2. amps-preamps
  3. 1423274299

Should I switch to a preamp with balanced outputs

Hello all,
I'm just looking for opinions here. I recently acquired a Belles 350a power amplifier from my dad. I am currently running a Conrad Johnson PV-7 preamp. I wondering if it would be a huge benefit to switch my preamp to one with balanced outputs. I really love the CJ's sound with the tubes I am running in it plus it has a killer phono stage. My budget for a new preamp would be around $700.00. Any recommendations? The amp/preamp combo sounds great to me (which I know is the most important thing). Would the sound be dramatically improved with balanced interconnects?
I've never used balanced IC's so I'm not sure if I'm missing anything.
Thanks for any input.
Skipper320
skipper320
brauser
520 posts
 
I have experimented with all single-ended vs. all balanced. There are many factors that would influence the outcome, but in my test I actually preferred the single-ended option. As a result, I had a fairly lengthy talk with the cable manufacturer, who said that results can be system dependent and it is not unusual for single-ended arrangements to outperform balanced. This was unexpected given the emphasis on balanced from many high-end equipment companies.
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,504 posts
 
You would be wasting your time and money. Nothing for $700
would come close to what you have. BTW,where can you get a new
preamp with a phono stage for $700?
davt
500 posts
 
For audio I prefer single ended if I can get it. That being said, there is so much more to sound quality than if the piece is balanced and single ended. I think the hype on balanced for home audio is just that in most cases. I would stay where you are at.
More to discover