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
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

Audio by Van Alstine makes a single to balanced converter box that is much higher quality than the converter plugs you can buy.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,631 posts
 

If the itch is unbearable buy a fully balanced amp like one of Ralph's.

 

jl35
4,025 posts
 

I have the very similar Simaudio LP310 and prefer the XLR out to Pass preamp...and also agree XLR often simply provides more solid connection...I would keep the Magnius away from the Sim

tweak1
3,676 posts
 

Paul McGowan enlightened me about the benefits of XLR some 25 years ago, BUT, the I/Os must be TRUE balanced circuits to enjoy what XLR is capable of.

As to only good for long runs: I compared the exact same manufacturer same run of 0.5m to1.0m XLRs and easily heard the differences

 

hth

williewonka OP
3,082 posts
 

Thanks all for your replies.

I did contact Simaudio and therii opinion was that

while there should be no difference (i.e. if using their gear) there MAY be a small improvements to be had.using the XLR cables.

Since no one was overly enamoured with the Shiit products and since the Simaudio Moon contact does not believe there would be a significant improvement by using XLR cables, I have decided not to proceed. 

The single ended cables I currently have are excellent performers

  • and building a set of XLR cables just to satisfy my own curiosity would take away funds from other possible "projects"

Thanks to all that posted - much appreciated

Regads - Steve 

 

 

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