L8MDL
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2014
- Posts
- 287
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- 106
Hi,
Have you tried using the B or C inputs? The A input is designed for professional level studio equipment and the actual PONO output is going to be more in line with the B or C inputs as far as input levels go. There is going to be about a 20dB level difference from going from A to C. B (RCA) is probably going to be the sweetspot for noise / level. In less the cable run is longer than 10 ft, you shouldn't have any issues running the PONO with two unbalanced lines.
I'm using the AUX from the Pono with a 3.5mm cord to the #3 input on the Neve. The sound is supreme, black background, not a single noise, ever. User Herehear is using the Exasound E20 with the XLR inputs on the Neve. The E20 has an output of 4.0 watts. The Pono is rated at around 1.9 watts (per the Stereophile "balanced" review), so no doubt it won't power the Neve, at least to my listening level preferences. Very happy with the aux, running at around 6-7 for most of my listening. Haven't had the need to max it out yet with my Sennheiser HD600's.
I picked up a McIntosh MA-6300 today to pair with my JBL 4411's, so I'll get to use the Pono balanced with the XLR cables. Just couldn't stand letting a good cable go to waste.