Using XLR for Phono out

Dear Pete, Spaninc, et al: Here we go again. Based on all that I have been able to read at the websites of the respective manufacturers, the GCPH does have balanced phono circuitry, whereas the Xono does not. This may account for Pete's observation that his Xono sounds "better" via the RCA outputs. Often when the circuit is single-ended, the "balanced" XLR output is derived at the end of the chain by inserting either an additional active device or a transformer. Both tricks could add coloration to the sound and cause one to prefer the single-ended or RCA outputs. This is no proof at all that SE circuits are superior to balanced ones. I am not saying that the Xono is inferior to the GCPH in any way. In fact, it is likely to be superior, just because it costs more and is more elaborately conceived, and because I have great respect for Pass as a designer. (I have never heard either one.) I am just trying to cut through the bullshit surrounding SE and balanced circuits. For phono, there is no question in my own mind that, all else being equal, there is an advantage to running the cartridge in balanced mode all the way from the stylus to the linestage (and beyond if possible, but the advantages diminish the further you are away from the transducer.) Spaninc, you should still check to find out whether the internal circuit of the Cambridge is balanced before spending moola on balanced ICs. That's my $.02

Hi, all I got a response from Cambridge Regarding the XLRs electronic inputs plesae see below.

"Dear Enrique,

Thank you for your email.

The XLRs do connect to a balanced input circuit, which gives cancellation to common mode noise picked up on the balanced signals."

Kind regards,
Ben Beaumont

I went to the Cambridge Audio website. It is really impossible to tell from the verbiage on the website whether the actual circuit is a balanced one or not. However, the comment in the letter, that the XLR input "gives cancellation to common mode noise", does suggest that the circuit is balanced. Why not try the balanced input and see if you like it when driven by the balanced output of the GCPH?

Am I missing something here? Is any phono cartridge balanced? It would appear that until your signal is at a balanced architecture of the preamp or phono stage there is nothing but being single ended. To my mind balanced to balanced connection from there on out is a best bet.

Happy Listening!

To my understanding, all stereo cartridges are basically(or at least could be) made with "balanced" circuits.
I also agreed "balanced to balanced from there on out is the best bet" especially with longer cable length.

Dan