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Balanced interconnects and non-differential amps

If one of the generally accepted benefits of long runs of balanced interconnects between a preamp and an amp is noise rejection, is this still true whether or not the amp in question is a differential unit? If not, is balanced no better (for noise rejection, with all other things being equal) than unbalanced runs of the same length?

Thanks.

-- Howard
hodu
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Ya gotta love Mr. Al, always a cogent, well-reasoned reply. Contact Odyssey for the definitive answer...

-RW-
hodu OP
316 posts
 
Thanks again, Al.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,874 posts
 
FWIW there is a simple method of getting the amp to process both phases of the incoming signal without changing the character of the amp. If the XLR connection is already in place this is very easy to do.

All that need happen is a coupling cap from the unused pin of the XLR (likely pin 3) that goes to the cathode of the input tube.

Its not balanced but it is differential and the CMRR number should actually be pretty good.
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