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Balanced to SE conversion? LL1527?

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Posted on November 1, 2009 at 05:17:14

InSides
Audiophile

Posts: 100
Joined: February 11, 2006

So, the addition of two monoblock amplifiers has me left with a lack of space to fit my two racks side by side.

Sadly, the only possible alternate location for the "digital" rack requires approximately 25 feet of cabling between the DAC output stage and the preamplifier. Now, the DAC output stage has balanced outputs, whilst the preamplifier only has unbalanced inputs.

With the notion that balanced cable runs can be longer than SE without picking up hum/noise along the way, I was thinking that I can move the rack, implement 25 feet of length of balanced cabling, and then perform the Balanced/SE conversion near the preamplifier.

To do so, I could either go with an active solution [opamp?] or passive [transformers]. I would prefer the latter, and was looking for suggestions for a suitable pair of transformers I could mount into a small box with a pair of XLR and a pair of RCA connectors. Put this close to the preamp and problem solved.

Would LL1527 be a good option? It was suggested to me as an option. Would I also need anything else beside the transformers and jacks and an enclosure?

However, I understand performance is paramount at this link in the chain, so I would be up for anything reasonable.

Much appreciated.

RE: Balanced to SE conversion? LL1527?

KevinC

07:24:16 11/01/09

RE: Balanced to SE conversion? LL1527?

InSides

11:21:11 11/01/09

RE: Balanced to SE conversion? LL1527?

KevinC

13:48:16 11/01/09

RE: Balanced to SE conversion? LL1527?, posted on November 1, 2009 at 07:24:16

KevinC
Manufacturer

Posts: 1999
Joined: April 19, 2001
Contributor
Since: October 7, 2002

The best option from a sonic perspective for this depends on the nature of your DAC. If it's a low output impedance (solid state output stage) DAC, the LL1684 is the best choice. If it's a higher output impedance tube output stage DAC, then the LL1690 is the transformer of choice. The LL1527 is a perfectly good choice, overall, but will not convey the music with the ultimate transparency that the other two will.

With any of these transformers and jacks, wire, and enclosure, you will have all that you need.

Kevin Carter
K&K Audio
www.kandkaudio.com

RE: Balanced to SE conversion? LL1527?, posted on November 1, 2009 at 11:21:11

InSides
Audiophile

Posts: 100
Joined: February 11, 2006

Thanks for the speedy reply Kevin.

The DAC has a tube output, so I guess I would ultimately go with the LL1684.

However, I would like to try a pair of LL1527 to test proof the concept first since I can then pass them on to a friend who has a recording studio, and I can move on to the LL1684.

I looked over the data sheet for the LL1527, but am not quite sure how to best connect the pins for a balanced input, unbalanced output [still very new at this]. Can you please provide some insight?

Much appreciated.

RE: Balanced to SE conversion? LL1527?, posted on November 1, 2009 at 13:48:16
KevinC Manufacturer Posts: 1999 Joined: April 19, 2001 Contributor Since: October 7, 2002	low output impedance (generally solid state) --> LL1684 higher output impedance (generally tube output) --> LL1690 When you order, I can enclose a diagram. Kevin Carter K&K Audio www.kandkaudio.com

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