Phono Stage with XLR outs

“It’s super clean, low noise, low distortion, quiet and natural sounding but the cleanliness of it makes it sound like a good and refined digital front end”
@audphile1 

This is the point where you start exploring the different tube phono stages available. A tube phono stage with XLR outputs deserves a closer look—specifically, whether those balanced outputs are truly balanced or simply added for convenience. The implementation makes all the difference. 

I have always found Whest, the company, to be a bit vague in describing their circuitry, which is fine. But given the lack of information on their website and the fact that the stated specifications of the Two.2 do not stipulate that the balanced outputs offer any additional gain vs the SE outputs, I would guess there is no difference.  The Two.2 derives a balanced output from an SE circuit, at the output of the device.  This means it takes the amplified SE signal to start with and splits it into plus and minus phases. At that point, no gain can be added unless they were to use an added gain device at that output. So more likely the gain is the same from either output. Given that you do hear a difference, and I do not doubt that, it may be that the balanced output circuit per se adds a coloration.

@lewm my apologies as I may have not been 100% clear with my previous statement. 
1. I never compared RCA vs XLR out on Whest. I decided not to play with adapters and prevent ruining my listening experience. I am using Blue Jeans Star Quad (Canare wire) XLRs from Whest into Boulder. At some point I will upgrade interconnects but I don’t see a need to do so right this minute  

2. Whest comes set up for a low MC cartridge from factory. The default setting is 100 ohm with 65db gain. I have used this to start my auditioning. I quickly realized it wasn’t optimal - gain was too much…over the top unnatural dynamics and slam, instruments were too forward and took on artificial sound. I reached out to Whest and James responded that for my cartridge, which is Hana ML, he believes the right setting would be 60db. I switched it and bam! More natural and relaxed presentation. 
3. Break in/burn in - Hana is brand new and so is Whest phono. Now with some hours on it the sound is warm, full and clear. It’s also extremely quiet. Bass is now deep and mids are smooth and lush. Highs are set back and not forward anymore. 
I have around 30 plus hours on cartridge and I never turned off the Whest except to change the gain and once again the other day to install Kimber PK14 power cord. 
I have to say that I really like the sound. It’s gotten more mature and ripe. Biggest difference is bass and how smooth it all sounds now. 
From the noise standpoint it really is like CD when a good quality vinyl record is on. 
 

@lalitk without a doubt I will explore tube phono stages! I’m anxious to try a nice balanced tube stage. I’m trying to figure out if this clearaudio table is a keeper. I might explore a better table first before I dive into phono stages. I love the Hana ML cart that’s a keeper. So we’ll see. Not sure yet what direction this analog setup is headed in. 

@audphile1 

Makes total sense. Dialing in the right turntable first will set the foundation for everything else. After three turntables in five years, I feel like I’ve finally found the one. From here, it’s just about choosing the right pieces to complement it.

The Hana ML is a fantastic start up cart to dip your toes, so you’re already starting from a strong place. Take your time with it, once you lock in the table, the right tube phono stage will reveal itself.

Enjoy the journey… it’s one of the best parts of going deeper into analog.

@lalitk thank you! Was listening last night and this setup sounds great. And @lewm I was incorrect in my assumption that the XLR outs on this phono stage are hotter. I emailed Whest and James indicated the outputs are the same.