I just ordered a Schiit Modius DAC and it has Balanced outputs. The balanced have different chips and I'd like to compare the two.
So how do I wire the XLR input into my preamp?
So how do I wire the XLR input into my preamp?
You will have to change your preamp input stage from single ended input to balanced input.
But then, you either have to change all the other preamp circuitry to balanced, or change the balanced preamp input circuitry back again to single ended for the next preamp stage.
Or, if you make the whole preamp balanced from input to output, you will have to change your power amps input to be balanced input, etc.
Many Balanced XLR outputs are not only balanced, they are referenced to ground. + to ground, and - to ground.
If that is the case with your new DAC, you can wire the + output of the balanced XLR and the Ground output of the XLR to the orignal input of your preamp (without any modifications to your preamp). All you need is the XLR connector that fits into your DAC output, a shielded cable, and a RCA Phono Plug.
That is the simplest solution.
And it gets you up and running until you figure out if you want to make major changes to your preamp (and potentially your power amp).
But then, you either have to change all the other preamp circuitry to balanced, or change the balanced preamp input circuitry back again to single ended for the next preamp stage.
Or, if you make the whole preamp balanced from input to output, you will have to change your power amps input to be balanced input, etc.
Many Balanced XLR outputs are not only balanced, they are referenced to ground. + to ground, and - to ground.
If that is the case with your new DAC, you can wire the + output of the balanced XLR and the Ground output of the XLR to the orignal input of your preamp (without any modifications to your preamp). All you need is the XLR connector that fits into your DAC output, a shielded cable, and a RCA Phono Plug.
That is the simplest solution.
And it gets you up and running until you figure out if you want to make major changes to your preamp (and potentially your power amp).
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Unless your preamp has a proper balanced input circuit all you can do is make up a balanced to unbalanced lead. A schematic would help.
Andy.
Andy.
A transformer is the most efficient way of converting a balanced signal to an unbalanced
Audio Transformers • Problem solvers • Lundahl Transformers
Audio Transformers • Problem solvers • Lundahl Transformers
Buy a second tube preamp and use a balanced volume control/stepped attenuator for both. Sounds crazy, but I did something similar.
While you're having fun with making an XLR connector an unbalanced input, you could make it even more fun for future users by wiring it for pin 3 hot🙄
Transformers are the way to go from "balanced" (XLR) to "single ended" (RCA). Transformer laminations = weight and weight = shipping expense. The OP is in New Mexico and so (fortunately) is Edcor.
djn, talk to Edcor about acquiring a pair of line level transformers that safely and efficiently make the "balanced" to "single ended" transition.
djn, talk to Edcor about acquiring a pair of line level transformers that safely and efficiently make the "balanced" to "single ended" transition.
Quick and dirty - https://www.amazon.ca/Cable-Matters...ocphy=9061009&hvtargid=pla-943679303208&psc=1
If you want balanced to SE using a transformer, check out the TY250P from Triad - a pair will cost about the same as the cable I linked...
http://catalog.triadmagnetics.com/asset/ty-250p.pdf
If you want balanced to SE using a transformer, check out the TY250P from Triad - a pair will cost about the same as the cable I linked...
http://catalog.triadmagnetics.com/asset/ty-250p.pdf
Those Triads look decent, but a proper 10k:10k (Altec 15335) would be better for a more honest evaluation.
True, but it would also cost many times as much.
I'm also using one as the interstage for a 12AU7 in a guitar preamp. It's not parafeed, either.
I have a pair to use as input transformers but I haven't built that project yet.
I'm also using one as the interstage for a 12AU7 in a guitar preamp. It's not parafeed, either.
I have a pair to use as input transformers but I haven't built that project yet.
Wow, thanks for all the ideas. the Altecs look like MM to MC transformers. Are they? I think I have a pair something like that on the shelf.
Of course the Lundahl would be the easiest to deal with.
Of course the Lundahl would be the easiest to deal with.
No, a 10K:10K transformer is not a step-up transformer, it's a line input transformer (which is what you want).
Thanks audiowise. I just looked up the Lundahl LL156X-3FXPHM and was shocked at the price. $250 each side. Not sure if it is worth it. The Modius also has RCA out.
Just use those RCA O/Ps! "Balanced" can have an advantage, when the cable runs are long or complex configurations create ground loops.
Yeah, $250 each is a lot, but those are for a more specific purpose that you don't need. A pair of the Altecs should be right around $100. You can grab a couple of octal relay sockets to try them out, and if you don't like the XLR out as much as the unbalanced output (which is a completely reasonable outcome), you can just resell the Altecs and recoup your cost.
Transformer balanced inputs are great, but only if the transformer in question is good quality. Good line transformers are expensive, and I would much, much rather see an op-amp circuit than a low-quality transformer. At about $6 I am highly skeptical of that Triad model.
I have not used the Edcor models, so I cannot comment on their performance. The Jensen JT-11P-1 is a pretty good line input transformer. It's about $60.
I have not used the Edcor models, so I cannot comment on their performance. The Jensen JT-11P-1 is a pretty good line input transformer. It's about $60.