2. amps-preamps
  3. 1243215247

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
 
Eldartford,

To be fair to Jafox, I don't think he was dissing the quality of the devices (including the one I suggested) being recommended for use between the pre and power amps when he used the term "junk". Rather, it seems to me that he was advocating the "simplest signal path" philosophy shared by many hobbyists on this site. Whether you agree or disagree with that position, I'd cut him some slack as I think he meant no disrespect.

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Never mind my previous post - Jafox has responded in his own fashion.

Marty
jafox
1,464 posts
 
Thank you Martykl, yes I am a big advocate of the "simple signal path". As mentioned above, I tried a Rives PARC, against the advice of two A'gon members I highly respect. Yes it did what it was supposed to do, but the "side effects" that they told me would occur, well, they were right on. We know we should listen to those with much experience but often we need to learn the hard way. And I am simply giving a different perspective for Westchr to consider before going down a path of complication vs. choosing the "appropriate" amp/preamp combination.
Post removed 
dgarretson
2,599 posts
 
Of course there are transformers and there are transformers. Galvanic isolation is a good thing, as is balanced operation--both enabled by coupling transformers. But design & quality vary.
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