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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.

 

gemoody
veerossi
169 posts
 

To tag onto  what @gdnrbob mentioned. I recently bought gear that is truly fully balanced. This is the best solution for when you need to run long cables. The mfg. (Atma-Sphere) also suggested I convert my Rega P6 turntable from RCA to fully balanced. I did it it and it’s awesome- quiet and sounds great! I have their tube pre with tube phono stage and class d mono blocks and loving it more every day! In case you haven’t already, I suggest you read up on the posts from Ralph @atmasphere. He has lots of good posts that explain the interesting tech side of truly balanced vs just XLR and not actually balanced.

dentdog's avatar
dentdog
498 posts
 

Used to have a fully balanced system, IMO balanced removes some of the noise that gets in the way of the music. Highly recommended. And don't let anyone tell you it's only about long cables. True or floating balanced, both work

 

davetheoilguy
146 posts
 

I have a balanced connection from my VPI Titan to my Van den Hul Grail SE.  In fact, my entire system is true balanced and connected with XLR.  I’ll never go back voluntarily.

An MC cartridge /tone arm set up wired balanced (technically called “floating”) has consistently less noise, even over a short span.  There are side-by-side tests by Pro-Ject (admittedly pushing its balanced units) that show this, over a short 1 M distance.  You cancel out that first bit of noise.

To me, the most important signal to reduce noise is the phono stage.  It’s the weakest and most vulnerable connection.  Any noise there is merely amplified as you go along.

There is a reason why people say the most critical links in your system are your speakers and your cartridge.  Neither is the place to skimp.

So my strong recommendation is to go for it.

 

lewm
13,012 posts
 

The reason to minimize noise at the phono stage is because that stage is called upon to produce the most gain, by far, of any element in the chain. High gain requirement brings the problem of noise to the fore. I have one system that is fully balanced (using Atma-sphere components) front to back, and a second system that is SE all the way. Both require long ICs between preamp and amps. Both are acceptable in terms of S to N. I’d say the balanced mode is not so much quieter as it is completely trouble free in terms of noise. Never a faint hum or a buzz. The SE system will have an occasional hiccup.

frankmc195's avatar
frankmc195
168 posts
 

I have the Rose rs150b connected to my amp with unbalanced rca connectors and I haven't once thought to myself that I could make it sound better. Which could free up the one unbalanced you have for your phono but if your heart is set on connecting with balanced, don't compromise. By the way, you are going to love the radio part of the rose as you get internet radio from all over the world and can pick which genre you like to listen to.

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