Very basic "balanced cable question"

[Guest The Fresh Prince]

In the case of a single ended preamp and power amp with balanced inputs, will the use of a balanced interconnect (with an adaptor at the preamp end) provide any benefits re. noise rejection (I think that's the correct term) when used in long runs compared to using straight forward single ended cables?

Thanks.

Ted

[protecon]

By balanced interconnect, I assume you mean running an XLR cable with an RCA adaptor on the preamp? There's no such thing as a balanced RCA interconnect.

I can't see any advantage in running an XLR cable over an RCA, providing both have the same amount of shielding (unless you intend on changing your preamp to a balanced model at a later stage).

[ayou2]

No, to get any benefit, the circuit must remain balanced throughout. So balanced to single ended breaks the circuit.

[proftournesol]

Does your poweramp have balanced circuitry or just an XLR input plug?

[ehtcom]

Hi Ted.

If you use a single ended to balanced adapter (transformer) like this unit you will get the benefit of noise rejection over a long cable run, as long as your power amp balanced input is really balanced.

OTH, using a good quality shielded rca cable should be fine.

Cheers, Earle.

Edited June 24, 2011 by ehtcom

[Guest The Fresh Prince]

By balanced interconnect, I assume you mean running an XLR cable with an RCA adaptor on the preamp? There's no such thing as a balanced RCA interconnect.

I can't see any advantage in running an XLR cable over an RCA, providing both have the same amount of shielding (unless you intend on changing your preamp to a balanced model at a later stage).

Yes, I mean XLR

[Guest The Fresh Prince]

No, to get any benefit, the circuit must remain balanced throughout. So balanced to single ended breaks the circuit.

Thanks. As I thought

[Guest The Fresh Prince]

Does your poweramp have balanced circuitry or just an XLR input plug?

I'm pretty sure the Bryston has true balanced circuitry

[Guest The Fresh Prince]

Hi Ted.

If you use a single ended to balanced adaptoer (transformer) like this unit you will get the benifit of noise rejection over a long cable run, as long as your power amp balanced input is really balanced.

OTH, using a good quality sheilded rca cable should be fine.

Cheers, Earle.

Thanks Earle. Do you think 4m of interconnect (VdH D102 Mk3) would be OK? http://www.vandenhul.com/p_B09.aspx

[ayou2]

Don't forget, there is domestic long runs ie 4 metres plus & then commercial / pro long runs ie 25, 50, 75 metres plus. Think about the stage to the mixing desk at a stadium concert.

a 4m run will in 99% of cases be just fine, supposing your not running all sorts of electrical cables in, around & on top of your interconnects.