New TT : Balanced vs. Unbalanced Connection?
I am in a six-month process of assembling a system will last me for the next 5-10 years. I’m set on the components, so please do not try to talk me out of my selections. My question here is a technical one.
I have purchased a Thorens TD–1601 and a Nagaoka MP–200 cartridge. I am trying to decide on the Integrated amp between Yamaha’s A-S3200 and A-S2200. The key difference for this question being the A-S3200 has two balanced inputs and the A-S2200 has one. I will use the first balanced connection to connect a recently purchased HiFi Rose RS-150b Streamer/DAC.
Now to my real question. The semi-automatic Thorens TD-1601 has both balanced and unbalanced outputs. I am considering buying a Schitt Skoll phono pre which has balanced in-and-out. In that case, I would buy the Yamaha A-S3200, needing two balanced inputs.
So, ASSUMING the phono preamp on the Yamaha A-S2200 is comparable to the Schitt Skoll, will I get markedly better sound by going fully unbalanced, with the Skoll and the much more expensive A-S3200, or unbalanced direct from Thorens TT into the highly regarded phone pre of the A-S2200?
What benefits will I get by going balanced? How much benefit? It is worth the complexity, extra box, cables, $2,000-3,000? I can afford it if much better, but don’t want to spend money unnecessarily. The TT and the integrated will be right next to each other, so distance is not a factor. Or is the A-S3200 that much better? …I like the BIGGER meters.
My current speakers are Paradigm Reference Studio 40 v2, which I love and have two pair, a super sleeper. They are not likely to be changed…one day Fyne Audio.
To reiterate, this is a technical question about the merits of balanced turntable connections. Thanks for the input. I have learned much from this forum over the last few years.
OP here. Lots of good information. Some takeaways: If I went with the cheaper amp, and only one balanced connection, it might be better used on the TT versus the streamer/DAC. Will be up to me to know whether to spend the extra dough. I feel like I’d be happier, longer, with A-S3200. I will need to be patient for a good used deal to come up. thanks for all the good, helpful input. |
@atmasphere THANKS. Great tip on the SS cartridge screws. Compliance is an advanced concept for many of us. Does anyone have experience with the new Schitt Skoll? Good reviews. And again, thanks everyone, this thread has been very helpful. |
OP here. I personally don’t perceive the thread off-topic. With all due respect, this thread’s applied intention is to help a fellow audiophile with a complex (to him) technical scenario & purchasing decision. While it may have broadened, as the OP, I have leaned much, and am open to the other considerations that have arisen. My true curiosity is to achieve the best sound, and in my case, there is much to consider and study. I appreciate the community’s willingness to apply their experience and time & energy. |
OP here. Interesting. Seems like the Schitt Skoll supports balanced, and the balanced inputs on the Yamahas seem legit also. From Schitt website: "Balanced. Skoll is balanced and differential all the way through. Of course you have the choice of both balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs." From Yamaha: "Floating balanced circuit for power amplifier" "fully balanced transmission from input to output." the XLR connections are said to be the balanced connections. The Thorens TD-1601 manual is vague, but it does say that is has "Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA outputs." So, I think it is safe to assume that if I want balanced output, that I need to use XLR output. There is no "switch". The online Prospectus for the TD-1600 and TD-1601 goes on to say..."Especially when using an MC pick-up, the balanced XLR output, with which both models are equipped, can then bring its advantages to bear." It is possible that only a MC cartridge can produce balanced output? ...or can benefit from a balanced connection? My newly purchased cartridge (Nagaoka MP-200) is technically a Moving Iron (MI) cartridge, so is it capable of balanced output?? The Nagaoka is still sealed in its box, and it if is not capable of balanced output, perhaps I should return it or sell it (I got a really good deal.)?
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@tablejockey, thanks, I actually own a z-phono and have it in use. I remain intrigued by Balanced/XLR and the Skoll. Now studying if the TD-1601>Nagoaka MP-200>Schitt Skoll>Yamaha A-S3200 Balanced input will preserve the balanced signal end-to-end. So far, my research suggests it does. Any comments here? But still, the existing question, is the extra "balanced" effort, complexity, and expense ($3k) worth it vs. unbalanced RCA to the zphono or Yamaha’s phono input. |
thank you @audiorusty, that is what think as well. and thank you, @yogiboy, I guess I need help in justifying the extra expense. LOL.
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@tablejockey thanks, I appreciate your attention to this thread. I do have a zphono, personally, I cannot hear a difference between it and the onboard pre in my current integrated. The zphono is a nice piece, for sure. I have been reading about the new Schitt Skoll Phono Pre, and aside from its fully balanced function, I am impressed its capabilities with the measured reviews. Probably where I will start. Open to comments on it. |
