Apos Gremlin Source

[DomCheadle]

I recently purchased the Apos Gremlin, which has only balanced inputs and outputs. I'm all set on the output side, but for the input I'm currently running off of a Schiit Modi single ended using RCA to XLR cables. It seems to be working fine in the sense that I connect my HD6xx to it and have enough power to drive them; they sound great. But I've read that going from an unbalanced DAC to a truly balanced Amp can cause problems, whether that be a drop in power or potential damage to the equipment itself. Does anyone have any input on this? Would prefer not to buy a balanced DAC if I can avoid it, since this would be my only use case for it, but I will if I have to.

 

[staticV3]

A differential input will work equally well with both single-ended and differential signals, so long as the cable is wired correctly:


Even then, with all else equal the Amp output will be 1/3rd quieter than with a proper differential signal source.

Not because the Amp functions differently with a single-ended input, but because single-ended Line outputs are usually 1/3rd quieter than balanced Line outs.

As long as you can turn up the Amp enough to get your desired loudness anyway, this is not an issue.

 

[DomCheadle]

A differential input will work equally well with both single-ended and differential signals, so long as the cable is wired correctly:
View attachment 447749 View attachment 447750 View attachment 447751

Even then, with all else equal the Amp output will be 1/3rd quieter than with a proper differential signal source.

Not because the Amp functions differently with a single-ended input, but because single-ended Line outputs are usually 1/3rd quieter than balanced Line outs.

As long as you can turn up the Amp enough to get your desired loudness anyway, this is not an issue.

Very helpful, thank you! How would I go about determining if the cable is properly wired from looking at the exterior alone? This is what I'm currently running. But I was considering swapping to this, which seems to more explicitly address the wiring front, per the image below:

 

[staticV3]

This is what I'm currently running. But I was considering swapping to this, which seems to more explicitly address the wiring front, per the image below:

That is precisely what you don't want.
XLR Pin 1 shorted to Pin 3 inside the XLR plug.

How would I go about determining if the cable is properly wired from looking at the exterior alone?

You wouldn't.

You'd have to probe the cable with an Ohmmeter, or screw off the plugs to look at the wire ends.