Why?
What´s the point?
Are they 200 yards apart?
Besides:
You are not solving a problem but creating one, if you add unneeded transformers to the system.
Cost.
Hum/Buzz
Poor frequency response.
Distortion.
All in exchange of nothing.
NO, repeat NO transformer, not even a Million Dollar one, will be as flat and distortionless as a piece of copper wire.
Nor so insensitive to stray magnetic hum pickup.
The Modius DAC has different OP for the RCA and XLR outputs. I'd like to try them both is the only reason I asked.
Lots of good advice.
Though I made up a XLR to RCA interconnect as per the Neurochromes instructions and it works great to connect my SS balanced pre to my UCL11 SE tube amp.
Easy and effective
stay safe
t
Though I made up a XLR to RCA interconnect as per the Neurochromes instructions and it works great to connect my SS balanced pre to my UCL11 SE tube amp.
Easy and effective
stay safe
t
CineMag offers several different line input transformers. Which one is suitable depends on the specific application (impedances and levels).
Audio Transformers By Cinemag Inc.
I have never used CineMag transformers, but I have every reason to believe they are excellent performers. I've always used Jensen just because they have more of a distributor network. From what I have heard, they both offer very similar performance and relatively similar prices.
A key point about these transformers as opposed to the Triad or Edcor offerings is that they are encased in a mu-metal can. The magnetic shielding offered by this is definitely welcome in most applications.
Audio Transformers By Cinemag Inc.
I have never used CineMag transformers, but I have every reason to believe they are excellent performers. I've always used Jensen just because they have more of a distributor network. From what I have heard, they both offer very similar performance and relatively similar prices.
A key point about these transformers as opposed to the Triad or Edcor offerings is that they are encased in a mu-metal can. The magnetic shielding offered by this is definitely welcome in most applications.
Personally, I think that transformer balanced outputs have a real value in a preamplifier when it comes to eliminating ground loops. Inputs I find to be less of an issue.
Some power amps are really prone to ground loops. One in particular that comes to mind are those made by Omniphonics (they were also rebadged by Quested). IIRC, they are more of a pseudo-differential input and were wired for pin 3 hot.
That said, most amps with this issue have either been modified or blown up by now, so it's less of an issue than it was 20 years ago.
Some people will feel differently, but I really struggle to hear the impact of a good line output transformer like on of the nickel-core Jensens in a blind AB test. That said, I have absolutely no problems with hearing hum.
Sorry for the interjection, but I am looking for a schema for a UCL11 SE amp right now, so would appreciate a link or suggestions! Could you post on another thread? I was looking at the Mullard single tube amp, which uses another common cathode tube, ECL80.
I used to use transformer coupling to break input ground loops. Now I use TOSLINK. The computer and audio stack are on one circuit, the TV is on another and the HDMI cable makes a ground path.
The computer also connects to the audio stack with digital coax.
For years I'd just lift the ground on the computer power cable to solve these issues... Now I'm an adult trying adult solutions 😛
Sorry for the off topic post...
The computer also connects to the audio stack with digital coax.
For years I'd just lift the ground on the computer power cable to solve these issues... Now I'm an adult trying adult solutions 😛
Sorry for the off topic post...
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Every single (solid state PA) amp I own which only has 1/4 unbalanced input jacks has the ground pin chopped off the plug. Luckily, I have much newer stuff now. But I recently built a 200 watt prototype 6550 monoblock which will become one of a stereo pair. I know as soon as I hook up two they’ll forget the words and start humming along. A pair of those Edcor line matching transformers is in order - they are cheaper than adding a tube, socket, and MJE340 for the tail doing it electronically, and I’m betting the CMRR is going to be better. Most of my sources have balanced XLR outs anyway.
I use the Jensen JTP14-1 for low gain setups and JTP11 for more regular duties. They are essentially transparent to my ears and eliminate all ground noise and loops. Much better than active circuitry, and allows you to get the much better performance from most balanced inputs to your system.
It is necessary to keep them away from mains transformers tho. That can create some pickup that you don't want, though the Jensens ship with a 30dB mu-metal can. Some of the best recordings in the world were made on consoles using input transformers (and some lemons too, FWIW), so if you can use them correctly they are very good solutions.
If you want to get picky about it, you can use any number of active unbalancers, though I doubt any of them will be an upgrade over a decent transformer. The simplest method, used by many boutique builders, is to just use Pin 1 and 2. I really don't recommend that.
The Jensens are $150 a pair and very good for the money. A cheap Chinese clone is also a possibility but having used one such also, I don't recommend it either. They don't yet know how to make a decent transformer.
It is necessary to keep them away from mains transformers tho. That can create some pickup that you don't want, though the Jensens ship with a 30dB mu-metal can. Some of the best recordings in the world were made on consoles using input transformers (and some lemons too, FWIW), so if you can use them correctly they are very good solutions.
If you want to get picky about it, you can use any number of active unbalancers, though I doubt any of them will be an upgrade over a decent transformer. The simplest method, used by many boutique builders, is to just use Pin 1 and 2. I really don't recommend that.
The Jensens are $150 a pair and very good for the money. A cheap Chinese clone is also a possibility but having used one such also, I don't recommend it either. They don't yet know how to make a decent transformer.
OldHector,
Pseudo-Differential Cable: Connect unbalanced source to balanced input – Neurochrome
Although I go the reverse, from balanced/differential to SE (UCL11), I wire the interconnect the same way.
stay safe
t
Pseudo-Differential Cable: Connect unbalanced source to balanced input – Neurochrome
Although I go the reverse, from balanced/differential to SE (UCL11), I wire the interconnect the same way.
stay safe
t
Although it does mean introducing some sand into the amplifier (and also requires a +/- low voltage supply, which is a pain in a tube amp) another good solution would be an an op-amp based solution. The easy solution is a differential line receiver chip from THAT, Analog Devices or TI. Alternatively, regular op-amp chips can be used. Using decent modern op-amp (OPA2132, LM4562, OPA1642, OPA1656, pick your favorite), it is basically transparent.
These are the type of amps that I was mentioning before when it comes to the benefits of Jensen transformers.
Of course, I'm seeing amps of this ilk less and less. I'm not sure if they're all sitting in people's basements or if they've all blown up by now (more likely, they're sitting in people's basements because they blew up).
Back in those days pair of those transformers would have cost me more than the amp did, considering I only got them as burn-out hulks that needed new output transistors during the lean college years. They are sitting up in the attic (house has no basement) now, but still work, except the two that got cannibalized and had parts repurposed last year. I’ve got four racks full of modern stuff now for the PA work.
Are the Edcors any good or should I really be holding out for a $100+ trafo? The 2x 6x6550 build will need them. It’s not supposed to be the end-all-be-all high end amp - just for playing rock music loud, but it did end up sounding better than I expected a pure pentode amp running at a relatively low bias, and only 20dB of feedback. These amps might see some light duty PA work running “all rube amplification”, depending on how far I get with the “subwoofer” amp.
Are the Edcors any good or should I really be holding out for a $100+ trafo? The 2x 6x6550 build will need them. It’s not supposed to be the end-all-be-all high end amp - just for playing rock music loud, but it did end up sounding better than I expected a pure pentode amp running at a relatively low bias, and only 20dB of feedback. These amps might see some light duty PA work running “all rube amplification”, depending on how far I get with the “subwoofer” amp.
I've never used the Edcors, but I would be a little concerned about the lack of a mu-metal shield.