2. cables
  3. 1039711225

Well, I have finally balanced it...

I replaced my single ended cables with the same make/model of balanced interconnects, Tara Decade and Tara Air-2, between my DAC and preamp, and between my preamp and amp.
-Amp - Accuphase P-450
-Preamp - Pass Labs Aleph P, Gain at 12 o'clock
-DAC - Accuphase DC-61
-Transport - Sony 9000ES
-Speakers - Proac Response 3.8

These are my findings:
-The gain increased by 3dB to 6dB.
-Bass was much fuller and stronger.
-Mids were more natural and smooth.
-Highs had a bit more resolution.
-The sound was a bit quieter, more musical than technical.
It was not, however, as large a difference as I expected. When I do my next cable upgrade, I will likely stay with the balanced setup, probably using Tara The One, which is out of my budget range at the moment. (I know, I know... I need a turntable and tubes!)
blueswan

Showing 2 responses by blueswan

blueswan OP
211 posts
 
Hey Bob
After several days of listening to my balanced cables, I have noticed more air, or separation, between individual instruments and vocals across the soundstage left to right as well as front to back. I did not have this to this degree with single ended. I feel the upgrade to balanced was worth it. How do you like your C-275? I would eventually like to get an Accuphase preamp but my Pass Aleph P with its adjustable gain is going to be difficult to part with.
blueswan OP
211 posts
 
You can usually find Tara Ref Gen XLRs used for less than half list price here at Audiogon. It is OK to use balanced and RCA as you describe (do not try to mix left and right channels this way, nor use both XLR and RCA at the same time though!). If you have the budget and you like Tara, I recommend the Air or Decade series XLRs, also available used at substantial savings.
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