I bough a korg nutube b1 preamplifier which has unbalanced output and I'm building an amplifier using icepower 200asc modules, which has a balanced input.
I've seen two ways of converting this unbalanced signal into balanced.
One: use Jensen JT-11P-1 line transformer
Two: use an RTX module (RCA -> XLR)
What are the benefits/which way should I go? My idea is to have both modules inside the same case.
I've seen two ways of converting this unbalanced signal into balanced.
One: use Jensen JT-11P-1 line transformer
Two: use an RTX module (RCA -> XLR)
What are the benefits/which way should I go? My idea is to have both modules inside the same case.
First it's worth mentioning that most ICEpower amps have a relatively low input impedance of 8k or so.
I understand that most audio transformers don't like being connected to low input impedance amps, so it's maybe best to avoid the Jensen transformer option in your particular situation.
The Ghent RTX module, apart from SE-diff conversion, also provides a suitably low output impedance (50 ohm) for connection to ICEpower amps. So it's certainly a good option for you ... but be aware that this device is a form of opamp, and will add additional electronics to your signal chain.
There's another option - I just had a look at the documentation of your preamp -
http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_diy_nutube_preamp.pdf
and I see it has quite low output impedance - around 150 ohm. This seems low enough for ICEpower amps, if only your 200ASC would accept unbalanced sources -
and according to the datasheet, it does! On page 21 of the datasheet I see this -
This option avoids additional electronics in the form of the RTX module (DRV134) and as long as your unbalanced cables are relatively short and well shielded, you should suffer no disadvantage by using unbalanced input.
I understand that most audio transformers don't like being connected to low input impedance amps, so it's maybe best to avoid the Jensen transformer option in your particular situation.
The Ghent RTX module, apart from SE-diff conversion, also provides a suitably low output impedance (50 ohm) for connection to ICEpower amps. So it's certainly a good option for you ... but be aware that this device is a form of opamp, and will add additional electronics to your signal chain.
There's another option - I just had a look at the documentation of your preamp -
http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_diy_nutube_preamp.pdf
and I see it has quite low output impedance - around 150 ohm. This seems low enough for ICEpower amps, if only your 200ASC would accept unbalanced sources -
and according to the datasheet, it does! On page 21 of the datasheet I see this -
Simple, just connect the -ve side of the balanced input to AGND.
This option avoids additional electronics in the form of the RTX module (DRV134) and as long as your unbalanced cables are relatively short and well shielded, you should suffer no disadvantage by using unbalanced input.