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Balanced DAC --> Unbalanced Amp = Problem?

post #1 of 5
2/18/11 at 8:02am
Thread Starter 

I'm building both a balanced Opus DAC with balanced outputs, and a Bijou unbalanced tube amp right now.  It just hit me that it might not work very well going straight from a balanced output on the DAC to an unbalanced input in the amp. 

 

First, if the +V and -V of the balanced signal are connected to the V and ground of the unbalanced input, then you'd get twice the voltage at the unbalanced input.  Is this correct? 

 

If the unbalanced V and ground are connected to the +V an -V balanced terminals (i.e., unbalanced output going into a balanced input), then I'm not sure that would work at all, since odds are the balanced input really does want equal/opposite voltages.

 

Does anyone have a definite answer here?

 

TL;DR --> Do I really absolutely NEED to use this http://www.twistedpearaudio.com/linestages/ballsie.aspx

 

Thanks.

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post #2 of 5
2/18/11 at 8:09am
No you don't need the ballsie. Just connect the V+ and ground to your RCA jacks. I think you'll be -4db quieter but that's why you have an amp!

I currently have my 1/2 finished Opus DAC configured this way until I get my balanced amp built.
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post #3 of 5
2/18/11 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 

Oh thank goodness.  That saves me about $100.  Thanks for the valuable information man.

 

So for the RCA's you go:

 

Left Channel V+, Ground

Right Channel V+, Ground

 

?

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post #4 of 5
2/18/11 at 4:43pm
Yup, as simple as that! May people actually prefer the sound of DAC without an output stage.
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post #5 of 5
2/18/11 at 6:15pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by francisdemarte View Post

Yup, as simple as that! May people actually prefer the sound of DAC without an output stage.

 

Awesome man, thanks again.
 

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