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"Splitter" used for Monoblock Operation?

This may be a stupid question, but here goes anyway.

Being completely new to the "High-er End Audio" this is all a little overwhelming, not to mention expensive. Nonetheless, fun and challenging.

I am trying to cable components that were recently purchased, in fact, they are still in boxes. Here is the equipment list:

Pre-amplifier - BAT (Balanced Audio Technologies) VK-52SE
(Which is a balanced tube preamp)

Monoblock Amplifiers - Spectron Musician III Mk 2
(with all available upgrades)

Speakers - Gallo Ref 3.5's

Interconnects -
From what I have read thus far, the best recommendation for connection between the preamp and the amplifiers is to use a balanced cable, since the preamp is balanced. Also, the preferred method of connection is to utilize the XLR connection instead of the RCA connection.

Does the "Audiogon" family agree with this? If not, Why not?

Either way, for a monoblock configuration a "splitter" must be utilized at each amplifier. While looking for cables here in the "Buy" section of Audiogon a search for "Splitter" comes up empty. This is a little confusing. Numerous cables, no "Splitters". Am I using the wrong search term?

Do most of the cable manufacturers make splitters for their cables or should I be looking for one from a different manufacturer?

Lastly, I would also like to hear any comments regarding speaker wire recommendations that would work well with this equipment.

Thanks!!!!!!!
bhpedalpusher
bhpedalpusher OP
18 posts
 
Zephyr and Al,

Thanks for the info.

As far as manufacturer I haven't decided and have no preferences. I would like find something that will be up to the task for the equipment involved, but not thinking to go too expensive at this point as I can always upgrade later.

I am looking in the preowned market in order to get the best cable for the money. For the XLR pair $300 to $700 would probably work for now. Any suggestions? Purist Audio? Others?

Jim
zd542
5,339 posts
 
The BAT 52 should have 2 sets of balanced outputs. Unless you need the outputs for something else, I would just use those. Doing that will eliminate the need for the splitter. Also, since both of your components are fully balanced, you need to make sure that the cables you buy are fully balanced, as well. The only reason I thought to mention this is that Synergistic was brought up in another post. I know that not all of their cables are balanced even though you can get them with XLR connectors. Its easy to overlook.
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
I would like find something that will be up to the task for the equipment involved, but not thinking to go too expensive at this point as I can always upgrade later.
You might want to consider using Mogami Gold Studio, at least initially. If you search the term "Mogami" in past threads here, you will find more than a few people having high quality systems who reported being surprised at how well it compared to vastly more expensive cables. Also, fwiw, it is widely used in pro audio applications.

To the extent that its sonic character may depart from neutral, based on anecdotal reports it would probably be SLIGHTLY in the direction of providing a relatively relaxed presentation, as opposed to one that is hyper-detailed. The degree to which that occurs probably depends on the output impedance of your preamp at high frequencies, for which I couldn't find data. But its specified nominal value of 200 ohms (presumably at mid-range frequencies) is low enough to suggest that is unlikely to be a significant issue.

Regards,
-- Al
bhpedalpusher OP
18 posts
 
ZD,

Thank you for you input. I hadn't thought about simply using 2 balanced cables for each amp. That would appear to be the cleanest method of connection.

Al,

For the most part, the only reading I have done on cables has been about the Purist products. I will look into the Mogami cables.
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
It might be a good idea to ask Victor at BAT for his advice as to which of the two approaches (two cables per channel, or one cable + splitter) is likely to provide the best sonics. There are a number of variables involved that are dependent on the design of the preamp. An important one is whether or not the two XLR outputs that are provided on the preamp for each channel are independently buffered (i.e., driven by separate output stages), or not.

If you contact him, let him know the approximate lengths of the cables that are necessary. Also let him know that the input impedance of each channel of the Spectron amps is specified as 50K.

Regards,
-- Al
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