True, the presence of an XLR input, does not prove that they equipment is fully balanced in its internal circuit. This is research you will have to do.
New TT : Balanced vs. Unbalanced Connection?
I am in a six-month process of assembling a system will last me for the next 5-10 years. I’m set on the components, so please do not try to talk me out of my selections. My question here is a technical one.
I have purchased a Thorens TD–1601 and a Nagaoka MP–200 cartridge. I am trying to decide on the Integrated amp between Yamaha’s A-S3200 and A-S2200. The key difference for this question being the A-S3200 has two balanced inputs and the A-S2200 has one. I will use the first balanced connection to connect a recently purchased HiFi Rose RS-150b Streamer/DAC.
Now to my real question. The semi-automatic Thorens TD-1601 has both balanced and unbalanced outputs. I am considering buying a Schitt Skoll phono pre which has balanced in-and-out. In that case, I would buy the Yamaha A-S3200, needing two balanced inputs.
So, ASSUMING the phono preamp on the Yamaha A-S2200 is comparable to the Schitt Skoll, will I get markedly better sound by going fully unbalanced, with the Skoll and the much more expensive A-S3200, or unbalanced direct from Thorens TT into the highly regarded phone pre of the A-S2200?
What benefits will I get by going balanced? How much benefit? It is worth the complexity, extra box, cables, $2,000-3,000? I can afford it if much better, but don’t want to spend money unnecessarily. The TT and the integrated will be right next to each other, so distance is not a factor. Or is the A-S3200 that much better? …I like the BIGGER meters.
My current speakers are Paradigm Reference Studio 40 v2, which I love and have two pair, a super sleeper. They are not likely to be changed…one day Fyne Audio.
To reiterate, this is a technical question about the merits of balanced turntable connections. Thanks for the input. I have learned much from this forum over the last few years.
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OP here. Interesting. Seems like the Schitt Skoll supports balanced, and the balanced inputs on the Yamahas seem legit also. From Schitt website: "Balanced. Skoll is balanced and differential all the way through. Of course you have the choice of both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs." From Yamaha: "Floating balanced circuit for power amplifier" "fully balanced transmission from input to output." the XLR connections are said to be the balanced connections. The Thorens TD-1601 manual is vague, but it does say that is has "Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA outputs." So, I think it is safe to assume that if I want balanced output, that I need to use XLR output. There is no "switch". The online Prospectus for the TD-1600 and TD-1601 goes on to say..."Especially when using an MC pick-up, the balanced XLR output, with which both models are equipped, can then bring its advantages to bear." It is possible that only a MC cartridge can produce balanced output? ...or can benefit from a balanced connection? My newly purchased cartridge (Nagaoka MP-200) is technically a Moving Iron (MI) cartridge, so is it capable of balanced output?? The Nagaoka is still sealed in its box, and it if is not capable of balanced output, perhaps I should return it or sell it (I got a really good deal.)?
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@tablejockey, thanks, I actually own a z-phono and have it in use. I remain intrigued by Balanced/XLR and the Skoll. Now studying if the TD-1601>Nagoaka MP-200>Schitt Skoll>Yamaha A-S3200 Balanced input will preserve the balanced signal end-to-end. So far, my research suggests it does. Any comments here? But still, the existing question, is the extra "balanced" effort, complexity, and expense ($3k) worth it vs. unbalanced RCA to the zphono or Yamaha’s phono input. |
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