the amp(s), where the amps are located beside the speakers

More questions...

  • Is there any advantage of having the additional voltage of balanced outputs?.
  • do they put more "design effort" into balanced circuitry?
  • If I had an XLR and RCA cable, that were similar electrical attributes
    • wire type and gauge, copper or islver
    • insulation type e.g. Teflon
    • length (i.e. overall resistance)
    • would the XLR perofrm better?

Thanks - Steve

​​​​​​​

 

imhififan's avatar
imhififan
2,189 posts
 

I always use XLR connection if possible even for 3 feet run. IMO, XLR provide more secure connection than RCA. 

 

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