Balanced connection from pre-amp to amp--Need help

Yes, you can connect the two components via xlr. The only effect it will have is a polarity inversion, also known as a reversal of absolute phase. Whether or not that has any audible significance is controversial, and in any event is dependent on the recording.

If all of your source components are polarity correct, you can restore the correct overall polarity through the system by interchanging the + and - connections to each speaker, or at the corresponding amplifier outputs. Alternatively, you could have a cable supplier provide an xlr cable that has pins 2 and 3 interchanged at one end.

BTW, the related paragraph on page 11 (pdf page 17) of the manual seems confused. What it describes as the US polarity convention is actually the European convention, and vice versa. Also, it says to refer to "analog output connector phase switching," as if the unit includes a polarity inversion switch, but there is no such reference anywhere in the manual.

Regards,
-- Al

Al,

Thanks a ton for all the effort you put into your reply!! Very helpful indeed.

Anshul

As Al said it is not a major problem, my CJ amp inverts phase; I think most if not all Conrad Johnson's do; as do many others. Just reverse the speaker leads as he says