Need Preamp/Amp Recommendation for Passive Speakers

[chipwits]

Kevin (or anyone else that knows),

I notice many amplifiers also have balanced inputs. My question is, is it really needed?

Microphones to preamps definitely need balanced since it is a very low voltage , low impediance signal traveling potentially over many feet. I understand the purpose here. However, the output of my D/A converter to Volume Attenuator to amplifier is only about 3 or 4 feet. Also the signal is at line level by this time, and much higher impedance.

Would I hear any difference whatsoever if I only ran 2 feet of unbalanced cable from my Volume Attenuator to my amp? I also wonder what many of the amplifiers *really* do inside with the balanced signal, if they do the correct differential amplification etc with it, or just really only uses the non-inverterted signal of the two.

The reason I ask this is, I want to save on cost of parts in my DIY volume attenuator. For balanced, I'd need twice as many resistors and relays.

James

 

[pellgarlic]

pellgarlic, the Denon should be a damn fine amp. What's the power rating on it? I might be interested.

actually, sorry to disappoint you, but i've started another thread here: https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?p=2236929#post2236929 where i've become convinced to keep the denon amp, and am leaning towards spending my money on replacing my current sony hi-fi speakers with proper monitors instead i just need to either get the headphone socket fixed, or else hook up something that will allow me to switch the audio coming from my computer to go between the denon amp or a separate headphone amp. anyway, don't want to monopolise this thread - got my own going now...

thanks for the response SRR, but as i say, i think i'm gonna spend my cash on monitors now, rather than a (seemingly un-needed) new amp. guess i've got a lot to learn

 

[Minion]

I also wonder what many of the amplifiers *really* do inside with the balanced signal, if they do the correct differential amplification etc with it, or just really only uses the non-inverterted signal of the two.

James

Most solid state Amps use a dual inverted output to create a Ballanced Signal (Non phaze inverted wouldn"t really be Ballanced, Or would it??) useing a Dual Opamp like the TL072 or NE5532...so to create a ballanced output you really don"t need many more Parts than an Unballanced output if useing an Opamp...You can create a Ballanced Line driver from 7 Resistors and One opamp and only take up a PCB space of about one Square inch useing a Circuit like this...


Cheers