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Connecting McIntosh Preamp to Yamaha AS 3200 - Do I use both XLR Bal 1 and Bal 2?

I have a McIntosh C12000 preamp. I also have a Yamaha AS 3200 amp that I want to connect to the preamp through XLR connectors. I am confused... the Yamaha has a Bal 1 and Bal 2 inputs connectors.. each with a set of 2 giving a total of 4 XLR plugs for the inputs. Does this mean I need 4 XLR cables to plug into the McIntosh where I plug in both Bal 1 and Bal 2 as separate R and L channels? 

Or do I just use the Bal 1 and use the single R and L connectors to the preamp? 

https://usa.yamaha.com/files/download/other_assets/9/1323169/web_VEJ7880_A-S3200_om_UL_EnFrEs_A0.pdf

https://www.mcintoshlabs.com/-/media/Files/mcintoshlabs/DocumentMaster/us/C12000_OM_24116102.pdf?rev=9435014f2db542559d83023e3516698c&revision=9435014f-2db5-4255-9d83-023e3516698c

dman777

Showing 3 responses by wbs

wbs
90 posts
 

You would also need to set your volume control on the Yamaha to full volume.

Bill

wbs
90 posts
 

After looking at the manual pictures, I would say that it isn't really set up for using the XLR inputs as you would like.  There are RCA preamp outs and amp ins that would normally be used if the preamp and amp sections are separated.

If you use the XLR inputs you will be going through the preamp stage as if your preamp were just another source device.

If you still want to do it that way, you would only need to use one of the pairs of XLR inputs and then select that input with your input selector.

Bill

wbs
90 posts
 

If you already tried using the RCA mains input on the Yamaha and weren't satisfied with the result, I will agree that a power amplifier with XLR inputs is probably the best solution.

Bill

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