What phono preamps are balanced

Just thought you might be interested in some history:

We introduced the first balanced phono preamp in 1989- the MP-1. It is also fully differential and was the first all tube preamp that was fully differential from input to output. The EQ is handled in differential mode to prevent tube aging from affecting EQ. Although the unit has a line stage it was built with the intention as a stand-alone phono reproducer.

We devised the system of using XLRs with phono cartridges, eliminating the separate grounding wire.

One thing that the high end audio industry does not seem to get is that the balanced line system was created to eliminate interconnect cable problems. Balanced lines allow both long cable lengths without degradation and inexpensive cables to be used, also without degradation. This advantage is not available to single-ended cables. Not all balanced line preamps in high end audio support the balanced line standard, but if they do the difference between a really expensive cable and a really cheap one will be very little. Effectively the hidden cost of the interconnect is removed from the cost of the preamp/volume control system.

Hdm, you got it spot on. In fact almost all cartridges are balanced sources, not just MC. I think the old Decca that had 3 leads was the only one that was not balanced- even ceramic cartridges can be run balanced, and most of the BSRs, Garrards , Duals and other inexpensive older turntables had 5 connections (the 5th being ground) as to connect the 5th wire to the same point as the negative output of the cartridge creates a ground loop.

Pedrillo, I ran my Graham in balanced mode. Pin 3 of the tone arm connector is ground. I was able to use the same cable that I did for my SME V.

Davidsss, most tonearms are balanced sources; IOW you do **not** have to do anything with the wiring, only the interconnect cable between the arm and the preamp.

Even an old BSR or Garrard from the 1960s is a balanced source!