I recently picked up a phono stage that has the capability of utilizing XLR balanced input. I understand MC carts are inherently balanced so I assume there is a way to wire the output for balanced? Has anyone blazed this trail?
Is it possible to modify SL1200MK2 for balanced output?
- Thread starter stoutblock
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twiiii
Lunatic Member
Just buy a dedicated phono pre-amp with balanced outputs. Mine also has an optical and coaxial output and unbalanced RCA. The unbalanced RCA feeds the pre-amp with an 18 inch RCA pair. The MX151 with the optical out put and the Marantz CD recorder with the balanced pair or coaxial depending on which one I like best at the time. I realize the Mcintosh MP-100 is a bit on the pricey side and Michael Fremer says it has a bit of a dry quality. But that was what I was looking for. So I am happy.
It's possible to wire any turntable for balanced outputs. There are four wires coming from any cartridge. It doesn't matter what turntable the cartridge is on.
However, what benefit would there be to balanced outputs?
However, what benefit would there be to balanced outputs?
Assuming the l- and r- don't get grounded to the chassis or arm, that turntable is putting out a balanced signal no?
Any mm cart with a ground strap would not be. That I think will be the real issue, the cart.
Yes, you're right, sometimes the -ve terminals of the cartridge are grounded. In that case a bit of un-grounding would b required.
Most things with a ground lead won't have any connection from signal to chassis ground but an ohm meter will easily confirm this. Stuff with no ground lead like a Thorens will show low ohms from one of the RCA outer rings to chassis.
The ground strap would only be a problem if its on a metal mounting ear cart and a metal headshell with no insulating washers. The ohm meter will know.
The ground strap would only be a problem if its on a metal mounting ear cart and a metal headshell with no insulating washers. The ohm meter will know.
atmasphere
Active Member
Yes- I run a Technics balanced. All you need is the right tonearm cable- one that goes from RCA to XLR balanced of course, but more importantly the shield is the ground connection at the tonearm end and doesn't connect to the 'ground' of the RCA in any way. The shield is then pin 1 at the XLR end. So both RCA connections travel as a twisted pair within the shield. This is an easy cable to build.
As to the reason to do it: the advantage of balanced operation (other than lower noise) is the interconnect cable has far less artifact. If you've ever auditioned cables and heard a difference this is what I'm talking about. No matter how good your preamp/amp/speakers are, they cannot make up for colorations imposed by the tonearm cable. Its the most important place in the system to get it right!
Thanks! I just find balanced cables with XLR connectors are a superior interconnect for a bunch of reasons.
So is this right?
left + (white) goes to left XLR pin 2, left ground (blue) goes to left XLR pin 3, shield goes to XLR pin 1
right + (red) goes to right XLR pin 2, right ground (green) goes to right XLR pin 3, shield goes to XLR pin 1
It’s not real clear what I do with pin 1 and the shield? Just connect it at the XLR end?
JP
7480 74111110101115
Thanks for the help guys. Learning a lot here.
atmasphere
Active Member
The Ground wire should tie to the shield of both channels.