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Balanced vs. Non-balanced

Good morning everyone. I have a new to me Luxman 550AXll. This is the first Integrated or Pre-amp I have owned that has a balanced input. There is only one however and I'd like folks opinions on which of my sources would be best to utilize said input. 

I have a Line Magnetic LM-24 for CD's with Balanced outputs. I also have a Parasound JC3jr phono pre-amp that also has balanced out. 

I plan on some experimentation, switching back and forth to have my ears guide me. I'd also like to hear from you all here in the AG cables section.

thank you!

Doug

doyle3433
kennymacc
723 posts
 

I would use the XLR on your source if I were you.  Happy listening.

erik_squires
17,539 posts
 

I have XLR  cables with pure silver wiring, so yes, I'd use it, but honestly it is rare that we need to in a home. 

There have been cases when I was at a show in NY and we had poorly shielded RCA cables and we were picking up a local radio station and I would have loved to have XLR's for this... but alas. 

At home, with short runs, the one major benefit IMHO is the locking nature of the plugs!

erik_squires
17,539 posts
 

PS - The one area where IMHO we should be using XLR's exclusively is from phono cartridge to phono stage, but no one listens to me. 

soix
11,233 posts
 

Obviously your ears should be the final arbiter, but you might wanna check if the LM-24 is fully balanced — I’m pretty sure the Parasound is, but if the LM isn’t that might be something to consider.  I think it might be as well but not sure.  

kennyc
2,873 posts
 

@erik_squires PS - The one area where IMHO we should be using XLR's exclusively is from phono cartridge to phono stage, but no one listens to me. 

Heard you - See? Dreams can come true.

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