Anybody use a single ended component with one that is balanced?


I currently have a single ended pass xa25 amp which is excellent but am looking to upgrade to an arc balanced pre. I was told arc works best balanced but I will have to use the rcas.

Anybody been in a situation like this? Will I really be compromising the sound of the arc using it in single ended mode? I know there are people who prefer single ended.

 

roxy1927

@roxy1927 

I am saying there is a possibility that it will sound better using the adapter to use the balanced outs.  Definitely worth a try.  

My Yggdrasil sounds far better using the balanced outs, but my DS2 prep and ML 27.5 only have SE inputs, so I have a balanced to RCA adapter coming from the Yggdrasil. You can get a straight adapter or one with the XLR on one end and an RCA on the other end.

Mine;

 

 

 

I never heard much of a difference between se and balanced on Bryston and Anthen amps but I heard a huge difference on my Pass amp when I switched to balanced inputs so I’d say it depends on the design 

I have run my Pass diy Amp Camp monoblocs in both, each time with a Pass diy preamp — the Zen Balanced Line Stage  and the (SE) B1 Korg Nutube model. (The DAC is also balanced output.) The ZBLS has both outputs, but I think the Amp Camps definitely sound best in balanced. The B1 has only RCA, so no comparison, but what a sweet sound. 

The OP is talking about running the XL output from the pre into the RCA input of the amp.  That will produce sound.  It may not be optimal.  

OP should use the RCA outputs on the preamp if it has them.  Or use a Henry Engineering Matchbox or a Tascam adapter.