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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
wbs
90 posts
 

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

Bill

dman777 OP
63 posts
 

@wbs oh wow... No, I definitely want to bypass the integrated amp preamp. I tried the mains and it really didn't sound that good. I was told that the McIntosh preamp is really meant to be used with XLRs for best sound quality. I guess I'll have to wait until I get a better amp if that's the case.

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

dynacohum
719 posts
 

dman77, 

If you connect the C12000 XLR output to to either BAL 1 or BAL 2 on the Yamaha, you aren't bypassing its preamp.  To do so you need to use the RCA outputs of the C12000.  If you can hear the difference between XLR and RCA, you are doing well!

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