Pre-amp & amp interconnets - balanced?

[AccuView]

Hey folks,

Quick question. Are you all using the balanced audio connection to connect the pre-amp with the amp? I searched all threads with balanced audio information and spend a day reading them all but could not quite reach a verdict.

My AVP700 & P1000 both have balanced audio connectors. My interconnects between the two are going to be no longer than 3 ft and I am wondering if switching to balanced XLR connectors would benefit my setup. I have to buy some decent quality interconnects and am deciding which way to go - RCA or XLR? I would like to use the balanced audio connectors if it will help my setup because I already paid for it. But only if it benefits not just for the sake of it.

Thanks!

 

[Timbo21]

I use balanced to connect my Primare Pre30 pre-amp with it's A31.2 power and it is considerably cleaner, with less distortion, compared to the RCA. I personally would use it if you have it. However, there are some cable manufacturers charging scandalous money for XLR cables.

T.

 

[Hessellund]

Ive used both balanced XLR and 'classic' RCA from my AVP700 to my P1000. They are placed right next to each other...
I recently switch my Chord XLR with a highend Tara Labs RCA. Wich gave me a much better sound... (no surprice here)

I think that on short lenghts of cable theres no sound difference on RCA and XLR, you sould spend you money on better quality reather then XLR (if the cables har 'normal' length).


Just IMHO...

/Michael

 

[Mark.Yudkin]

The idea behind balanced leads is that any electromagnetic interference will affect both the signal and return, so that calculating the difference between the two mathematically rejects the noise (there are also some mechanical considerations such as twisting the pair). For an RCA, the shield is shared with the return, so that electromagnetic interference will be added to the signal.
This is important with long distances and low voltages (e.g. microphones), but less so with typical pre-amp / power amp connections in a domestic environment.

A different consideration is if you have a ground loop over the connectors. Using balanced leads will eliminate it as there is no signal over the shield. However, if you had a ground loop, you'd have made a post about the hum, so this is probably not relevant for you, nor are ground loops typically between pre-amp and power amps.

The result is that you probably won't be able hear any difference beween a shielded RCA and a balanced connector in a blind test. Your money would be much better invested in saving up to upgrade the AVP700 to an AV9.

 

[colinmjohnson]

I agree with Mark's last comment. You may not hear much difference on the AVP700 / P1000 combo and an upgrade to the AV9 might be a better option ( although potentially much more expensive ). The AV9 of course doesn't give you a balanced option but does sound better even on phono.

You could start with some cheap cables from Maplin or pick up some second hand cables just to see if there's any noticable improvement. There's nothing to loose trying this.

 

[A.T.M.]

The result is that you probably won't be able hear any difference beween a shielded RCA and a balanced connector in a blind test. Your money would be much better invested in saving up to upgrade the AVP700 to an AV9.

Right on Mark,
Or if you're patient the AV10.

ATM