Phono stage options - balanced with XLR both input and output...
I really like my Elac PPA-2, it's surprisingly good and has bested the few others I've tried. I use XLR/balanced for input and output (for the first time with this one).
It is starting to glitch, and I am considering purchasing another one ('preowned'), but before I do wanted to check here what options you know of in terms of fully balanced phono stages with XLR input and output.
@hagtech @lewm , phono cartridges are indeed balanced items. Just because the device does not have a third ground wire does not mean it is not balanced. In this case it is the tonearm that is grounded by the third wire. Ground is separated from the signal which is balanced push-pull. I will shortly be turning over my Schroder to XLRs, it might take me 20 minutes. |
@joenies , the phonograph cartridges starts out life as a "balanced" item, Plus, Minus and Ground. Why anyone would think strangling it with a Single Ended cable sounds better is beyond me. There are specific specifications for professional balanced equipment that many consumer electronics companies overlook. Your problem is going to be balanced termination on the tonearm cables. Anyone who is familiar with male XLR connectors can exchange the RCAs in a heartbeat. Pin 2 is plus, pin 3 is minus and pin 1 is ground which is usually left open as most tonearms have a separate ground wire. @lewm , you always forget Channel D. |
