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Should I switch to a preamp with balanced outputs

Hello all,
I'm just looking for opinions here. I recently acquired a Belles 350a power amplifier from my dad. I am currently running a Conrad Johnson PV-7 preamp. I wondering if it would be a huge benefit to switch my preamp to one with balanced outputs. I really love the CJ's sound with the tubes I am running in it plus it has a killer phono stage. My budget for a new preamp would be around $700.00. Any recommendations? The amp/preamp combo sounds great to me (which I know is the most important thing). Would the sound be dramatically improved with balanced interconnects?
I've never used balanced IC's so I'm not sure if I'm missing anything.
Thanks for any input.
Skipper320
skipper320
skipper320 OP
63 posts
 
I wasn't looking at something new. I was leaning towards something like a classe dr-5
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
2,678 posts
 
Well excuse me you did mention new in your thread. I owned a classe preamp years ago and it was real nice but it still is not better than what you have now. But if you want to make a change go ahead and do it. You might regret the musicality of tubes. Good luck!
mesch
1,679 posts
 
+1, Yogiboy.
lak's avatar
lak
3,516 posts
 
I would stay with the equipment you have because you like the sound and thats the most important factor as far as I'm concern. You don't have to spend a fricking fortune to create great sound.
Over 30+ years I have experimented with single ended vs. balanced and in my opinion unless tou have a really long run for your interconnects you are fine with single ended. I agree with Brauser's comment.
nglazer
734 posts
 
I have a new preamp, VTL 7.5iii, with balanced and RCA options. I switched to balanced because the mfr prefers it. I cannot say I notice any improvement, to be candid.

BTW, I have a Belles 150A Hot Rod in my 2d system and I LOVE that amp. Paired with a CJ PF-R SS preamp (top of the line, its time) and I am very happy.
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