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Elsid
697
Jul 5, 2017
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So the 8 transformers that are grouped by 2, are balancing the single input and output?
Jul 5, 2017
MarvinO
26
Jul 5, 2017
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ElsidNot 8 transformers but 8 transistors. But as I don't own this amplifier nor was I able to find a picture of the PCB without the large heatsink it's speculation. Probably they are arranged in pairs push-pulling with 2 of those pairs per channel.
Furthermore as there are no pictures other than the stock image it's not really clear how the single ended input to balanced output conversion is done. Probably a few opamps on the bottom side of the pcb driving the pairs of transistors.
Jul 5, 2017
Elsid
697
Jul 5, 2017
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MarvinOYes, sorry, l meant transistors. I was thinking 2 in and two out per channel. But what about the ground? I like my otl. Don't know enoughh about electronics to know if this is truly balanced.
Jul 5, 2017
MarvinO
26
Jul 5, 2017
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ElsidThere is no ground used in a balanced headphone setup. Each channel gets 2 pins with one having the signal inverted. Current flows from one pin to the other inside a pair. The other pair is totally independent.
Ground is needed on single ended setup where current flows from each channel to the common ground.
Jul 5, 2017
Elsid
697
Jul 5, 2017
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MarvinOWhen using transistors? And whatever else this Uses. What makes this balanced? Or is it bunk?
Jul 5, 2017
MarvinO
26
Jul 5, 2017
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ElsidWell you need transistors to amplify :) Can't really build an amplifier without transistors in some form be it discrete components or inside chips (tubes are the only other alternative).
This amplifier is a bit strange as it's not a fully balanced amplifier in today's context. Today when talking about a balanced setup one needs a DAC that has balanced output and that is then fed to a balanced amplifier via XLR connectors and in the end thru a balanced XLR connector to individually wired headphones.
This amplifier has a standard single ended signal input - be it from your phone, mp3 player, usual DAC, cassette player, portable radio, walkman, etc etc. Standard RCA connectors. Single ended is the audio standard that consumers know - this amplifier internally converts it to a balanced signal, amplifies the balanced signal and outputs that. Even if you already own a balanced DAC you can't use it with this amplifier, or must use the single ended output of an expensive balanced DAC - that makes no sense.
So it's a poor mans (half-)balanced setup. But it's priced so high that I'd call it a rich mans stupid (half-)balanced setup, for this money you can already get amplifiers that are fully balanced in all the steps (balanced input and output, no internal conversion from single ended to balanced internally).
Jul 5, 2017
Elsid
697
Jul 6, 2017
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MarvinOThank you! The most helpful explanation. Have a nice evening!
Jul 6, 2017
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