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.

 

[pollock0424]

So, how are we supposed to convert balanced to RCA ? OP, what did you end up doing ?

 

[staticV3]

So, how are we supposed to convert balanced to RCA ?

For Bal->RCA, ideally using an active preamp.
Something like the Topping L70.

 

[pollock0424]

What if we simply use Hot or Cold and Neutral ? Leave one of the Hot or Cold floating.

I have a couple of Match Maker MM100 units.. is it an option ?

If the balanced source is active, then grounding the cold pin without a resistor is potentially damaging! Just letting it float shouldn't really matter ?

 

[staticV3]

What if we simply use Hot or Cold and Neutral ? Leave one of the Hot or Cold floating.

See here:

Topping Pre90 Review (preamplifier)

All devices which use a transformer in the output. Very rare today, I think. RME UCX II, for example, has servo-balanced outputs. Those require shorting the negative pole to ground when connecting unbalanced: The short circuit protected, low impedance line outputs of channels 1 to 6 are...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Okto 8 Owner’s Thread

Looks like we will now have everything but Atmos decoding over a pc. I have to think that too will come at some point.

www.audiosciencereview.com

Topping D10 Balanced Review (USB DAC)

It looks (in my case) ,that the onboard switching power supply + 5.65V / -5.6V, which supplies the output analog circuits (3 OA) behind the DAC, fails / does not start ..). That PSU is powered from 5V inputs. The all other onboard sources (3.3V, 1.2V, 1V) start up normally, they are linear (not...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Splitting a differential output like that increases noise, distortion, and DC offset.

 

[pollock0424]

Thanks for the references.

Definitely! But you still have 100db SINAD and almost a 100db DR with multitone tests when one of the active terminals was left floating.

Shorting one active terminal is the worst offense and the DR is reduced below CD level performance.

 

[xlinknz]

I'm considering one of these,

1. I love the look and its tube but how would I connect to my vintage pre amplifier that only has RCA out for Tape 1 and 2?

2. Also how would this compare to the headphone capability on a good DAC such as a Topping DX5 which a very good headphone capability and I'd get a very good DAC at the same time?!