There are lots of posts on this subject in the archives, but it is worth repeating my experience. I like the use of a preamp, it renders the capacitance and inductance of cables to the amp less critical. I also feel the use of a preamp really helps the dynamics. I used a passive preamp for several years but always felt the music was a bit lean and lifeless. As far as balanced versus single ended, when I switched from RCA to XLR, I found the presentation more open and musical with only a slight loss of resolution.
Balanced or Unbalanced, which way to go?
Am getting ready to upgrade my wiring and need some questions answered. I have all separate components, preamp, two amps and a separate phono stage for MC. I will be using a CD player and turntable in the same system. Would like to know if I can use balanced from preamp to amps with XLR's as the amps owners manual recommends and still get the best sound from CD and turntable? Many people seem to prefer bypassing the preamp with a CD player. I don't think that I can do this as I only have one set of XLR inputs on the amps. I also do not want to have to switch the back of the amps from balanced mode to unbalanced to go from CD listening to vinyl. Anyone with suggestions, I would love to hear from you. Thanks,
Bill
Bill