2. amps-preamps
  3. 186123-23048

Audio Research reference amplifiers used with RCA IC`s and unbalanced preamplifiers

I am considering purchasing used audio research reference amplifiers either 150se or 75 SE. My question is this

As these amplifiers are fully balanced and don't have an RCA input, can I use RCA interconnects with a conversion plug from RCA to balanced at the amplifier input and will it work in my system?

I don't have any balanced interconnects and don't want to go through the extra expense. Only one of my three preamplifiers has an XLR output and there's nothing indicating the preamplifier is fully balanced.

I find this balanced/ unbalanced criteria confusing.

 

nsp

Showing 2 responses by cleeds

cleeds
6,072 posts
 
newbee

... how much of that appeal is really important if you have short runs and no noise issues ...

The OP will give up 6 dB of s/n if he uses the single-ended connections. That's why I don't see the wisdom of buying balanced electronics such as ARC and then running them single-ended.

nsp 

My 2 current amplifiers are both tubes class a/b so I don't think I would incur any extra electric expense ...

My cautioning you about expense wasn't because of your electric use, but because of the cost of tube replacement (ARC tends to run its tubes hard, so replacement is more frequent than with some other manufacturers) and also service costs, because a failed tube in an ARC amp can often take out a screen resistor. That's an added expense if you're not comfortable repairing it yourself.

cleeds
6,072 posts
 

Yes, you could run it that way. But part of the appeal of most ARC amps and preamps is the fully balanced differential circuitry. You're not getting maximum performance from them if you don't take advantage of that.

You might want to consider the expense of running a tube amplifier. I mention that because you're obviously budget conscious if you're reluctant to buy balanced audio cables for your new amp.

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