Interconnects are just male to male RCA's?

scottatah

Hi Everyone,

I recently decided that I should buy myself a present for my birthday and upcoming xmas. I eventually decided on some TSX550T speakers to replace my Athenas. In doing more and more reading, I've discovered that an amplifier probably is necessary to get the full value. This wasn't in the budget (not that there was one to begin with) but I've sorta decided on the Emotiva XPA-5 which will do 200w x 5. Probably overkill for the surrounds and the center, but those can be upgraded in time. This will be connecting to my Onkyo HT-RC270 receiver.

This is my first dedicated home amplifier, so I'm looking for some clarifcation on things. I see the amp offers balanced and unbalanced interconnects. I have no idea what the difference really is, but my receiver only seems to accept unbalanced. From what I've read these unbalanced interconnects appear to simply be single male to male RCA cables. I'll probably only connect up my fronts and maybe my center to the amp, so in theory I just need 3 of these cables.

Am I missing anything or is it that simple??

Thanks,
Scott

F1nut

It's that simple.

You may find those speakers and amp are not a good match as both tend to be on the bright side. Something like a Parasound amp would be a better choice.

leftwinger57

Unbalanced interconnects are just that RCA type of connectors.In higher end receivers and amps they do give you the option of using either.Technically I do not know why one is better or not than the other but in most professional recording studios I believe they use balanced XLR type w/ the pins and release tab.Another reason for the balanced type I was told is lenght of your interconnect itself.Scroll down and the description is in there.If asking for a preference it would be unbalanced , it's the only way I have to h/u my gear.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canare-L-4E6S-Balanced-XLR-Audio-Interconnect-Cable-1-5m-Black-/360513199048?pt=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item53f042dbc8

tonyb

Honestly, while an amp will sound better, it's not really needed at this point. Try it without an amp first and see if you like the sound before buying an amp.

If you do decide on adding an amp, Parasound or B&k would be a better match, and interconnects....Signal cable or Douglas connections to get you rolling.

scottatah

Thanks for the info folks. After listening to a few sets of speakers, I think I got sucked into the kef q900's which are a lil pricier. So the amp idea is definitely on hold. We'll see how I fair without but I appreciate the quick responses none the less.

tonyb

Your going to want to get an amp for those Kef's to make them sound fantastic. Bigger speakers like even more current.

Phasewolf

I really love my Parasound amp. My wife was mad when I ordered it but when she turned it on and seen what it could do she has not said anything about it sense.

Glen B

leftwinger57 wrote: »

Unbalanced interconnects are just that RCA type of connectors.In higher end receivers and amps they do give you the option of using either.Technically I do not know why one is better or not than the other but in most professional recording studios I believe they use balanced XLR type w/ the pins and release tab.

Balanced connections were first developed to minimize noise pickup in long cable runs, which at the time existed mainly in professional sound environments. Now, long cable runs have found their way into home environments. An added benefit of balanced connections, regardless of length, is in equipment that is internally balanced, where there is lower noise and greater cancellation of distortion per stage for given amounts of gain.