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


I was hoping to get advice from the knowledgeable audiogon folks about making a balanced connection between my pre-amp and amplifier. I have a Marantz reference SC-11 pre-amp and Pass Labs amp. Marantz designates Pin 3 as the Hot (+) pin and pin 2 is the (-) pain. On the Pass labs amp pin 2 is the Hot (+) pin. I believe that Pin 1 is the Ground pin on both components. Can I connect the 2 components using XLR cable or am I better off using single ended RCA connections?
apdoc2004

Showing 1 response by almarg

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