The Gato has an XLR connection but is not a balanced design
It sure looks like a balanced design based on manufacturer's specs:
Input impedance 20kΩ RCA or 40kΩ Balanced
Preamplifier output impedance 100 Ω RCA and 200 Ω Balanced
Need advice from the gurus.
This is my favorite HIFI hang out and I'm at a bit of a crossroads and really could use some advice. I'm a bit scattered and I could use some help figuring out what direction to go in. Here's my current equipment:
==Electronics==
Gato Audio AMP-150 AE (integrated amp)
Topping E70 Velvet DAC
iFi Zen Stream (I use Tidal)
Cherry Maraschino monos (not using at the moment, I don't have a preamp)
==Speakers==
Magnepan LRS+
Kef R3
Monitor Audio GS20 (vintage speakers from my father)
Omega Super 3 High Output Wide Baffle XRS towers
Lately I've been running the LRS+ with the Gato integrated and Topping Velvet / iFi stream combo. I like it but I don't know if I'm missing out. What would you do if you had my equipment and wanted to simplify? On my hifi setup I listen to mostly mellow stuff, lots of female vocals, classic rock, ambient stuff. I really like female vocals and midrange with a lot of texture if that makes any sense. What would you do different if anything? Thanks!
It sure looks like a balanced design based on manufacturer's specs: Input impedance 20kΩ RCA or 40kΩ Balanced |
Scroll over to @ 12:00 for the measurements. What was your "eye-opener" exactly? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQemV-W48b8&t=890s
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+1 @cleeds - Agreed it looks like a balanced connection, but it may not be a fully balanced design with the XLR jacks a convenience. Either way, I would think it would be worth giving it a try. Couldn't hurt and might be eye opening with those monoblocks. |
Either the amplifier is balanced or the published specs are wrong: Input impedance 20kΩ RCA or 40kΩ Balanced |