Really, really extreme phono, more extreme than mine

[buglehead]

There was an article in Glass Audio about using a cartridge as a balanced source. The circuit was not extreme, but the idea is interesting. I believe it used matched signal transformers at the input. Is Boulder describing balanced inputs as in a true balanced input? Does anyone have any experience with using TT and cartridge in balanced mode? This might qualify as extreme..

[buglehead]

My own question has answered by myself. I have seen other threads concerning balanced phono circuits. Sorry..

[fdegrove]

Hi,

I don't know about the GA article but I don't see any challenge in hooking up a cartridge to a balance input.
Can you explain what exactly it is you want to do?

Rgds,

[buglehead]

Frank,
I agree it's not, but I've never tried it. Does it make a big difference?

[peranders]

Originally posted by fdegrove
Hi,

I don't know about the GA article but I don't see any challenge in hooking up a cartridge to a balance input.
Can you explain what exactly it is you want to do?
Rgds,

The signal from the pickup itself is always balanced but you have the fix the cables in order to get a balanced signal. The coils in the pickup is floating.

Check Klaus Böning's amp once more.

http://www.klaus-boening.de/html/laboheme.html

The challenge may be in designing a good balanced amp and also take advantage of the benefits of balanced signals.

[fdegrove]

Hello,

If you are prepared to go all the way it does make for a worthwhile difference yes.
If you do a keyword search on this forum you will find it has been discussed left and right.

Cheers,

[fdegrove]

Per,

OK, guys you have been very helpful so far but I'm wondering about the X-LP. Noone knows?

Do you mean X-LR?

or this one:

http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/archive/...rintreview.htm

??

Cheers,

[hagtech]

Oh my, I just took a look at that Boulder chassis photo. That seems to me to be a few too many parts than what is actually needed. I agree with all of the comments regarding connectors, dip switches, relays, ribbon cables, etc. Sheesh, they even have "plug-in" modules for changing cartridge loading. Once you get past the initial shock, it boils down to a couple of transistors and WIMA caps. Deep inside of all that peripheral circuitry is a simple little phono amp.

Nonetheless, it is very impressive in appearance. Somebody put an awful lot of work into it.

I thought my phono amp looked pretty cool, but it lacks pizzaz next to the Boulder.

www.hagtech.com/images/supply.jpg
www.hagtech.com/images/preamp.jpg

[fdegrove]

Hello,

Think the tube guys would rather fall for your gear!
Looks aren't everything,you know.It helps though.
Hats off for the VacuTrace!
BTW,it can't be that hard for you to have a 240/230 VAC for that splendid phono preamp?

Rgds,

[hagtech]

>>BTW, it can't be that hard for you to have a 240/230 VAC?

Yes and no. Getting a "CE" rating for a small manufacturer is prohitibvely expensive. And without it I cannot legally ship to European consumers. Not that the amplifier is unsafe - in fact, it meets or exceeds all electrical and mechanical requirements with the exception of exposed tubes. A "cage" would have to be added to comply. The transformer, ac connector, power cord, etc. are all UL, CSA & CE rated. The circuit board uses the required minimum spacings between conductors. The chassis is connected to safety earth good to 30 amps.

So that's my quick no answer. Additionally, the off-the-shelf transformer I selected has an odd shape and mounting and is not easily replaced. No 240V model was available in the same size.

On the yes side, I am investigating the possibility of a rack-mount version that will use a "universal" transformer. It will also have step-up transformers for moving coil inputs. But again, achieving CE certification is too costly. This is not uncommon in high-end audio.

So I guess you'll have to buy the Boulder.

jh