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Balanced vs unbalanced cables.

I guess I could get two more balanced cables to run between the preamp and amp. In the past, looking at the balanced ports on the preamp, I recall a stripped screw or something that would prevent me from using one of the outputs. Since adding the balanced cables from the phono preamp to the Main preamp, I didn’t need to screw in any of the cables, so…. I don’t want it to look like I’m looking for sympathy, but it is REALLY a pain to adjust anything behind the equipment , I did buy a set of casters in case I need to take everything down again. Since my shelves for my set up depend on the weight of the equipment to hold shelves in place so I need to pull the shelves out to get to the wiring, I pull the shelves out by the very bottom shelf on carpet. Physically, I had both knees replaced, 3 discs fused in my lower back and about 5 discs fused in my neck, a rotator cuff tear and bone spur under my shoulder muscle. Mentally, I had to quit drinking and smoking cigarettes 6 Months ago, so I smoke medical marijuana and Norco and muscle relaxers for pain and chemotherapy may muddy my brain too! The only upside is, when I get it right, the music sounds wonderful!!
Upon further review, looking at my owners manual, the MC7205 does not have balanced jacks. Now the question is, is it worth the trouble to have only balanced cables from the phono preamp to the Mac preamp without balanced cables from Mac preamp to the Mac amplifier? On the plus side I wouldn’t have to buy 8 more balanced cables.
 
Since I checked my owners manual to discover my amp doesn’t have XLR inputs(knuckle head) I reversed the cabling back the way I had it. rca cables. Line out to phono preamp out to LV on preamp. Sounds great! I think I’ll leave well enough alone.
 
Not Line Out! That is the onboard phono pre of the 1500C. Phono out, to XRM, to Mac, should have you in good shape
 
You’re right. I had it from the phono outputs, but I had the switch in the back “on” instead of “off”. That switch must be to turn the onboard preamp off. I played a Blind Faith album and it does sound better. Thanks again Jed.
 
There's no shame in running good quality RCA cables!;)

I went to all Blue Jeans cables several years ago, to minimize one of the variables in the system, and it's just one less thing to think about.
 
No problem. Enjoy!



In case you're still wondering, OP is Original Poster, the thread starter. In this case, it would be you!
I’d like to thank you and everyone that chipped in!! I always thought sacds were the best sounding format, but now that I have a good turntable and setup, I don’t think so anymore! The system sounds fantastic!! You’re right Jed, now I’m going to just enjoy the music!!
 
Be sure to stop in from time to time, I'm interested in your longer-term assessment of the gear. Those Polks will play louder than you'd ever want to listen, and sound good doing it! And you're driving them with gear appropriate for the task. Bravo, sir!
 
I will do that Jed. I’ll check in as the new equipment burn in and as the cables burn in. I wasn’t going to address this at this time, but because my MX136 only transmits video, I’m running a toslink cable from my tv to the satellite(sat) on my preamp, but can’t get much volume through my system. I did change the speakers from TV speakers to audio system on my tv.
 
When you mentioned that I could turn these speakers up and sound good doing it. I have a tale and compliments for a pair of Interaudio by Bose tower speakers. Long ago I had the ACCUPHASE 200 and 300 amp and preamp. I turned the ACCUPHASE up high. The speakers were smoking literally and never distorted and my used them for years until the cabinets warped and came apart.Great speakers!!
 
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