Is an unbalanced preamp a bad thing?

A preamp that I am using doesn't have XLR connections. I have a balanced amplifier and a balanced streamer.

Is there a disadvantage in not having a balanced preamplifier? Does it really matter?

emergingsoul05-16-2022 6:32pm

riley804 Details Discussions Posts This discussion 1,224 posts 05-16-2022 at 06:41pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete odd that all of a sudden you think of this. how does the system sound ? if it sounds good then leave it and don’t worry about it
soix Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 9,633 posts 05-16-2022 at 06:44pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete +1 @riley804 There might be marginal improvement using balanced connections if both amp and pre are fully balanced, but I don’t think it’s worth pursuing if you like what you’re hearing now.
riley804 Details Discussions Posts This discussion 1,224 posts 05-16-2022 at 06:48pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete some say they hear a difference between the two and how true that is , i don’t know. is it worth selling the preamp you have and then finding one that is balanced? the new preamp might not have the same sound so you have to deal with that and also finding cables that sound good also. i thought (?) the purpose of xlr was for longer runs that rca can’t do ? i would keep what you have