Unbalanced and Balanced output voltage


I have always seen that most sources with unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR) have an ouput voltage that is double for the XLR, e.g. RCA=2Vrms, XLR=4Vrms. However, I have noticed that quite a few sources (Esoteric players are a good example) have the same output voltage for balanced and unbalanced. How does it affect the preamplifier? Thanks
raulpjc

Showing 2 responses by raulpjc

Thanks,

In my case is the other way around. I am using a Sony SCD-XA5400ES connected to a passive amplifier. From the RCA the volumen is OK but when I connect the XLR I have to turn the volume almost to maximum to get good sound. I do not think this is good because I believe that the impedance is also high. The Sony has 2 vols in both RCA and XLR. I wonder if the problem is the preamp that does not have any gain...
Here is more info..

My amplifier is McIntosh MC252 and I using as preamp, the DAC Grace Design m903 which is in fact a passive preamp (in reality it has a little gain). When I connect the Sony RCA to the preamp and this XLR to amp I get good volume, pretty loud at 3/4. When the connection is XLR all over, the volume has to go at over 90%. Connecting the Sony XLR and the preamp-amp RCA shows the same problem, which makes me conclude that is the voltage output of the player.

But, with the Oppo 95, the problem does not exist even thouhg the volume hat to go higher for XLR than RCA, let saa fro 60% to 75% versus 90% with the Sony XLR.

I have the feeling that there is a mismatch but do not know where...HAs anyone tried the Sony throughout XLR, impressions? THanks