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Topping L70 connection advice, please!

DALFA

Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2023
Messages
54
Likes
19
Location
INDIA
Hello Everyone,
I have an Anthem MRX540 and MCA225 power amplifier, and would like to use the Balanced Inputs of the MCA225 for the +4DB Gain.
I'm aware that the Radial J+4 would be ideal for the purpose at hand, but that particular model is unavailable in India, and if I get it imported from the U.S, it would cost more 2 1/2 times more with Customs Duty and Local Taxes.
The Topping L70 is available for a fraction of that and I was wondering if I could place it between the AVR and Power Amp--- As in, AVR RCA> L70 RCA>L70 XLR OUT> AMP XLR In.
Basically, using the L70 as the slave and controlling volume from the AVR.
Would this type of connection work safely? Or would it be considered as daisy-chaining 2 preamps, causing hum, noise and distortion?
Presently, I have excellent audio with the RCA, but I have this weird fixation of wanting, "Balanced!" --- Silly as it sounds!--
 
P.S: Equipment is Anthem MRX540>>MCA225>>GE TRITON 2+ >> 3 SVS SUBS.
 
P.S: Equipment is Anthem MRX540>>MCA225>>GE TRITON 2+ >> 3 SVS SUBS.
Please describe each piece of gear - model nubers are no so helpful for people that dont know it. Don't make us go googling to help you. From your post we don't even know what type of device the 540 is. Is it a DAC? A streamer? Even a turntable.

At the very least, links to the manufacturers page of the devices will help.
 
Please describe each piece of gear - model nubers are no so helpful for people that dont know it. Don't make us go googling to help you. From your post we don't even know what type of device the 540 is. Is it a DAC? A streamer? Even a turntable.

At the very least, links to the manufacturers page of the devices will help.
Anthem MRX540-- AVR.
Anthem MCA225-- Power Amplifier.
GoldenEar Triton 2+ -- Floor Standing Speakers.
SVS-- Subwoofers.
Topping L70 (Proposed Buy)-- Headphone Amplier/Balanced Amplifier.
 
Hello Everyone,
I have an Anthem MRX540 and MCA225 power amplifier, and would like to use the Balanced Inputs of the MCA225 for the +4DB Gain.
I'm aware that the Radial J+4 would be ideal for the purpose at hand, but that particular model is unavailable in India, and if I get it imported from the U.S, it would cost more 2 1/2 times more with Customs Duty and Local Taxes.
The Topping L70 is available for a fraction of that and I was wondering if I could place it between the AVR and Power Amp--- As in, AVR RCA> L70 RCA>L70 XLR OUT> AMP XLR In.
Basically, using the L70 as the slave and controlling volume from the AVR.
Would this type of connection work safely? Or would it be considered as daisy-chaining 2 preamps, causing hum, noise and distortion?
Presently, I have excellent audio with the RCA, but I have this weird fixation of wanting, "Balanced!" --- Silly as it sounds!--
You only need an active RCA to XLR converter. This is exactly where the L70's circuitry has been cut back and is far too expensive for its intended use.
You can get an active RCA to XLR converter cheaper, either as a finished device, assembled circuit board, DIY kit or bare board.
Search terms are "RCA to XLR converter" and "unbalanced to balanced converter".
 
OK, thanks, Roland68!
One more addendum: balanced cables are just less sensitive. With short cable runs, less than a meter, you won't notice any difference, you'll just spend more money.
In almost all devices, regardless of the price range, the conversion from SE to balanced takes place at the output and from balanced to SE at the input. Only a handful of power amplifiers require a balanced input.

With your configuration, this is absolute nonsense with short cable runs. You go out of the AVR with RCA, into the converter with RCA, out with XLR and into the amplifier with XLR. You are therefore moving the high-quality conversion to balanced in your amplifier a few centimeters further away. In return, you have 2 additional plug connections per channel with additional contact resistance and an additional device with its own power supply.
If the amplifier is not several meters away on the other side of the room, you will lose more than you gain.
 
OK, understood, Many thanks for taking the time and effort to help me out, much appreciated!
 
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