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Current mode vs voltage mode

Will some kind audiophile, in relatively simple terms, explain the difference between current mode and voltage mode signal transfer.

The reason I'm so interested is I own a Halcro amp/preamp combo which sounds much too thin when connected with high quality XLR voltage/standard interconnects. However when I use the unbalanced current mode connection (with standard high quality RCA cables) between amp and preamp it sounds much more musical and the lean qualities near-completely disappear.

Thanks for all thoughts in advance

Brian
audiobrian
sean
6,231 posts
 
Paul: I didn't say that the only reason why tubes "sound good" ( obviously, a subjective opinion ) was due to distortion. What i did say is that ( typical ) digital recording and playback circuitry and "typical" tubed circuitry ( if there are such things ) tend to form complimentary colourations that many people tend to prefer. That is, in comparison to "typical" SS gear with "typical" digital recordings and playback gear.

Tubes can have several different design advantages to them. On the other hand, they also have several different design limitations to them. Same goes for SS devices. As such, i can't understand why more manufacturers aren't combining the two i.e. not so much "hybrid" SS & tubed circuits, but actually using tubes that have quite a few "solid state" traits. That is, high voltage tubes that can also pass high levels of steady state current.

These are used in commercial RF devices all the time. How & why they haven't trickled down into audio in greater quantity is beyond me. Obviously, the reason isn't price, as there are companies willing to charge and people willing to pay massively high prices. Sean
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audiobrian OP
186 posts
 
Thanks Bob

Your informative post is very helpful. I'm not sure if impedances are the entire story, however, as what I am reading in the Halcro manuals is very similar to Krell's description of their CAST/KCT technology with "infinite" output impedance on their preamp current outputs and minimal, under 100 ohm, input imedances on their amp current inputs. Or is the Krell current tunnel technology nothing but a choice of impedances to simulate a tube amplifier?......sorry if my electrical background is lacking.

Brian
cdc
1,842 posts
 
Sean or anyone? I had thought this thread was a question about current vs. voltage based amps. I don't see the type of I/C used as relating to how the amplification is accomplished.
Sort of like Nelson Pass's amps are current driven whereas most are voltage driven, if I'm not mistaken.
Maybe now this is off-topic but since you are posting, any insights on advantages of current vs. voltage driven amps?
Are chip amps (National LM3875) also voltage driven? Can't figure out why they sound so good.
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