I ran into this same problem when I purchased a REF110 to replace my D115mkII when I owned a AI M3a. I was told that adaptors would not work well, leading to higher distortion. I ended up purchasing a LS16mkII and buying balanced cables.
Audio Research Amplifier Balanced Input Question
Hello, I am thinking about upgrading my Audio Research VS55i amplifier to one of the higher Audio Research amplifiers which use balanced connections only... specifically a Reference 110 power amplifier.
Would I be able to run a regular (single ended) linestage such as a Manley or a Herron that uses standard RCA inputs/outputs only into the balanced connection of the Audio Research amplifier and have the amp still operate and amplify correctly given its internally balanced configuration? (They do sell high quality handy RCA to XLR connectors/adapters, so making the jacks compatible is no problem, but I am unsure and not knowledgeable about if the two types of circuits are fundamentally incompatible.)
Or does a balanced amplifier require a balanced input signal to run correctly? What happens when a balanced amp sees a single ended signal (only two of three pins of the balanced connector carries signal)?
Any useful input would be welcome.
Would I be able to run a regular (single ended) linestage such as a Manley or a Herron that uses standard RCA inputs/outputs only into the balanced connection of the Audio Research amplifier and have the amp still operate and amplify correctly given its internally balanced configuration? (They do sell high quality handy RCA to XLR connectors/adapters, so making the jacks compatible is no problem, but I am unsure and not knowledgeable about if the two types of circuits are fundamentally incompatible.)
Or does a balanced amplifier require a balanced input signal to run correctly? What happens when a balanced amp sees a single ended signal (only two of three pins of the balanced connector carries signal)?
Any useful input would be welcome.