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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
almarg's avatar
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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
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
I haven't taken the time to read all posts/links. But if the question is to use either dual cables from Preamp output OR a splitter from one channel I would put my money on the dual set of cables being superior.

My advice; avoid splitters as often as possible. I have used some good ones by Audioquest and Cardas, and they still do lots of damage to the signal. I have used the dual outputs of the VAC Signature Preamplifier MkII to great effect (reviewed for Dagogo.com).

Doubling cabling typically results in wonderful improvement. Splitters usually result in serious degradation. You have been warned! :)
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I should have mentioned this before but one of the reasons that I though 2 runs of cable may be better is that a y splitter may not be enough. On your amps, you need to see how far apart the left and right inputs are. Sometimes they are right next to each other, but often they are far apart. If they are too far apart you'll probably have to have something custom made. Unless BAT says otherwise, I feel 2 seperate runs would be much better.

As far as what cable you should go with, the options are endless; as are the opinions. If you don't mind going with used and want to save some money, Audioquest makes a cable called the Jaguar. Its discontunied but is almost identical to the model that replaced it; the Columbia. I own both. They sound so similiar that I don't think I can tell the difference. People are always so quick to upgrade without much thought, you can sometimes get great deals on older models that are just at good as current. Also, copper AQ is known, not only for sounding good, but works with just about anything. Its a really safe bet. Also, you mentioned Purist. The Cable Company lent me a pair to try (Aquasomething, and they were about $1000-1100), and I thought the AQ was a lot better. Please remember, though, thats was just my opinion. No question that others will feel different based on what they like.
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