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Recommnedations for moderately price balanced IC's, and adaptors to an RCA end

The title of  the thread may be a bit unclear. However, I need recommendations for a "moderately" price balanced interconnects.  Also, are there quality adaptors to convert a balanced end into an RCA input or output without major signal loss??

I want to use my Rogue Sphinx hybrid integrated as a pre-amp because it has a variable output (pre-out) for an second amplifier, and connect it to a Balanced Audio Technology VK-200 amp that will  only accept balanced. IC's  

The Rogue integrated has all RCA input and outputs .Therefore, I also need a recommendation for two XLR to RCA adapters.   Eventually, I will buy a separate pre-amp, possibly the new Rogue RP-1.  

Thank you  




sunnyjim
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

Al, Thanks again. for your comments and advice

 You should open an audio consulting business.  Jim

mesch
1,679 posts
 
Jim, sorry, I won't bring up the subject of a line level/separate phonostage idea again. If only the RP-1 had XLR outs.  In your shoes I think I would continue looking for a used BAT 31 or 31SE with the recognition that my budget my have to be increased $300-$500 (somewhat of a guess). Advantages would be a truly balanced design and compatible pieces.
mesch
1,679 posts
 
Forgot to mention:  If I had to pay AL for the knowledge gained from him via this forum I would be broke! 
sunnyjim OP
884 posts
 

To Almarg, Mensch and those who responded: 

I bought the BAT VK-200 amp and hooked it up to the Rogue Sphinx integrated amp's variable output (pre-out) using a pair of Signal Audio Cables (that is, XLR male to RCA male). They supposedly take 50 hours to break in.  The VK-200 is an excellent sounding amp with deep bass, and detailed midrange.

Almarg was almost right on the money about some loss of volume because of the IC cable used  Actually, this is not totally conclusive on my part  I first  played Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" CD, and it was loud at 12 to 1.00 o-clock    I followed with a specially produced classical music  sampler offered by the magazine, HI-FI Plus. This CD was produced to showcase microphones produced by Neumann and Sennhiser engineers  The CD's sound quality is very good, but not spectacular.  When I got to the excerpt from Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite"  ( the Finale), I gunned the volume a bit more, and discovered that at a point it got no louder. I looked at the volume control and it was at  5  o' clock.  The difference in volume  levels between the  two CD's  "may" (I say may) be attributable to the output level  that each CD was recorded. It also could be what Almarg suggested a consequence of not using a XLR to XLR interconnect, despite the fact that the amp is designed for  both balanced and  unbalanced operation. The latter needing an adaptor. or XLR to RCA cable.  Cheers, Jim 

mesch
1,679 posts
 
Sounds like the HI-FI Plus cd was mastered at low volume and you max out the gain in the Sphinx pre. 
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