Balanced/Unbalanced Input/Output options on a TVC preamp

[PRYML]

Hello All,

I'm committed to getting a TVC preamp from Music First Audio. However, I'm unsure of what inputs/outputs to specify. Due to space-constraints of the chosen enclosure, I'm restricted to having two inputs and two outputs on the unit, or 3 inputs and one output (which would presumably be RCA instead of XLR, as all my current power amps are single-ended designs, but I may get one with balanced inputs if there are sonic gains to be had). The options I'm considering are one of each (RCA/XLR) for outputs and inputs, or 2 RCA inputs + 1 XLR input to the RCA output. Some audio reviewers suggests that due to a buffering effect of the TVC preamp, noise from active sources would not carry over to the output. If that's the case, would it make balanced connections pointless, in this context?

I humbly await any relevant thoughts on the matter

[anubisgrau]

a buffering effect of a TVC? never heard of that, on contrary - a TVC doesn't have a fixed output impedance, it always depends on a source.

[Desmo]

Hello All,

I'm committed to getting a TVC preamp from Music First Audio. However, I'm unsure of what inputs/outputs to specify. Due to space-constraints of the chosen enclosure, I'm restricted to having two inputs and two outputs on the unit, or 3 inputs and one output....

How many inputs do you really need on your amp? That will surely influence the decision.

[PRYML]

How many inputs do you really need on your amp? That will surely influence the decision.

I've a tube DAC on the way, that has both balanced and single-ended output options and I'm considering a power amp that also have both balanced and single-ended input options. Will having one balanced + two single-ended input with only one single-ended output make much sense? If I connect to a balanced input, the signal to the amp would be converted to singled-ended output; one of the single-ended input would be connected to a Flatscreen TV.


or...

Or have one of each type of input and one of each type of output; I'm assuming (wrongly?) that it might be worthwhile to go balanced all the way, with compatible components, with the assumption that balanced configuration sounds better than single-ended. But if my assumption is wrong, than there's no point in considering balanced output/input at all.

[petrat]

a buffering effect of a TVC? never heard of that, on contrary - a TVC doesn't have a fixed output impedance, it always depends on a source.

True. I think he means it can help isolate ground loops.
Get what you need now for current equipment, then if you need to accommodate a different plug on future equipment, it is a trivial task to use adapters.
Personally, I'd get a bigger enclosure if you need more inputs/outputs. The standard MFA has 4 inputs and two outputs, one of each being XLR.

[hifinutt]

great news . I am very fond of mfa having had quite a few . jonathan will guide you in your choices
cable monkey on the hi fi wigwam site is also quite an expert in this area

[cloth-ears]

Unbalanced is only required where long cable lengths are necessary. They invert one of the lines in order to reduce hum. The down side is they use extra circuitry so should be avoided wherever possible. Cable lengths of any quality phono lead up to three metres should be completely free of hum and therefore the weapon of choice.

[PRYML]

Unbalanced is only required where long cable lengths are necessary. They invert one of the lines in order to reduce hum. The down side is they use extra circuitry so should be avoided wherever possible. Cable lengths of any quality phono lead up to three metres should be completely free of hum and therefore the weapon of choice.

Hmm... Don't you mean that "Balanced" (instead of Unbalanced) is only required where long cable lengths are necessary, Bob?

[PRYML]

In any case, I've already decided on the final configuration of my TVC unit

Thank you Everyone for your input. It has been a great help in cementing my final decision

I've already contacted Jonathan (Music First Audio) and eagerly await the fruition of our somewhat long (thanks to my ignorance and indecisiveness) correspondence

[cloth-ears]

Hmm... Don't you mean that "Balanced" (instead of Unbalanced) is only required where long cable lengths are necessary, Bob?

Smart arse