Audio Research reference amplifiers used with RCA IC`s and unbalanced preamplifiers

Yes, you could run it that way. But part of the appeal of most ARC amps and preamps is the fully balanced differential circuitry. You're not getting maximum performance from them if you don't take advantage of that.

You might want to consider the expense of running a tube amplifier. I mention that because you're obviously budget conscious if you're reluctant to buy balanced audio cables for your new amp.

"But part of the appeal...."

But how much of that appeal is really important if you have short runs and no noise issues. I always thought the real benefit of balanced stuff was the connectors and as a solution to noise when used in long runs, i.e. like in a recording studio.

OP, IMHO if you like your present IC’s and pre-amp just use a converter plug. Otherwise you have to go through the painful and expensive process of developing a new and synergistic system, pre-amp & IC’s.

FWIW.

BTW, the first time I had a fully balanced set up I liked my unbalanced cables sonics better than my first set of balanced cables (25ft long!).

I have all ARC stuff. I had high end single ended interconnects when I got my ARC amps. Audio Research recommends using balanced (preamps and amps are internally of balanced design). So I got an identical balanced interconnect and tried it. I could not tell the difference. I did not carefully listen for weeks… so there was probably a small difference… that I would have heard over time. I still swapped them all for balanced. Getting the absolute most out of a system is the sum of small differences… so some of us never let anything go at less than perfect.

So, applying this to your situation. The sonic difference in using converted interconnects is likely to be very small.

The fact that you own three preamps and are conserved with cable costs suggests you like experiencing different sound types as opposed to achieving the ultimate sound quality you can. So, I would go ahead. You are going to get the Audio Research sound from these components. Then if you get hooked on the sound you invest in balanced to get the utmost out of them.

@newbee 

With the 25’ balanced / unbalanced comparison. Where they identical interconnects that were fully broken in?

No, they were different brands. I guess my point was that cable construction was probably more important than whether or not it was balanced or unbalanced unless you had noise problems to deal with.