2. amps-preamps
  3. 1140360469

Preamp Connections - Balanced vs. RCA

I didn't know quite where to put this, so I figured this would be a good spot.

I just replaced my old preamp with a Pass X1, which has the choice of either balanced or single ended connections from the source components. My old preamp was RCA only. So right now I'm using my existing RCA ICs to get to the X1.

I'd like to consider trying some balanced interconnects (rumour has it that the X1 runs optimally with balanced connections), but I'm worried about the voltage delivered to the preamp. My sources (like my D/A) have the standard nominal 2 volts out from RCA and - what is it? - 4 volts for balanced. The thing is that X1, even with the gain set to 4 dB, seems to amplify the signal a lot faster than my old preamp. I'm only using a small portion of the volume control to get the needed volume. If I go to a balanced in on the X1 will that range now be even less since there's 4 volts at the input instead of 2?
tonyptony

Showing 2 responses by mikesinger

mikesinger
572 posts
 
i have heard of this with pass pre-amps...if the volume is too high and you cant adjust the overall gain, then you might be able to reduce the voltage output from your dac ( make it 1.4 volts instead of 4.....) what kind of dac do you have ?

btw, running balanced makes a really big difference.
mikesinger
572 posts
 
you are correct..i put a "if" in my statment.....i was looking at the x-1 and was advised i would have to reduce the voltage of my dac if i went with it..

depending on the system and where you like to have your volume (7 o'clock, 10 o'clock, 1'clock).... if the input sensitivity of the pre is too high is to high and the gain selection wont go low enough....you can reduce the output of your dac and it isnt that hard to do (generaly a couple resistors etc...)

are you sure the output voltage of your dac is 4 volts ???? most sources will have double the voltage of the rca, but not always (electrocompinet dac for instance is 3.3v)...
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