2. amps-preamps
  3. 128926-2094

Any issues to be aware of if driving SET from a balanced source?

I have my eyes on a couple 45 SETs to drive the treble and midrange in a fully active 4-way system. To do this I need to use pro audio 8-channel DACs, which are balanced designs. Of course I can make the cable connecting both with the corresponding connectors (XLR or TRS on one end, RCA on the other), but is there any potential issue I should be checking/be aware of before making the move?

thanks!

lewinskih01

Showing 2 responses by ajcrocker1

ajcrocker1
31 posts
 
Balanced means that both sides are amplified. The middle pin could be at ground or something else.  There are chips specifically designed to combine the balanced signal back into a single signal.  

In short no it won't work.  Single Ended Triode ground side must be ground.  You will need a device to convert the balanced to single ended not just a cable 
ajcrocker1
31 posts
 
This assumes that the balanced system is referenced to ground and not 2.5v.

if it is referenced to 2.5v, any D.C. offset will affect the bias of the amp making it very unhappy. 

Without knowing how the DAC and the amp is wired it is hard to say what is needed to convert the balanced signal to single ended.  That amp runs at a couple hundred volts making it capable of blowing up parts it you get it wrong.

Another factor is what speaker are you trying to drive?  A set 45 only puts out 1.5 to 2 watts
More to discover