which turntable or how to convert to balanced phono setup?

lewm

... the general consensus is that the XLR connector is inherently superior to the RCA connector, balanced or not ...

I’ve seen some really exquisite RCA connectors but I’m inclined to agree with you - the XLR design is better from the get-go.

... "he" needs an XLR cable if he is plugging into a balanced phono that offers only XLR inputs.

The OP’s preamp takes has both RCA and XLR connectors on its input.

Here we go again. That is mistaken. He doesn’t need an XLR cable at all for balanced operation in his system:

cleeds

06-18-2025 at 09:54pm... you can use either the RCA or XLR connectors on the Teac PE 505’s inputs and get the same result.

There is nothing "magic" about an XLR connector.

Oh, if you want magic you are on the wrong forum, try https://www.themagiciansforum.com

On the other hand here are the experiences of some real Teac PE-505 users re the XLR inputs vs the RCA inputs with moving coils -

Regarding the fully balanced operation for MC only, that is my understanding too. But for me it is a non issue since I am using it with a LOMC via balanced connection. Since my TT has single ended RCA outputs but the ground is isolated, I fabricated a custom RCA to XLR cable using Neutrik connectors & Mogami cable. I configured the cable as recommended in the user manual namely true fully balanced. I did it DIY because I could not find any commercially made where I could confirm it was configured properly; most have the XLR ground pin connected to the RCA negative pin. The difference in noise floor is not night and day but it is significant enough that I prefer RCA-XLR isolated way more than with RCA-RCA; it is just that much more quieter. 

I finally got around to trying the XLR balanced inputs. Wow. I had to do some soldering but the pin outs are in the manual. Oh my does this ever eliminate noise. 

cc @audiocanada 

hey thanks all

so  I just ordered a Luxman PD 151 Mark II

if I have understood correctly, I can just replace the included

din cable with an aftermarket din to lxlr cable,

add mc cart, run to my teac balanced preamp...

and Im now fully balanced?

I’m being simplistic here, but if you have RCA outs with a separate ground wire into a phono pre with a balanced/nonbalanced switch does that work? Or does it matter whether you have a MC or MM cartridge?

audiocanada 

I just ordered a Luxman PD 151 Mark II if I have understood correctly, I can just replace the included din cable with an aftermarket din to lxlr cable, add mc cart, run to my teac balanced preamp... and Im now fully balanced?

Yes, provided your preamp runs balanced into your amplifier. But you'd also be fully balanced if you used RCA connectors into your phono stage. The connectors alone don't define whether the circuit is balanced or not.