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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
dukebdevil
27 posts
 

I agree with most of what has been said.  most important- verify that the Luxman is truly balanced.  and if yes, then try your ears to pick which source.  the low level of phono signals (from the cartridge) is irrelevant because the preamp makes it same level as the CD outputs.  of course, if you listen 90/10 to one source, that should be obvious too.

I think the best thing about all XLR is it takes cables out of the equation.  no need to spend more that the $75 (depends on length) for a set of Mogami XLR with quality connectors.

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,419 posts
 

Oh, if only that were true, "I think the best thing about all XLR is it takes cables out of the equation.  no need to spend more that the $75 (depends on length) for a set of Mogami XLR with quality connectors." ... it would be so much easier if cables didn't mater... unfortunately single ended, balance, USB, ethernet... the cable itself always maters in most system. If you have one where it doesn't consider yourself lucky, cuz most of the time it matters a lot. 

vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

doyle3433

I don't believe that the LM-24 is truly fully balanced (from what I found), so RCA would be fine there......use the XLR for the phone preamp would be my suggestion. Of course your ears should be the final decision makers.

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