Using XLR for Phono out


Hi folks, I am setting up my stereo on paper first and have an interesting question. I have bought a PS Audio GCPH phono preamp. It has RCA inputs for phone but output
can be RCA or XLR! PSAudio states their amp is all balanced. I am using a VPI JWM tonearm that has direct RCA outputs. I am using XLR from preamp Cambridge 840E to my Marklevinson 336. Should I use the XLR phono output to the preamp too? Thanks, Rique.
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Showing 2 responses by danwkw

Agreed with others that it would be no definite answer. Experiments make our audio system perfect. With your decent audio gears, you should hear some sonic differences by switching RCA and XLR connections. The reasons behind are due to a bit more output and differences(lower, I guess) in impedance of XLR connections.

IMHO, if you want to unleash the full potentials of your vinyls, put your phono amp closer to TT and use a pair of decent phono cable(shorter & with lower capacitance the better)in order to prevent excessive signal loss or "twists" at the very beginning. You may hear a lot more sonic improvements if you could run a short "TRUE" DIN-XLR balanced phono cable from TT to phono amp.

To my understanding, all stereo cartridges are basically(or at least could be) made with "balanced" circuits.
I also agreed "balanced to balanced from there on out is the best bet" especially with longer cable length.

Dan