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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 23, 2013 12:08:42 GMT -5
Since the unbalanced amplifier already has a splitter stage to separate the positive and negative swings of the wave form, can I just run a balanced input to the separated stages and bypass/disconnect the splitter?
Obviously, if the splitter stage is adding gain, then that gain would have to be maintained or compensated for elsewhere, but otherwise, the effect should be the same in running balanced inputs or splitting the unbalanced inputs.
Has anyone done such a conversion?
Thanks - Boomzilla
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jan 23, 2013 12:15:51 GMT -5
Why would you want to do this?
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Post by garbulky on Jan 23, 2013 13:14:59 GMT -5
I'm not sure what exactky you mean boomzilla. But if it helps I've tried this:
Connected my xda-1 xlr outputs to my upa-2 (unbalanced) using RCA to XLR cables from monoprice. There was audible distortion and a buzz/humm and compressed dynamics. This may have been helped by using attenuators but I can't quite remember. But I do know it wasn;'t fully cured.
I did run the XLR direct to my unbalanced xenos 3 ha amplifier and encountered similar distortions. Using the attenuator reduced the distortions but didn't cure it. Also the volume on my headphone amplifier had to be turned to full to get anything useful out of it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2013 13:25:02 GMT -5
I think folks, in general, put way too much value on running a balanced system. I have had both types and, frankly, the difference was *very* subtle at best. And I was probably fooling myself on that difference.
The real value of a fully-balanced system, other than that it gives you more street cred with the audiophools, is that longer cable runs can be supported. If, like most folks, your amps are located within 10-15 ft. of your preamp, you will generally see no benefit by running a balanced system...
-RW-
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 23, 2013 16:13:29 GMT -5
Why would you want to do this? A very good question... Because I can? It probably isn't worth doing, but since I'm mucking about in the innards anyway... |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 23, 2013 16:16:20 GMT -5
...I have had both types and, frankly, the difference was *very* subtle at best...The real value of a fully-balanced system...is that longer cable runs can be supported... Thanks - that pretty much is a decision maker for me. All my equipment resides on the same rack, so induced noise isn't a problem. I'll leave well enough alone. Appreciate all who chipped in! |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jan 23, 2013 16:22:25 GMT -5
Why would you want to do this? A very good question... Because I can? It probably isn't worth doing, but since I'm mucking about in the innards anyway... Ah, well that is the best possible reason. Doing something as a project is very different from assuming any perceived benefits.  Whether you can convert an amplifier into a genuine balanced system or not depends on how the amplifier is designed. But if all you want to try is to add balanced input, then it is possible to adapt a single-ended amp to a balanced input using input transformers. See this link for a good discussion: Link to diy Audio forum |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 23, 2013 19:20:53 GMT -5
THANK YOU for the link - it is a treasure trove of good info. Nevertheless, the more I investigate this the less I'm inclined to bother. I think that the "benefits" of balanced connections might be wasted on my system. The only reason I was really considering it was because I've got this shiny new Emotiva XSP-1, and it has these really cool-looking balanced outputs, and...  |
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Whether you can convert an amplifier into a genuine balanced system or not depends on how the amplifier is designed. But if all you want to try is to add balanced input, then it is possible to adapt a single-ended amp to a balanced input using input transformers. See this link for a good discussion: 
