n80, some source components (e.g., CD players) DO have balanced (XLR) outputs and that is what you would use these for. Others can chime in on the relative merits of balanced vs single-ended (SE) connections between components but, basically, balanced connections can be much longer without being subject to picking up noise and the gain is double what single-ended connections provide (I haven't mixed them but I would imagine this could lead to having to drastically adjust the volume when switching between SE and balanced components in a system). Don't worry if you have a single-ended component - looking at the back of the LS16 version I think you have, you could use either the AUX SE or TUNER connections.
Another basic newbie question.
I'm not an audiophile but recently more-or-less inherited an older high end system. There is a thread here about that story.
This is a simple question regarding the Audio Research LS16 preamp. I have the user manual but it is short and assumes that the user is a seasoned audiophile. I think I've got the basics figured out. I understand the RCA inputs and outputs. I have high quality XLR cables for output to the amp. But there are two inputs I do not understand. They are labeled CD Bal and Aux Bal. I understand that 'bal' is for 'balance' but otherwise I do not know what these are for or what that means. Are there CD players with XLR-out ports?
Thanks for your assistance.
This is a simple question regarding the Audio Research LS16 preamp. I have the user manual but it is short and assumes that the user is a seasoned audiophile. I think I've got the basics figured out. I understand the RCA inputs and outputs. I have high quality XLR cables for output to the amp. But there are two inputs I do not understand. They are labeled CD Bal and Aux Bal. I understand that 'bal' is for 'balance' but otherwise I do not know what these are for or what that means. Are there CD players with XLR-out ports?
Thanks for your assistance.
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