Transformers are the best way to go...

Posted by mitch2 (A) on May 10, 2012 at 17:49:44

In Reply to: RE: Be aware of possible gain issues. posted by roscoeiii on May 10, 2012 at 08:29:23:

I agree with roscoeiii, and I use Jensen transformers between my Tom Evans single-ended preamp and Clayton balanced input only amps.

I own two types of adaptors, Cardas and no-name, and cannot tell a single meaningful difference between the two. You can try adaptors, but my experience with using them resulted in hum, buzz, and generally noisy sound.

IMO, if you are planning on keeping both the preamp and the amp, you should try the Jensen PI-rX transformers, which are input transformers that convert rca to XLR. Many manufacturers implement balanced inputs by using the transformers as there can be both sonic and performance benefits. You can buy a single stereo version (both channels in one box) if you have a stereo amp, or they also sell a single channel model that I use (two of) with monoblocks. There are some impedance matching issues that you need to look at. In general, the amp should have an input impedance of about 50K ohms or more. Jensen's website has the information or you can call them as they are very helpful. Also, the XLR output from the transformers to the amp should be as short as possible - Mine are just over a foot. The Jensens are around $250 or a little less.

If there is an impedance mismatch, or if your preamp has too much gain, you can look at the Interocitor One, by SMc Audio that allows the use of longer cables by lowering the output impedance using transformers, and that also reduces gain slightly for folks with high gain preamps like the CAT Ultimate or with sensitive amps (low voltage for full output). Go to the link, select "products" then "Interocitor One" to see more about it.

http://www.smcaudio.com/ (Open in New Window)

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Need RCA - to - XLR - Advice - erik 05:10:54 05/09/12 (16)

RE: Need RCA - to - XLR - Advice - josephelias417@gmail.com 17:35:00 12/10/12 (0)

RE: Need RCA - to - XLR - Advice - Dynobot 12:07:56 05/11/12 (0)

RE: Need RCA - to - XLR - Advice - Lord Soth 07:17:45 05/11/12 (0)

Thanks everybody! - erik 06:14:38 05/11/12 (0)

RE: Need RCA - to - XLR - Advice - Cycler2 14:30:53 05/10/12 (0)

RE: Need RCA - to - XLR - Advice - SgreenP@MSN.com 09:26:19 05/09/12 (10)

RE: Need RCA - to - XLR - Advice - erik 10:19:23 05/09/12 (9)

Be aware of possible gain issues. - Tony Lauck 13:09:58 05/09/12 (8)

How is that possible? - milpai 13:54:01 05/16/12 (4)

RE: How is that possible? - Tony Lauck 16:26:43 05/16/12 (3)

RE: How is that possible? - milpai 10:48:06 05/18/12 (2)

RE: How is that possible? - Tony Lauck 11:44:25 05/18/12 (1)

RE: How is that possible? - milpai 20:22:55 10/25/12 (0)

RE: Be aware of possible gain issues. - roscoeiii 08:29:23 05/10/12 (1)

Transformers are the best way to go... - mitch2 17:49:44 05/10/12 (0)

Never thought of that... - erik 17:34:48 05/09/12 (0)

Follow Ups

Transformers are the best way to go... - mitch2 17:49:44 05/10/12 (0)

Transformers are the best way to go...

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