2. analog
  3. 175198-1640

Is the Schiit Magnius up to the task ???

My sysem has

  • a Simaudio MOON lp5.3 RS phono stage 
    • is has both RCA and XLR outputs
    • it is connected to my Bryston B135 Amp
      • via exceptional single ended IC's
    • NOTE: The amp does not have XLR inputs

But I'm curious to know if the XLR outputs from the LP5.3 will provide any sonic improvement over he RCA outputs.

So I went looking for an active unit to insert between the LP5.3 and the Bryston and stumbled upon the Schiit Magnius Headphone amp

I do not want to use a simple convertor plug 

So My Questions...:

  • is the Magnius up ot the task of providing a "high end" single ended output from its XLR balanced inputs
  • The Freya might be another choice, but the price is getting up there 
  • Or are there any other units I should be looking at - around the same snack bracket i.e. <$500

 

Many Thanks - Seve

williewonka

Showing 2 responses by williewonka

williewonka OP
3,072 posts
 

@russ69 - yep - I already understood that.

But I can't figure out why do so many brands use XLR outputs when their gear is really designed for use in home audio situation there are very few cases where a 50 ft run is actually reqired.

For Example

  • we see many source components (like DAC's) with XLR outputs, where it would be very unusual for them to be located more than a few feet from a preamp of amp.
    • the only two areas I can think of where XLR would be required is:
      • ​​​​​​​From the phono stage to the preamp/amp, assuming the turntable may be located in another room
      • or from the pre-amp to the amp(s), where the amps are located beside the speakers

More questions...

  • Is there any advantage of having the additional voltage of balanced outputs?.
  • do they put more "design effort" into balanced circuitry?
  • If I had an XLR and RCA cable, that were similar electrical attributes
    • wire type and gauge, copper or islver
    • insulation type e.g. Teflon
    • length (i.e. overall resistance)
    • would the XLR perofrm better?

Thanks - Steve

​​​​​​​

 

williewonka OP
3,072 posts
 

Thanks all for your replies.

I did contact Simaudio and therii opinion was that

while there should be no difference (i.e. if using their gear) there MAY be a small improvements to be had.using the XLR cables.

Since no one was overly enamoured with the Shiit products and since the Simaudio Moon contact does not believe there would be a significant improvement by using XLR cables, I have decided not to proceed. 

The single ended cables I currently have are excellent performers

  • and building a set of XLR cables just to satisfy my own curiosity would take away funds from other possible "projects"

Thanks to all that posted - much appreciated

Regads - Steve 

 

 

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