Some questions regarding XLR

[Steve_C]

Some of you may remember that I recently had asked for a CDP recommendation a month ago. While I'm very happy at the moment, the thought of balancing the HD650 grew inside me to the point that I'm considering to get some XLR lovin'.

However I'm still a bit confused about the whole "balanced" setup. Is the source required to have XLR outs to the amp / DAC ? Or is digital / coaxial adequate? Currently my setup is NAD C542 -> Corda Aria -> HD650. The Aria will have to go if I was to use XLR, but I'm wondering if it is possible to keep the C542 as a source for XLR. Also, what are some good DAC/amps that have XLR? (<$1000)

Thanks!

 

[DigiPete]

Ideally you would want your source (in this case your DAC) to put out
a balanced analog signal, which then you run into your balanced amp,
and out to your balanced headphones.

The optical/digital out from your source is just digital data.
At the DAC is where it is converted to balanced analog signals,
or unbalanced analog depeding on the implementation.

So your CD player or your DAC will need to have balanced outputs, if you want to have a balanced rig.

 

[Garbz]

close. It is quite possible to get balanced from unbalanced by using output or input transformers. These convert a single ended signal into balanced and at the same time eliminate all ground loops. I did this for a while before I got a fully balanced DAC, and used it for my balanced headphone amp.

 

[Zorander]

If a DAC or CD Player has a set of balanced output jacks/ports, does it mean that it can run in true balanced mode or not necessarily?

 

[Kikiblue]

Do some CD players have both balanced and single-ended outputs or is it always one or the other?

 

[markmaxx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kikiblue Do some CD players have both balanced and single-ended outputs or is it always one or the other?

My Meridian GO8 has both.

 

[DigiPete]

True balanced refers to how a balanced signal is generated and treated.

Most Dacs put out a balanced signal (two signals per channel, one being the inverse of the other)

Then most CDPs sum the balanced signals, into an unbalanced signal or just ignore the inverted signal, amplify, and send the resulting signal to an rca jack, (2 of them for stereo) at the output.

Some players then use transformers or other electronics to split (rebalance) the signal (like what Garbz) said above, but this involves some loss. This is an example of 'not true balanced'

A true balanced source will independently amplify all 4 signals coming of the DAC, and output them to xlr jacks.

 

[Garbz]

Again close. True balanced means the output from one is an exact inversion of the other. So the output of a transformer is truely balanced regardless of what the input to it is. Contrast this with the signal from an inverting amplifier stage generating the -ve part. This will have phase problems over the range.

Anyway the important bit is if you have XLR outs on your source you should be getting some sort of balanced signal. If you do not then you can balance it if you wish.

There's no requirements for CDplayers to have both if they have XLR. You can get a single ended signal just by ignoring pin 3 on the XLR plug, and on the same token if you have an amp with balanced inputs you should run an RCA -> XLR converter on your source as this "psudeo balanced" signal while not differential will provide some level of noise rejection.