Preamps with balanced ins/outs and remote

Thanks for all the input. Question! How can you determine if a preamp is truly balanced rather than just balanced connectors?

Do some research on the product before purchasing to make sure the product is what it claims to be.

Seadogs1, if the preamp is internally balanced, you should be able to get an output from the preamp by driving pin 2 and pin 1, and also by driving *pin 3* and pin 1 (pin 1 being ground). If it is unresponsive on one of those inputs, say pin 3 for example, then the preamp has the connector for convenience only.

The exception would be if the preamp employs and input transformer, but such use is rare in high end audio, although it would not surprise me in the least to see some products that use them. As a result, if in doubt check with the manufacturer.

I understand the Zesto Leto has an input transformer coupled with an output transformer. Is this a variation of balanced and does it retain the advantages of cables with respect to impedance?

With respect to cables, yes, its possible. A lot depends on the design of the transformers. If they are designed to be loaded with the relatively high input impedances that are common in amplifiers today, you will retain the Common Mode Rejection numbers but otherwise the construction of the cable will have a big difference on the sound.

The balanced line system is designed to eliminate cable artifacts! So some output transformers are designed to drive a low impedance (600 ohms being the standard). If the transformer is driving this impedance you insure that the cable is not influencing the sound at all.