Xlr balanced inputs?

tavogee

Which is the better of the two (XLR Balanced or RCA unbalanced). Can you also let me know the reason why? These are the options I see on the back of my XPA-5 Amplifier, but my receiver does not have the XLR outputs!!ANYONE!! Thanks Tavo

Glowrdr

"Personally I think the sound is much improved with true balanced connections versus rcas, from what little I know about the difference between the 2 when you look at the specs the s/n ratio is always higher with the XLR connections which is a good thing some people may not notice a huge difference but it certainly seemed to be much cleaner with more detail to my ears." - random interwebz quote

tavogee

Does this mean that I would have to have a pre pro/amp with the XLR outputs. My Onkyo receiver only has rca pre-outs which are currently going to the XPA-5.

Glowrdr

Yes, you would need to have XLR output to something. By the sounds of it (same thread) - looks like someone was able to put balanced connectors on their system for $100. Now, I don't know if that was a friend-of-a-friend discount, but I'm just the messanger.

But "we", being the audiophile general public would say that it IS worth it, even if it cost $100. But "me" knows nothing about this sort of thing. I just ask uncle google.

TECHNOKID

Balance signal has the same signal but opposite going through 2 pins which then goes through a comparator (NAND gate I think) which the signal matches will let it go through if a match and will not allow it through if different thus eliminating most of the elctronics noize. The unbalance on the other end will allow anything coming at the input since there is no signal comparision but simply follow the path of feending the signal in, through the audi circuitry and then back to the return chassis ground.

Balanced is definitely a much better signal at the O/P however not all consumer grade has true balanced I/Ps O/Ps and at the price point, I wouldn't take any chances to say EMOTIVA are true balanced circuits.

You have 2 options;

1. see if you are happy with Onkyo connected to EMOTIVA in an unbalanced set-up or...

2. Invest in a balanced pre-pro but...

Before you do so, you should consider what is the remainder of your system in order to see if it is worthwhile the extra investment. Personally, unless you have thousands invested in your system I do not see the extra expenses being justified. Is this for 2 channels listening or HT? EMO being XPA-5 leads me to believe it is HT and IMO, the expense is not necessary (of course unless you have a killer HT worth thousnads of $$).

bdtae5656

TECHNOKID wrote: »

Balance signal has the same signal but opposite going through 2 pins which then goes through a comparator (NAND gate I think) which the signal matches will let it go through if a match and will not allow it through if different thus eliminating most of the elctronics noize. The unbalance on the other end will allow anything coming at the input since there is no signal comparision but simply follow the path of feending the signal in, through the audi circuitry and then back to the return chassis ground.

Balanced is definitely a much better signal at the O/P however not all consumer grade has true balanced I/Ps O/Ps and at the price point, I wouldn't take any chances to say EMOTIVA are true balanced circuits.

You have 2 options;

1. see if you are happy with Onkyo connected to EMOTIVA in an unbalanced set-up or...

2. Invest in a balanced pre-pro but...

Before you do so, you should consider what is the remainder of your system in order to see if it is worthwhile the extra investment. Personally, unless you have thousands invested in your system I do not see the extra expenses being justified. Is this for 2 channels listening or HT? EMO being XPA-5 leads me to believe it is HT and IMO, the expense is not necessary (of course unless you have a killer HT worth thousnads of $$).

How do you know when you have a true balanced amp and or Pre/pro?

Hawkeye

Just because a piece has XLR does not make it truly balanced. One must read the literature to find out if it is balanced.

I think some manufacturers install XLR connectors as a marketing scheme. A fully balanced system is a pleasure to listen to. That is not to say an unbalanced sounds bad, they sound very good and some higher end pieces don't have XLR.

Since your pre has RCA, go with RCA!!

Gordon

cstmar01

The Emo is not a balanced product so there would be no point to running single ended to XLR or getting a pre/pro that is XLR.

If you have something that is fully balanced normally the product will state in the manual or other areas. I can't remember on the amps how you can tell by just looking at it but one way I was told when looking at a pre amp is to look at the volume control but I would have to remember what you are supposed to look for, it escapes me on the moment.