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Balanced output with two single-ended amps? 2x AT-HA5000 > W5000

post #1 of 6
5/6/07 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 
I'm wondering if it is feasible to use two units of the same single-ended amplifier to drive a headphone with balanced recabling. The source would be balanced.

Specifically, I'm thinking of using two AT-HA5000 amplifiers to drive one ATH-W5000 headphone. What kind of cables would be needed to connect the source to the amps? Would any modifications to the amps be required?

I assume the W5000 would need to be recabled with dual 1/4 plugs, one for each amp. What kind of wiring is required?

I found an old thread by gerG (a "mad voice from the Arizona desert" ) describing balanced output using two Grace m901 units with a recabled HD650.

I appreciate any ideas or suggestions.
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post #2 of 6
5/6/07 at 3:14pm
I'm pretty sure this is like Fitz's turning two Darkvoice 336i's into a balanced amp. He had to perform some mods on the amps.
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post #3 of 6
5/6/07 at 3:20pm
Yes its very possible, as Fitz has demonstrated with his Dual Darkvoices. You should go for it, I'm sure many people are interested in hearing a dual-mono set-up with HA-5000's.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it would be feasible to just plug one channel of a balanced source to one amp, and then the other channel to the second amp. That way, each amp is controlling only one channel, and you can plug each cable from your headphones into the headphone out of the amps; no XLR plugs required.
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post #4 of 6
5/6/07 at 3:25pm
I'm not sure how Fitz did it, but I have an idea of how I would do it. I'm assuming you're using a balanced source with xlr outs:

I'd convert each xlr to two RCA's (one for each signal wire of the xlr, share the ground for the RCA's) and use one HA5000 to amp L+ and L-, and the other for R+ and R- (each pair of RCA's from one xlr will go into one amp, making sure to plug + and - into the same respective spot on both amps).

For termination on the headphone cable, you can use two TRS plugs (normal 1/4) and just let the ground float.
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post #5 of 6
5/6/07 at 3:31pm
Thread Starter 
Ah, I missed the Fitz dual Darkvoices, thanks.

Link to swt61's thread: link

If this works and sounds good, I'll consider shipping the rig to HeadFest 2008.
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post #6 of 6
5/6/07 at 3:34pm
I think I also recall reading about using two HeadAmp Gilmore Lite's as a single balanced amplification system. This is where I read it; whether it is feasible/viable is another matter though
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