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Post by boomzilla on Nov 17, 2019 6:07:58 GMT -5
Needing to feed two power amplifiers and two subwoofers from the full-range output of my preamp, I have several options.
The power amplifiers can accept either balanced or unbalanced inputs, but the subwoofers can use unbalanced only.
The preamp offers both balanced and unbalanced outputs, both simultaneously live.
Option 1 - I could use the preamp's unbalanced outputs with a splitter cable on each channel, feeding both power amps and subs with unbalanced cables or
Option 2 - I could use the preamp's balanced outputs to the power amps and its unbalanced outputs to the subs, compensating for the gain difference via the subs' plate amps.
The question: Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either of the above options? In other words, will option 2 offer greater hum resistance?
Thanks - Boomzilla
PS: One additional factoid: The preamp is an Audio-gd HE-1 model with true differential balanced circuitry and also has very powerful, individual, Class-A output-buffer amps for both its balanced and unbalanced outputs.
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Post by wilburthegoose on Nov 17, 2019 7:41:12 GMT -5
Why?
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Post by boomzilla on Nov 17, 2019 8:48:45 GMT -5
Because once my Emotiva T2s are set up for their best imaging, the bass is weak.
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Post by mfeust on Nov 17, 2019 8:52:47 GMT -5
Try both and use the one YOU like the best.
Mark
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Post by mgbpuff on Nov 17, 2019 9:16:49 GMT -5
I vote for option 2, because I don't like splitter thingys sticking out the back of the unit and I don't like degrading the output impedance by two loads in parallel even if I can't hear the difference (it's an engineering OC thing). Some powered amps have a high pass out; if so, I might try that.
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Post by 405x5 on Nov 17, 2019 10:39:11 GMT -5
Needing to feed two power amplifiers and two subwoofers from the full-range output of my preamp, I have several options. The power amplifiers can accept either balanced or unbalanced inputs, but the subwoofers can use unbalanced only. The preamp offers both balanced and unbalanced outputs, both simultaneously live. Option 1 - I could use the preamp's unbalanced outputs with a splitter cable on each channel, feeding both power amps and subs with unbalanced cables or Option 2 - I could use the preamp's balanced outputs to the power amps and its unbalanced outputs to the subs, compensating for the gain difference via the subs' plate amps. The question: Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either of the above options? In other words, will option 2 offer greater hum resistance? Thanks - Boomzilla PS: One additional factoid: The preamp is an Audio-gd HE-1 model with true differential balanced circuitry and also has very powerful, individual, Class-A output-buffer amps for both its balanced and unbalanced outputs. Would need the entire list of ALL the gear trying to be assembled here to even venture a guess as to how to move forward ( anyone else confused) Bill |
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Post by vcautokid on Nov 17, 2019 11:21:17 GMT -5
Needing to feed two power amplifiers and two subwoofers from the full-range output of my preamp, I have several options. The power amplifiers can accept either balanced or unbalanced inputs, but the subwoofers can use unbalanced only. The preamp offers both balanced and unbalanced outputs, both simultaneously live. Option 1 - I could use the preamp's unbalanced outputs with a splitter cable on each channel, feeding both power amps and subs with unbalanced cables or Option 2 - I could use the preamp's balanced outputs to the power amps and its unbalanced outputs to the subs, compensating for the gain difference via the subs' plate amps. The question: Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either of the above options? In other words, will option 2 offer greater hum resistance? Thanks - Boomzilla PS: One additional factoid: The preamp is an Audio-gd HE-1 model with true differential balanced circuitry and also has very powerful, individual, Class-A output-buffer amps for both its balanced and unbalanced outputs. Either will work, but no advantage involving Balanced as you ignore the invert leg relative to ground, so you run still unbalanced anyway. No hit or foul if you ran a cable balanced XLR one end, and RCA unbalanced on the other end. Lots of applications both home and professional have a need for this at one point or another. But I would stay just RCA well shielded and terminated with good ferrules and continue the music and movies and enjoy. Just if it was me anyway. Everyone's mileage may vary. |
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Post by mfeust on Nov 17, 2019 11:26:32 GMT -5
Needing to feed two power amplifiers and two subwoofers from the full-range output of my preamp, I have several options. The power amplifiers can accept either balanced or unbalanced inputs, but the subwoofers can use unbalanced only. The preamp offers both balanced and unbalanced outputs, both simultaneously live. Option 1 - I could use the preamp's unbalanced outputs with a splitter cable on each channel, feeding both power amps and subs with unbalanced cables or Option 2 - I could use the preamp's balanced outputs to the power amps and its unbalanced outputs to the subs, compensating for the gain difference via the subs' plate amps. The question: Is there any advantage or disadvantage to either of the above options? In other words, will option 2 offer greater hum resistance? Thanks - Boomzilla PS: One additional factoid: The preamp is an Audio-gd HE-1 model with true differential balanced circuitry and also has very powerful, individual, Class-A output-buffer amps for both its balanced and unbalanced outputs. Would need the entire list of ALL the gear trying to be assembled here to even venture a guess as to how to move forward ( anyone else confused) Bill I don't think there is any confusion at all. Like I posted above to me this is simple. Just try them both and pick the one that works best for him, in his room, with his ears. Mark |
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Post by adaboy on Nov 17, 2019 12:00:32 GMT -5
I run option two with my 2ch rig. Boom less cable in the chain.
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Post by boomzilla on Nov 17, 2019 15:24:12 GMT -5
So despite having no balanced improvement from the XLR wires, I've opted to use option 2. The only reason is I don't like the RCA splitters (even the good ones like the Audioquest ones I've got). And the results are most excellent, thanks. I'm still going to need to do some tweaking of the sub crossover points & sub levels, but the initial effect is good!
Boom
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