[d3]

I have a Tempest preamp and Stratos amp (which I've had for >12 years and love). I'm reconfiguring my listening room and will need to run a 20 foot interconnect between the amp and the preamp.  Given the length of the run, I want to make sure that the IC minimizes noise and RFI and has low capacitance.  The preamp has only RCA outputs but the amp has both RCA and balanced inputs.  This has always confused me, as I thought that balanced inputs were only useful if the output is balanced as well.  Since I need to have the IC custom made at this length, I can have it made how ever I want.  Is there any benefit to having an IC with RCA outputs and XLR inputs?  I note that there is thread on this topic in the Cables forum [http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96469.0] that says there is no benefit.  Any thoughts?  Klaus, why does the amp have XLR inputs if the preamp doesn't have XLR outputs? 

[Pars]

You are correct in your thoughts regarding the balanced in driven by an unbalanced output. Balanced derives its noise rejection due to it using differential signals (+/-) which are 180 degrees out of phase with one another. IIRC, I don't believe the XLR input on the Stratos is truly balanced either (Klauss can clarify), but at any rate, with your goal being lowest noise over a long interconnect, since the signal is not balanced, you will not derive any advantage going to the XLR input.

[stereo5]

The XLR input on the Stratos is NOT balanced.  Straight out of the owners manual.

Bob

[d3]

Thanks to both of you for your responses.  I suspected that using a balanced cable in this configuration would not provide a benefit.  BTW, the owner's manual I have is >12 years old, and doesn't state that that XLR input isn't balanced.  Maybe newer manuals do. 

Given the length of the IC that I need to run (about 20 feet), does anyone have a view on whether a coaxial cable or a twisted pair is more likely to reject RFI and noise?  Or should I post this question on the cable forum?

[djbnh]

BTW, the owner's manual I have is >12 years old, and doesn't state that that XLR input isn't balanced.  Maybe newer manuals do.

P. 20 of the Odyssey web site online user manual reports, "RCA & XLR (bridged) inputs" re: Stratos amp.