Kal - This is just the sort of thing I've been looking for to connect an unbalanced preamp to a balanced amp. I've tried DIY cables, but wound up with a hum problem. Do you think this converter is of sufficient quality to use with Rowland & Placette gear without degrading the signal? Thanks.
Need help fast - Unbalanced Preamp to Balanced Amp
I have a NAD C162 Preamp that has two pairs of outputs that can go to multiple amps.
I have a balanced amp with ONLY XLR inputs (obviously).
What is the best way to connect the preamp to the amp? Is the best way to configure this setup to use both right outputs from the preamp (via Y splitter cable?) to the balanced amp to maintain voltage (and do the same with both left outputs at the pre)? Not a techy type of dude so any help would be appreciated.
I have a balanced amp with ONLY XLR inputs (obviously).
What is the best way to connect the preamp to the amp? Is the best way to configure this setup to use both right outputs from the preamp (via Y splitter cable?) to the balanced amp to maintain voltage (and do the same with both left outputs at the pre)? Not a techy type of dude so any help would be appreciated.
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- 35 posts total
If your "balanced amp" is "fully balanced," meaning that its internal signal path is entirely balanced, and both its red and black speaker terminals are actively driven (as opposed to the black terminal being grounded internally), an rca-to-xlr adapter or adapter cable is not a suitable solution. It would probably result in 75% of the amplifier's power capability becoming unavailable, because only one side of the balanced signal path would be driven with a signal. I have used this transformer-based converter in voice recording applications, and for that purpose at least it has proven to be completely transparent sonically. It's spec sheet is at http://www.artproaudio.com/downloads/specsheet/dti.pdf. It can be purchased here. They appear to be having a special sale on it, and when you add it to the "shopping cart" you will see a much lower price than the $60 that is initially indicated. I don't know how its sonic quality would compare to the results you would get from the active (powered) unit Kal suggested. If you really want to do it right, although at several times the cost, call Jensen Transformers and have them help you select one of their "Iso-Max" units. Also, see their technical white paper on interfacing of unbalanced and balanced equipment: http://www.jensen-transformers.com/an/an003.pdf BTW, NEVER connect two outputs of any component together, via a y-adapter or otherwise. In this case it would most likely have no effect, as Kal explained, but in other situations it could result in damage. On the other hand, connecting two inputs together, to a common signal source, will not cause damage and will usually (although not always) give good sonic results. Regards, -- Al |
- 35 posts total