2. amps-preamps
  3. 187685-154981

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
wlutke
727 posts
 

@mspot

Thanks for the link.

 

I stand corrected. I now see the difference between xlr cable compatible components and truly balanced AES48 compliant ones.
Apologies to @paqua123

paqua123 OP
49 posts
 

NO worries !

ditusa's avatar
ditusa
1,887 posts
 

Truly balanced AES48 compliant see article below:

https://www.ranecommercial.com/kb_article.php?article=2107

Mike

paqua123 OP
49 posts
 

Ya, Im pretty sure Luxman didnt go that far

That article was amazing

helomech
1,694 posts
 

As usual there is a lot of speculation going on here. 

Balanced connection is not the same as fully differential amplification. The latter is what you really want from a low noise, high performance amplifier/preamp. One of the main benefits of a differential circuit is noise rejection within the component, it’s not as much about rejecting noise at the signal transmission between components. This doesn’t require transformers in solid state circuits as was alleged above. Lol

If Luxman claims their circuits are fully differential I would be inclined to believe them. However, it may be that their amps merely offer the provision for a balanced connection, and thus noise rejection from cable run interference. I don’t care enough to investigate their designs so can’t say which they are doing.

If you want a fully discrete and differential circuit, Yamaha offers that in their A-S2XXX and 3XXX integrateds. And IMHO, they offer that while looking much better in the process. They don’t have what I consider a neutral voicing, but on balance (no pun intended) they can compete with some separates-based systems costing thousands more. Note that I didn’t say “ALL separates-based” systems. I have to throw that disclaimer in there for those who will invariably get bent and defensive over that claim. Gotta have my legal team standing by with their flame shields in hand. 
 

 


 

 

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