2. amps-preamps
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Audio Research amps - balanced & non

Ideas/suggestions anyone?
I have an original ARC SP-10 pre-amp (perfect, re-tubing once in a blue moon but totally reliable after ~25 yrs so reluctant to replace) but I would like to replace my original D-115 amp with VTM 200's (i.e. balanced) or get a VT-130SE (also balanced) to bi-amp alongside the D-115 to drive the bass end, assuming that's even possible.

Question - can balanced power amps work with a 'pre-balanced' pre-amp like the SP-10, or even work in a bi-amp arrangement as the only balanced component? I suspect not but would like some user comments.
Thanks!!
westchr
martykl
3,578 posts
 
The VT-130SE does not have a phase splitter and requires a true balanced input to operate correctly. If the SP-10 is not a balanced design you can't run it directly into a VT-130 SE.

Good Luck

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Sorry, I didn't see the bi-amp part of your post. Some active x-overs will output a true balanced signal even if the input is single ended. The NHT x-2 is an example. If you bi-amp as follows: Source -> ARC sp-10 -> NHT x-2 -> ARC vt-130 se/main speaker (via NHT balanced main out) + subwoofer (via NHT subwoofer out), you should be okay.

Marty
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
There is a way to create a quasi-balanced output from a single-ended source. Ashly (pro sound equipment) uses it, and it works.

From the single-ended signal ground connect a resistor equal to the output impedance of the signal to the (-) wire of a balanced interconnect. Since the (-) impedance matches the signal (+) impedance both wires will pick up the same noise, and this will be canceled in the balanced input circuitry of the power amp.
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