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Are luxman integrated amps truly balanced?

Hello,

I have the Luxman L-507z integrated amp. Sounds excellent. There are 2 line inputs on the back that are listed as balanced inputs (XLR). My DAC has balanced outputs (holoaudio spring 3 kte). Am I wasting my time and money getting good xlr cables? Also the DAC puts out 5.8volts. The XLR inputs (according to Luxman) can handle up to 6volts. Using RCA outputs/inputs the DAC puts out 2.9volts and the amp can handle up to 9 volts. Am I in danger of harming my amp using XLR ? The DAC has no volume control. The cable run is very short...3 feet.

paqua123
jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,269 posts
 

No, the Luxman is not true balanced. Stay with RCA single-end interconnects. No benefit at 3 feet! XLR cables are for 50/100 ft distances where hum can be a problem.

paqua123 OP
77 posts
 

Thanks for the advice!

erik_squires
16,406 posts
 

I use balanced for noise and shielding.  In most cases you can't hear a difference, but just in case I use balanced between my DAC and integrated.  I imagine some users near radio towers are going to be the one's who can most hear a difference.

paqua123 OP
77 posts
 

This is why I was using the XLR cable as well. But the run is so short and Luxman seemed to think the DAC output was too close to the max input level of amp. So was considering switching to RCA to mitigate the issue. Just didnt want to lose sound quality.

ghdprentice
7,320 posts
 

OP,

You are right to ask the question. But one can simply sound better because of the way it was designed and built, and the component you are connecting it to. Whether the design is fully balanced is unlikely to guarantee the correct choice. The  correct answer is you have to try them both to be 100% sure. 
 

I own ARC equipment which is balanced, and they recommend XLR… but I tried both and if there is a difference I can’t tell. They spent a lot of effort to make sure they sounded the same. With my equipment I am able to hook up to equalize the volume and switch back and forth. 

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