[Armaegis]

There's the 2i2 for much cheaper. (I actually have a Saffire 6 usb which is 2in/4out)
 
But no, I meant something like this: http://www.mackie.com/products/vlz4-series-compact-mixers/
(just one of a dozen options, but it's one of the cheapest and Mackie makes pretty rugged mixers)
You can input RCA (or even get a 1/8" to dual mono 1/4" to use one of the other inputs) and get balanced output.

 

[zilch0md]

Hi Armaegis!

Thanks for this compelling review!

Could you please read and respond to my post in the HD800 thread regarding HA-200 x2 vs. Using it single-ended?

http://www.head-fi.org/t/650510/the-new-hd800-impressions-thread/14115#post_10919159

I'll let you decide where to post a reply.



Thanks!

Mike

 

[zilch0md]

Having just read this article, I think the HA-200 is very similar in design to Nelson Pass' Zen Amplifier:

http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_zen_amp.pdf

 

[sgbwill2]

Hi there, I realize this thread hasn't been active recently but I have a quick question about the HA-200 which I cant seem to find answers on. I am thinking of combining this amp (non-mono) with a Yulong D18 DAC but would like to run it using XLR's rather than the RCA connectors. I was wondering if this splitter would work: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271147934567?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT If the case is that it would work would that mean that I can use the XLR out on the front of the amp also in a non-mono setup? I am a noob with this kind of stuff so help would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[zilch0md]

Hi sgbwill2,
 
Both of the HA-200's XLR jacks (front and rear) are exclusively for use with balanced, dual-mono configuration.  
 
If you want to use a single HA-200, you must use the two RCA inputs from your DAC and the TRS jack output for your headphone.
 
Mike

 

[sgbwill2]

  Hi sgbwill2,
 
Both of the HA-200's XLR jacks (front and rear) are exclusively for use with balanced, dual-mono configuration.  
 
If you want to use a single HA-200, you must use the two RCA inputs from your DAC and the TRS jack output for your headphone.
 
Mike

Thanks for the swift reply. It's a shame that I cant go balanced without buying a second one as the d18 only has 1 pair of RCA outs. What would the result be if I were to use that adapter? would I only get sound from one channel or something like that? cheers.

 

[Armaegis]

No No No!!!
 
Do not use that adapter, you will short out and possibly break your D18.
 
Single ended connections have three wires: left+, right+, and ground. This is done most commonly with a 1/4" TRS connector.
 
Balanced have left+, left-, right+, right-, and no ground is shared between them. Usually you have a single XLR for left+/left-/shield, and a second XLR for right+/right-/shield. Trying to use that adapter will join together wires that are not meant to be joined and possibly burn the output stage of your dac. I can't even think of a situation where that adapter would ever be used. Maybe if the male/female ends were revesed and it was used as a splitter, but the other way makes no sense. Best case scenario: everything will be in mono. Worst case scenario: you'll release the magc smoke from your dac and/or amp.

 

[sgbwill2]

Thanks for that reply. I have very little electrical experience so I have no idea about this. According to the description it just states that the adapter can combine or split balanced audio signals and that the cable is 2-core shielded (no idea what this means ) Theoretically I don't see why it wouldn't work by going off what the description says, but as I've said I have very little experience with this. The seller hasn't had any negative feedback on the adapters and has sold over 300; though I don't know what others are actually using the adapter for. I think the best bet would be to just ask my dad as he is an electrician with almost 40 years experience and see what he says. If it does work however it would save me a lot of hassle. Cheers and I will update you on this issue.

 

[Armaegis]

If the adapter has resistors in it, then it will combine the signals without shorting out the source... but what you're doing is smooshing your left and right channels into mono, sort of. 
 
Look, I'm serious here, that the adapter will not work the way you want it to. Balanced operation requires four channels. A single HA-200 only has two. Done. End of story. An adapter isn't going to fix that.
 
Here's some reading on the matter: http://www.headphone.com/pages/balanced-headphones-guide

 

[sgbwill2]

Sorry I should have explained myself better. I'm not so bothered about it being balanced really I was just wondering whether it would work as I will already be using the RCA ports on the Yulong for my La Figaro 339 and was wondering if the XLR outs could be used instead of the coax or optical as extra output options.

 

[Armaegis]

In that case you need a pair of XLR(f) to RCA(m) adapters:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-1-5m-2-XLR-Female-Jack-to-2-RCA-Male-Plug-Stereo-3pin-Audio-Adapter-Cable-/261567267156?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3ce69fc154
 
Or a better idea... just use some RCA splitters and skip the XLR mess in the first place:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RCA-Phono-Y-Splitter-Lead-Adapter-2-x-Female-TO-1-x-Male-Pair-/250563404378?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a56be225a
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-8M-Metre-TWIN-2-x-RCA-Phono-PLUG-to-PLUG-Stackable-Y-Splitter-Lead-CABLE-2-Way-/271054681353?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3f1c1e3509
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SOLID-METAL-RCA-PHONO-2-X-FEMALE-MALE-GOLD-PLATED-ADAPTOR-COUPLER-SPLITTER-R-/181500526834?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a424640f2

 

[sgbwill2]

  In that case you need a pair of XLR(f) to RCA(m) adapters:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-1-5m-2-XLR-Female-Jack-to-2-RCA-Male-Plug-Stereo-3pin-Audio-Adapter-Cable-/261567267156?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3ce69fc154
 
Or a better idea... just use some RCA splitters and skip the XLR mess in the first place:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RCA-Phono-Y-Splitter-Lead-Adapter-2-x-Female-TO-1-x-Male-Pair-/250563404378?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3a56be225a
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-8M-Metre-TWIN-2-x-RCA-Phono-PLUG-to-PLUG-Stackable-Y-Splitter-Lead-CABLE-2-Way-/271054681353?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3f1c1e3509
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SOLID-METAL-RCA-PHONO-2-X-FEMALE-MALE-GOLD-PLATED-ADAPTOR-COUPLER-SPLITTER-R-/181500526834?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2a424640f2

I talked to my dad about this and he agreed with you that it may work but the signal wouldn't be balanced and there is a potential for problems. RCA splitters are definitely the way to go with this unless I decide to buy 2 and go mono-block balanced. Thank you very much for your wisdom and help on this topic

 

[Armaegis]

Go balanced.... join the dark side...

 

[sgbwill2]

  Go balanced.... join the dark side...

Would love to but cant afford it at the moment as I have just bought the d18. Can only just afford 1 HA-200 as is but I'm going to hold off until I get a bit more money behind me. Balanced is definitely tempting me for the future though but think I will just get 1 HA-200 and if I really enjoy it then I will pull the trigger on a second 

 

 

[cs098]

hey guys what do you think about the this amp paired with the fostex hp-a4's dac and the hifiman he-560s?