2. amps-preamps
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Yamaha AS2000 - balanced input

I connected my PS Audio dac to a recently purchased Yamaha AS2000 integrated amp using the balanced connections and was disappointed to hear some audible distortion. The PS Audio dac has an output voltage of 5V though the balanced outputs and according to the Yamaha manual the AS2000 has a maximum input signal of 2.8V.

Are the dac's balanced outputs too hot for the amp and causing the distortion?

Is there a way to attenuate the dac's output with attenuators or modifying the dac, or would that affect sound quality? The amp sounds great with unbalanced connections, but I was hoping to take advantage of the balanced inputs since the amp and dac are both balanced.
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Showing 1 response by swanny76109

swanny76109
382 posts
 
I bet you can reduce the output volume on the PS audio unit, since it functions as a preamp too.

I also bet the Yamaha is not a true balanced input as the PS audio is.

Also possible that input on the Yammie is fried or has a loose solder joint or any other possible scenarios.

For that reason, try the unbalanced RCA outputs into another set of inputs and see how it sounds. If it sounds good, forget about the way you are trying to do it using the balanced ins.

Good luck, let us know how you fare.
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