Balance and unbalanced at the same time?

hochpt21

I'm sure this is a quick answer, but I couldn't find anything on my own searching.

My amp has balanced and unbalanced inputs along with a 'toggle' button to switch between.

Question is...am I able to hook both the balanced and unbalanced connections and toggle between depending on what gear I am using?

Here is what I am looking to do...
My phono pre has multiple gain controls and can operate hooked directly into an amp. So I would like to hook the phono pre to the balanced inputs on my amp; then hook the Parasound to the unbalanced.

Will this work?? (i don't want to damage any gear by trying this on my own first)

Thanks,
Paul

zane77

I saw a post similar to this recently and the poster was using two preamps, I believe, and he said to make sure that the unused preamp was switched off before switching to the other inputs. Sorry I can't remember the thread I read about this in. I think you could do this if you switched off the preamp between changing the inputs on your amp.

disneyjoe7

I think you're fine if you are using the switch input.

zingo

As long as the switch disconnects the unselected input, you shouldn't have a problem; summing the voltage on both inputs would cause a problem with your amp. I personally would prefer to switch through a preamp, but I respect your goal of minimum components in the audio chain!

hochpt21

Thanks for the replies.

It sounds like as long as the pre-amps are powered off while I push the switch on the amp, and the un-used pre is kept off during the other one's operation...I should be fine.

Any other opinions?

hochpt21

Ok...switched some stuff around today.

The GCPH is now connected directly into the balanced inputs on the 200.2. Noticeable upgrade in SQ to my ears. When I got the GCPH from a forum member this is how he recommended it hooked up. He was right.

The Oppo and the Duet are hooked up to the DLIII, then unbalanced to the direct one input on the P3. The P3 is hooked to the unbalanced inputs on the 200.2.

After making sure all components are off between each 'switch' and then only turning on the correct gear...the 200.2 will work with both unbalanced and balanced connections.

It will be a little inconvenient to switch the toggle on the back of the amp each time, but worth it IMO so far for the increased SQ in my vinyl rig.