Balanced connections to my VPI turntable?

Good question. I would be interested in hearing the results of anyone that has done this. It just seems completely unnecessary to me. More of a fad, with no actual sonic benefit. The result of balanced components have become so common. But I am all ears to anyone who has real experience.

It's just $400 bucks...do it

If you have that DD Avenger, you get it- just because.

Tablexxxx  you're one of the reasons why the forums go by the way side.

so something must have happened to you when you were a child. Why comment if you don’t bring anything to the discussion.

Does your phono stage, preamp, and amplifier all have true dual differential balanced circuitry?  Some equipment is single ended and only offers xlr connection for convenience 

There is the question of a 6db reduced noise floor with the XLRs in play but I can't confirm it. Enjoy the music

TestPilot yes I’m using a JC3+ preamp true balanced…

thanks

Too blue I thought the +6db was for overall gain. But I’m not sure what you said might be correct 

thanks

How are your turntable interconnects wired now? What are you using for a phono preamp? If you're using a balanced phono section with RCA inputs and have kept the pickup arm ground separate from the signal ground, you're probably already enjoying the benefits of the balanced circuit. Changing to XLR connectors won't change anything. And many balanced components do indeed deliver 6dB better s/n (or 6 dB more gain, if you prefer to see it that way) when run in balanced mode. For example, here are specs for the ARC Ref Phono 3 SE:

Gain:

Selectable 51 dB (Low) and 73 dB (High) at 1kHz BAL; 45 dB (Low) and 67 dB (High) at 1kHz SE.

(Note that the ARC has RCA inputs only.)

I have a VPI Prime turntable using RCA connection to Parradyme JC3+ preamp.

the preamp is balanced and I don’t know how the tone arm ground is configured. This foolish box to provide balanced XLR is pricey for what’s inside . But if it’s worth some db improvement, I’ll build myself 

If your pickup arm ground is connected to the grounding post on the JC3+, your phono cartridge floats above ground and your preamp is running balanced. (Assuming, of course, that you're using the balanced outputs of the JC3+ into a preamp balanced input.)

This is helpful Cleeds, I’ll test it with meter to see it they are connected.

The Parasound spec doesn’t provide any differentiation on using RCA or XLR ?

i believe the XLR is better for noise rejection, your thoughts ?

thanks

Yes using balanced from phono preamp thru complete balanced signal chain to the Amps

badbruno

i believe the XLR is better for noise rejection, your thoughts ?

I don't see any particular benefit to using XLRs here. You're balanced ("floating") either way. XLRs do tend to be more robust connectors.

1. buy from source allowing returns, try, keep, return

2. check with Steve from VAS. He worked with/for VPI, his beloved TT setup is VPI, he sells and installs those VPI boxes, installed VPI box: mini-din to rca (I had Ortofon rca phono cable) when he re-wired my tonearm.

3. Pine Tree will make you anything you want

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1313&_nkw=pine+tree+phono+cable&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=pine+tree+cable&_osacat=0

Made me custom phono, using long small diameter din connectors I sent him, for my Mission arm with long narrow din tube: my length, other end rca with ground for my SUT

4. I like XLR’s positive connection even if no other advantage, Locking RCA jacks with ground other end would have been nice if I thought of it at the time.

Of course, ground wire can be a simple separate wire.

Elliott thanks , I just sent a note to Steve. And I’ll spend more time looking a Pine Tree on eBay.  Did you think there was a sonic difference in changing tonearm cables? Change to XLR Cable ?

@badbruno , I believe that the side benefit of the 6db in gain also translates to a 6db lower noise floor, now this is my belief but maybe someone can chime in with greater knowledge. FWIW, I do run two VPI tables, a HRX and a Prime w/SDS, SMF and peripheral ring and I run both through RCA connections. Enjoy the music

tooblue

I believe that the side benefit of the 6db in gain also translates to a 6db lower noise floor

It all depends how you look at it. Yes, some preamps will yield 6dB more gain. But if you don't use the added gain and keep the level the same, then you have 6dB better s/n.

Tooblue … nice setup ! Did you ever consider it? 6db is good stuff considering the small signals we are trying to extract. Ever try it ?

I’m also running their speed controller. 
whats best bang for your $$$ on these setups?

thanks Again 

yes Enjoy the music 

@badbruno , as an audiophile for over 50 years of course I have considered it but never really felt the need to spend the $ with so many other things to consider and the fact that things sound so good already with the RCAs in play. Enjoy the music

@cleeds, thanks for the input on the 6db of gain/noise floor reduction. 

badbruno OP

no, mine was repair: tonearm wires insulation wore off due to maker's error, no protection at a critical location (arm since modified, problem gone).

Steve re-wired with protection at the critical location and changed from soldered to mini-din which allows me to disconnect the arm's wires and lift out the tonearm/board.

prior was a solder connection, had to take the Junction Box with the tonearm board.

Ok interesting set of repairs, terrible workmanship from manufacturer. 

badbruno OP

That’s a rush to judgement, it is a terrific Tonearm, very glad I bought it (and the square trade warranty)

This version incorporates an above plinth DIN connector, I could not/cannot use it with my Ortofon Phono Cable.

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/tonarm_black_bird12_5_5pin/7-1-0-53

The original design was a ’purist’ design, with tiny litz wires soldered inside this Junction Box

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/konnektornaja_korobka_newartvinyl/7-1-0-44.

Perhaps had I been more observant, I would have positioned the litz wires at the tonearm base differently, thus wear of silk insulation would not have occurred.

Here was the original LITZ wire fun. I never saw anything so delicate. Many would prefer Litz wire to what Steve used.

You can see the VPI mini-din Junction Box in two of the photos. I had Steve paint the box to get rid of the VPI Logo.