Cheapest balanced source?

Jan 30, 2010 at 2:16 AM Post #16 of 24
If you don't mind casing yourself, and attaching leads to the balanced outs from the board this is an inexpensive option that sounds good imho. $65 + shipping + case.
 
Jan 30, 2010 at 3:02 AM Post #19 of 24
Quote:

Originally Posted by FauDrei /img/forum/go_quote.gif
You can also try Matrix.

It's like DacMagic with better DAC chips, incorporated power supply and headphone amp.



2nd the Matrix, I really like mine
tongue_smile.gif
 
Jan 30, 2010 at 3:05 AM Post #20 of 24
as I mentioned, you would have to attach the leads yourself, but yes the dac chip gives a differential signal. Granted it wasn't posted in the diy section but if cost is the major concern surely the op might consider doing a little work? I thought I would put it on the table.

cheers
 
Jan 30, 2010 at 2:45 PM Post #21 of 24
look for older pro studio stuff, Denon / Marantz / Sony CD players like they use in Radio stations, or DAT machines which you can just use as a DAC.

Also plenty of old analogue sources like cassette decks record players (with the appropriate phono pre-amp) are balanced...
 
Jan 31, 2010 at 6:45 AM Post #23 of 24
Quote:

Originally Posted by memepool /img/forum/go_quote.gif
look for older pro studio stuff, Denon / Marantz / Sony CD players like they use in Radio stations, or DAT machines which you can just use as a DAC.

Also plenty of old analogue sources like cassette decks record players (with the appropriate phono pre-amp) are balanced...



Record players actually would need to be re-wired completely down from the stylus/cart, and through the tone arm, then re-terminated with balanced jacks to work properly with a fully balanced in/out phono pre-amp; there are specially modified fully-balanced record players and they are actually not very common, nor is a fully balanced in/out phono preamp for that reason.
 
Jan 31, 2010 at 7:44 AM Post #24 of 24
Soundcards such as ESI Juli@ and M-Audio Delta 192 run for $140 and have balanced outputs. Juli@'s ones are badly designed, though. You'd need a short TRS-XLR cord along with an adapter because the XLR plugs don't fit next to each other.
 

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