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Parasound A21 question - can I use both balanced and unbalanced input on the amp?

In my second system, I would like to double the duties for both HT and music. For preamp, I'm using a Cambridge Audio 851D, which unfortunately doesn't have any HT bypass or even analog inputs.

Originally, I was thinking that I might be able to connect the pre-outs from my AVR to the 851D. And then from 851D to Parasound A21 via balanced/XLR connection. But the problem is that my AVR has only RCA pre-outs and the Cambridge has only digital inputs.

Another option that comes to mind is something like this:
1. Cambridge 851D --> Parasound A21 via balanced/XLR -- for music listening
2. AVR --> Parasound A21 via unbalanced/RCA -- for movies

Is this even possible? Assuming it is, can this cause any potential harm to the amplifier if both balanced and unbalanced inputs are connected to different sources? What should I set the switch (Balanced/Unbalaned) to on the A21?
arafiq

Showing 1 response by rgraddy

rgraddy
1 posts
 

dbphd, you said:

The A 21 is a very nice amp.  I use mine with balanced input from an Oppo 105 to drive a pair of KEF LS50s with excellent results.  The Oppo does double duty as a disc player and processor, and does it well.

I also have an Oppo bdp-105. Mine directly feeds into a Parasound A51 amp. Since the Oppo has XLR outputs only for the main R/L channels, the Oppo's surround outputs must necessarily connect to the A51's unbalanced inputs. Using that mixed combination, I have the balanced/unbalanced switch set to balanced. Would it be better to just use unbalanced connections on the main R/L channels? In that case, the XLR's would not be used at all and there would be no question as to where to set the balanced/unbalanced switch.

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