" I guess I need help in justifying the extra expense."
You won’t get that here. You would be better off spendin’ your greenbacks on somthin’ else! An upgraded phono preamp is always a good place to start!
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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@gemoody For what it's worth, my Rega P8 only comes with RCA connectors from the TT. Rega knows a thing or two about TTs but they obviously don't think balanced connectors from the TT to the phono preamp are important? I do use all balanced cables from the phono pre onwards. |
Above should read ”yes, the Nagaoka can be wired for balanced operation”. As can nearly every cartridge except those that provide only a single common ground for both channels. IMO, at this level (given the OP’s system) it may not be worth the extra expense. This is in no way meant to denigrate the system. |
I suggest looking for posts by 'Atmasphere', -Ralph was one of the first manufacturers to provide a 'true' Balanced design to audiophile equipment- which entails abiding by the AES 47 standards. He often chimes in to Balanced/Unbalanced discussions. But, if he doesn't, then PM him. Honest, free advice from a really nice person. Bob |
- 56 posts total