2. amps-preamps
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Differential from source to pre but not amp?

I am researching preamps and wondering if should go with differential connections. I know there are sonic benefits from going fully differential from source to pre to amp, but my amp, an Odyssey Khartago, only has RCA inputs. I have a cd transport and dac that have differential xlr outs, so would there be any benefit to spending the extra money for a preamp with xlr connections even though my amp doesn't have them? One benefit is that it allows me the flexibility to upgrade to an amp with xlr inputs in the future, but this is null since my next upgrade will be to a tube pre and amp, which will definitely be fully differential. The tube system is part of a long term plan, so this SS system will be with me for a while and I'd like to squeeze the best sound out of it I can.

Thanks in advance for your advice.
rischa

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 
Yes, there can be plenty of benefit! Differential circuits are not only lower noise, but lower distortion due to distortion cancellation at each stage of gain, compared to single-ended circuits of otherwise similar topology. When you reduce noise or distortion, due to the masking effect of the human ear, detail is revealed.

There is also a simple method of modifying any single-ended amplifier to accept a balanced signal in the differential domain, without using a transformer and not just simply adding an XLR connector. It is also inexpensive to do.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 
I should point out that to take advantage of the ability of balanced lines to be immune to the cost and length of the cable, the source driving the cable should conform to the balanced standard.

If not, you may be able to run the balanced connection but still be subject to the sound of the cable itself. The whole point behind the creation of the balanced line system was to prevent the interconnect cable from having an effect on the sound.

Keep in mind also that in high end audio, the balanced standard is not understood or recognized by a good number of players that offer balanced products. In the case of preamps, most solid state preamps do support the standard, but to the best of my knowledge, only 2 tube preamps support it, and both are made by the same manufacturer.
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