"Splitter" used for Monoblock Operation?


This may be a stupid question, but here goes anyway.

Being completely new to the "High-er End Audio" this is all a little overwhelming, not to mention expensive. Nonetheless, fun and challenging.

I am trying to cable components that were recently purchased, in fact, they are still in boxes. Here is the equipment list:

Pre-amplifier - BAT (Balanced Audio Technologies) VK-52SE
(Which is a balanced tube preamp)

Monoblock Amplifiers - Spectron Musician III Mk 2
(with all available upgrades)

Speakers - Gallo Ref 3.5's

Interconnects -
From what I have read thus far, the best recommendation for connection between the preamp and the amplifiers is to use a balanced cable, since the preamp is balanced. Also, the preferred method of connection is to utilize the XLR connection instead of the RCA connection.

Does the "Audiogon" family agree with this? If not, Why not?

Either way, for a monoblock configuration a "splitter" must be utilized at each amplifier. While looking for cables here in the "Buy" section of Audiogon a search for "Splitter" comes up empty. This is a little confusing. Numerous cables, no "Splitters". Am I using the wrong search term?

Do most of the cable manufacturers make splitters for their cables or should I be looking for one from a different manufacturer?

Lastly, I would also like to hear any comments regarding speaker wire recommendations that would work well with this equipment.

Thanks!!!!!!!
bhpedalpusher

Showing 2 responses by zd542

The BAT 52 should have 2 sets of balanced outputs. Unless you need the outputs for something else, I would just use those. Doing that will eliminate the need for the splitter. Also, since both of your components are fully balanced, you need to make sure that the cables you buy are fully balanced, as well. The only reason I thought to mention this is that Synergistic was brought up in another post. I know that not all of their cables are balanced even though you can get them with XLR connectors. Its easy to overlook.
I should have mentioned this before but one of the reasons that I though 2 runs of cable may be better is that a y splitter may not be enough. On your amps, you need to see how far apart the left and right inputs are. Sometimes they are right next to each other, but often they are far apart. If they are too far apart you'll probably have to have something custom made. Unless BAT says otherwise, I feel 2 seperate runs would be much better.

As far as what cable you should go with, the options are endless; as are the opinions. If you don't mind going with used and want to save some money, Audioquest makes a cable called the Jaguar. Its discontunied but is almost identical to the model that replaced it; the Columbia. I own both. They sound so similiar that I don't think I can tell the difference. People are always so quick to upgrade without much thought, you can sometimes get great deals on older models that are just at good as current. Also, copper AQ is known, not only for sounding good, but works with just about anything. Its a really safe bet. Also, you mentioned Purist. The Cable Company lent me a pair to try (Aquasomething, and they were about $1000-1100), and I thought the AQ was a lot better. Please remember, though, thats was just my opinion. No question that others will feel different based on what they like.