2. amps-preamps
  3. 186123-23048

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

I am considering purchasing used audio research reference amplifiers either 150se or 75 SE. My question is this

As these amplifiers are fully balanced and don't have an RCA input, can I use RCA interconnects with a conversion plug from RCA to balanced at the amplifier input and will it work in my system?

I don't have any balanced interconnects and don't want to go through the extra expense. Only one of my three preamplifiers has an XLR output and there's nothing indicating the preamplifier is fully balanced.

I find this balanced/ unbalanced criteria confusing.

 

nsp
nsp OP
653 posts
 

cleeds

Thanks. My 2 current amplifiers are both tubes class a/b so I don't think I would incur any extra electric expense.

I understand I may not get maximum performance but as 2 of the 3 preamps are rca only I did not want to spend money on IC's that can only be used with one preamp. 

nsp OP
653 posts
 

newbee

Thanks for input. I have no IC'S longer than 2.5 meters in the system.

I was wondering if the output impedance of my preamps makes a difference?

relating to the input impedance of the ARC amps . The ARC amps are both 300k ohm input impedance while my amplifiers are 47kohms and 25 kw input impedance,

nsp OP
653 posts
 

ghdprentice

Thanks your suggestion makes sense.If I purchase the ARC amp and really like it I could  sell off several preamps and IC'S and go all ARC with balanced interconnects.

ghdprentice
6,491 posts
 

@newbee 

 

Thanks. I have to agree, quality probably more important than type in this case.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,710 posts
 
newbee

... how much of that appeal is really important if you have short runs and no noise issues ...

The OP will give up 6 dB of s/n if he uses the single-ended connections. That's why I don't see the wisdom of buying balanced electronics such as ARC and then running them single-ended.

nsp 

My 2 current amplifiers are both tubes class a/b so I don't think I would incur any extra electric expense ...

My cautioning you about expense wasn't because of your electric use, but because of the cost of tube replacement (ARC tends to run its tubes hard, so replacement is more frequent than with some other manufacturers) and also service costs, because a failed tube in an ARC amp can often take out a screen resistor. That's an added expense if you're not comfortable repairing it yourself.

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